Harry Kane and his Three Lions teammates would deliver an “unadulterated” boost to the UK economy if they go on to win the World Cup, the governor of the Bank of England has said.
Mark Carney, speaking at a Northern Powerhouse business summit in Newcastle, was asked by a member of the audience what the economic impact would be if England won the World Cup.
Wearing a Three Lions lapel badge, Mr Carney smiled broadly and said it would be very positive.
“It would be an unalloyed, unadulterated, absolute good,” he said. “Everything would be good.”
Mr Carney went on to praise the team’s “work ethic” and said their performances are a “pleasure to watch right now”.
“We’re all behind them,” the Canadian added.
Image: Mark Carney says Kane and co could provide a big boost for the economy
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When the event’s host said “in Gareth (Southgate) we trust”, Mr Carney joked: “Exactly. I’m going out, getting my waistcoat this afternoon.”
England manager Gareth Southgate has worn a waistcoast in each of England’s four World Cup games, with sales of the garment said to be on the rise as a result..
There could also be a 5% rise in grocery sales ahead of England’s quarter-final against Sweden on Saturday, industry data analysts Kantar Worldpanel are predicting.
There may be as many as 1.4 million extra trips to the shops on Friday and Saturday, they added.
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Image: England captain Harry Kane has big expectations on his shoulders
Sales of alcohol are predicted to rise by a quarter, bringing in an extra £26m.
More than 30% of extra shopping trips are expected to include alcohol.
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With the first week of Wimbledon also coming to a close, the increase in alcohol sales is likely to include more Pimm’s and sparkling wine than the World Cup would generate alone.
If England beat Sweden and reach the semi-finals, sales of replica shirts are predicted to soar.
Source: Sky