England fans, and supporters of every other nation at the World Cup, will not be allowed to buy alcohol from inside the stadiums following a Qatar U-turn.
FIFA have changed their policy just two days before the start of the tournament after initially agreeing to have alcohol sold in select areas of the stadiums, although now, only corporate areas will sell alcohol.
In a press conference earlier today, Arsenal glovesman Aaron Ramsdale was asked about that decision, where he revealed what England players plan to do in response.
Ramsdale shares views on World Cup alcohol ban
Well, the £30m man plans to help England fans deal with the absence of alcohol by ensuring he and his teammates deliver some exhilarating performances out on the pitch.
As quoted by Football Daily, Ramsdale said: “Hopefully with them not being able to drink, we can perform on the pitch to give them that excitement and buzz.
“We also have to respect the rules and continue to work, so we’ll put pressure on ourselves to entertain from the football pitch.”
By the sounds of it, the 24-year-old plans to get the travelling England supporters drunk on euphoria rather than alcohol, which is as good a solution as any to FIFA’s sudden backtracking.
Football fans can survive without alcohol, although Budweiser will probably have plenty of issues with the decision.
As documented by the BBC, Budweiser are a major sponsor of FIFA and hold exclusive rights to sell beer at the World Cup, so their revenues will be hit hard by the decision, although their alcohol-free range Bud Zero will still be available.
England must perform against Iran
If Ramsdale and the rest of Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad plan to take people’s minds off the alcohol ban, they simply have to beat Iran on Monday.
If the Three Lions fail to pick up three points in their opening game of Group B, it puts serious pressure on them to beat Wales and the United States, both of whom are stronger than Iran.
It is the definition of a potential banana skin for England, but if they can overcome the first hurdle, it will take a huge weight off Southgate’s shoulders.
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