"Millions of England Fans Plan Early Escape from Work to Hit the Pubs Before Big DR Congo Match at 5 PM!"

MILLIONS of England fans are gearing up to leave work early and pack out pubs ahead of the Three Lions’ first World Cup knockout game.

A mad dash to catch the will see hopeful footie fans to watch in a crunch Round of 32 clash in Atlanta.

England fans begin to gather at the Fanzone in Times Square in Newcastle city centre Credit: NNP Fans in Leeds have already managed to get out of work and are proudly waving their England flags while downing drinks in the sun Credit: NB PRESS LTD Fans in Newcastle and across the country will be decked out in England gear from shirts and scarves to hats and flags Credit: NNP The Winter Gardens Fanzone in Blackpool is gearing up for a busy night Credit: Dave Nelson

Beer gardens across the country are expecting fans to flood in ahead of the first whistle with still expecting to be overrun despite the early start time.

have played three late games so far to cater for the North American weather and local time zones with 5pm among the earliest evening starts for the whole tournament.

Thousands of jubilant England fans have already managed to convince their bosses to leave work early.

Millions of others are preparing to race out as their shifts end and find the closest screen to roar on ‘s men in the 26C heat.

England fans pack out bars outside the Atlanta stadium before the Round of 32 match Credit: PA Fans have gone all out for the tie with some even painting the St George’s flag on their faces Credit: PA Hopeful footie fans are readying up for the game out in the US Credit: Darren Fletcher The Atlanta Stadium is already beginning to fill up Credit: EPA

England come into the last 32 after topping their group undefeated with wins against and and a bore-draw with .

Should England beat DR Congo they face a tough game against Mexico in Mexico City kicking off at 1am UK time.

Tuchel’s injury-hit squad has seen several changes to the starting 11 from the final group game with star being dropped.

has reclaimed a spot in the side with Tottenham defender Djed Spence starting instead of the injured Jarrell Quansah.

The England team has been named Credit: X/England

England’s reward for a comfortable 2-0 win last week was a match-up against one of the best third-placed teams – surprise package .

The African side, ranked 46th in the world, got an impressive four points in Group K after kicking off the fiesta with resolute 1-1 draw with ‘s .

They suffered defeat to with a late goal but managed to easily see off 3-1 in the final match day.

The game against Uzbekistan took place in the same stadium as tonight’s tie in the £1.2billion Atlanta Stadium in Georgia.

Captained by talismanic centre back and former star Chancel Mbemba, DR Congo are competing in their first ever World Cup knockout game with thousands of fans following their side across the US.

Several of the team’s most notable stars are known to Premier League fans including ‘s , Newcastle striker and ‘s .