PUBS all around the city are gearing up for one of the biggest events in their calenders today as England play Germany in a gigantic UEFA Euro 2020 knockout clash.

When the Three Lions took on Croatia and Scotland in the group stage it was big, but this fixture is set to trump them all with the size of opponent and what is at stake.

A last-16 win over traditionally one of the country’s biggest rivals and Gareth Southgate’s men have a fancied route to the final potentially against the likes of Sweden and Denmark.

Australian Pete Doodson, who manages both the Potting Shed and the Firepit in Bingley, may not naturally have a foot in either camp but he is cheering on England with small businesses at the forefront of his mind.

He said: “(The Euros) have provided a real boost. People have loved it. Especially at the firepit, everyone has got involved. There is always a brilliant atmosphere.

“I do hope England win for the small businesses. When they win, it is good for small business and morale.

“There will be a lot of people throwing sickies tomorrow. It is always big when it is Germany.

“The Potting Shed and the Firepit are pumped up for the game, we are fully booked. Everybody will be singing, ‘It’s Coming Home’.

Two pubs in the city centre, the Ginger Goose and City Vaults, are super excited for this evening’s game.

Luke Oliver, bar manager of the former, knows supporters come out in their numbers when England are playing.

He said: “We are thinking it is going to be busy. It has been a bit weird over the last few weeks. It is really hard to gauge numbers. But the football has tended to bring more people in. The Scotland game was nice and busy. I have just been running around like a headless chicken for most of the games.”

Our own reporter Brad Deas was out in Little Germany attempting to soak in some atmosphere. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful but did get to witness some of the stunning architecture.

He said: "Little Germany has a fascinating history in Bradford, and with England facing off against our old rivals today, I wanted to get down on the ground and see what I could find.

"On my hunt, I took in the stunning architecture, which harks back to the 1800s when German merchants came over and built offices and warehouses, as they got involved with the booming wool industry - mainly as traders rather than actually manufacturing.

"I made sure I was clad in my England shirt, a matching bucket hat and a flag, which weirdly you put your arms in to make a cape.

"I wanted to try attract attention, get fans from potentially both sides to speak to me.

"Sadly, we did not find a single Germany or England fan to speak to, although we did wander past The Munchen House - a cute little café with a distinctive name.

"It was a fun day all round taking in the history anyway and I particularly enjoyed walking through the Little Germany streets alone, chanting "England" and singing "God Save Our Queen".

Although Les Bradshaw, of Ring O’Bells in Queensbury, would have preferred a later kick off with many punters finishing work post 5pm, he still thinks it is going to be a massive occasion.

“We are all ready for the match,” he insisted.

“We should be reasonably busy, busier than it has been for the other England games.

“I still think there are people out there who are nervous about coming to the pub, while others don’t believe in the restrictions so they make it harder for pub owners.

“I would have preferred it to be a bit later because 5pm is a bit early for people with work. They are going to miss most of the first half.”

And Les’ prediction, “I think England will win 2-1. I hope it doesn’t go to penalties.”