Five million pack pubs

Football's longest day began at 7am this morning as millions flocked into the capital to watch the World Cup quarter final with Brazil.

England's earlier games caught the public imagination. But today's clash with Brazil transcended sport. It was a piece of history.

Five million people packed into pubs where 25,000 landlords had erected big screens to allow them to follow the action. Many had travelled into London on a fleet of early trains. Those still en route were given up-to-date details on passenger information displays and through impromptu onboard announcements.

Connex increased the length of trains arriving in London to cope with the extra early demand. It meant those passengerstravelling during the normal peak time found their trains shorter because there were not enough carriages to go round. But on a day like this, few seemed to mind.

At their workplaces, companies provided free breakfasts, a ruse devised to head off the very real threat that the match would have encouraged mass absenteeism. Others gave their staff time off to watch the clash.

Car giant Rover allowed its 6,500 workers at Longbridge, Birmingham, a day's holiday to watch the game. Six thousand employees at three Jaguar plants also voted themselves time off.

Company spokesman James Andrew said five hours of production time would be lost, but staff had agreed to make it up.

Many trades unions gave staff extra time off, having appealed to companies to follow suit. "This is more than a football match, it is a national event," said a spokesman for the GMB. The start of Unison's national conference in Bournemouth was delayed to allow delegates time to watch the game.

Among the biggest events in the capital was organised by the financial company Bloomberg which hosted a 900-strong gathering in Finsbury Square. Staff and City clients watched on a cinema-style screen

In Manchester, more than 750 spectators crammed into the headquarters of the Cooperative Group to watch the game on a 126ft screen. They were served traditional Japanese fare by Geisha girls.

BT took on extra staff because of a huge increase in people wanting early morning telephone calls to wake them up in time for the kick off. Call centre staff were allowed to wear soccer shirts and hang banners on walls.

The bookies are also expecting record figures. They predicted a turnover of up to £20 million on today's game, with most punters backing England.

England do battle in Trafalgar Square
Match kicks off William's birthday
Patriotic punter's £100,000 flutter