Best big screens to watch England v France in London

Despite the controversy and the time of year, the 2022 Qatar World Cup has produced some very enjoyable football and the good news for England fans is that the Three Lions have looked pretty good so far.

Gareth Southgate's men have recorded impressive victories over Iran, Wales and Senegal so far but face their biggest test on Saturday evening against World champions France, who have looked just as dangerous in their games thanks to the mercurial Kylian Mbappe.

Now, we know it's cold outside and the thought of heading out on a freezing December night to stand in an open air venue watching a football game, where there is a good chance beer will be chucked over you doesn't sound that appealing but some people are up for it.

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There are a host of venues screening the games as well as the latter stages of the tournament in London. The semi-finals take place on 13 & 14 December, before the final on 18 December.

These are our top picks for where to watch England v France in London – remember that many venues require booking in advance, especially for England games, and guests will often have to pay to secure their spot. Also be sure to check venues' opening hours, as not all games will fall within them.

Vinegar Yard

Vinegar Yard in London BridgePR handout

If you feel like braving the chill this November to watch the games outside, Vinegar Yard will be showing all the matches on its al fresco screens. The venue in London Bridge will welcome fans to its winter terrace, with heaters installed to keep fans warm. Tickets are £25 and include a beer on entry and a food token.

72-82 St Thomas St, SE1 3QX, designmynight.com

Note: Tickets for this venue are currently sold out.

Boxpark (Shoreditch, Croydon and Wembley)

Boxpark always offers up a good atmospherePR handout

Boxpark is always good for a party when the football is on, and all three venues in London are showing World Cup games. The Wembley and Croydon venues can hold up to 1,200 capacity, and you can guarantee the place will be rocking for England matches. It’s not just the live screenings either, as there’ll also be entertainment thrown in with DJs and special guests.

Tickets for England games include a food voucher and cost £20, while non–England games range from £5 to £10.

Boxpark, various locations, boxpark.co.uk

Note: Both Shoreditch and Croydon Boxparks are sold out. Wembley has a waiting list option available.

Pizza Pilgrims

Pizza Pilgrims Hyde Park is offering a tasty deal this month, as guests can book a spot to enjoy unlimited pizza while watching the games in the Secret Garden basement. Tickets start at £45 and also include three drinks tokens.

36 - 38 Queensway, W2 3RS, designmynight.com

Flat Iron Square

Enjoy the buzz of the games at Flat Iron Square in London Bridge, with tickets costing £10 and including a pint on arrival. Or, push the boat out and secure a table from £200, with a guaranteed table with a view of a screen, three pitchers of Amstel and unlimited soft drinks.

45 Southwark St, SE1 9HP, flatironsquare.co.uk

Note: Only tickets for Arch 33 are currently available.

Beetle Juice Brixton

Beetle Juice

The Beetle Juice team have been bringing their pop-up cocktail van to events in and around London for the past decade, and now they've got a permanent home in Brixton village. Head down to watch the games on their big screen and enjoy an extensive cocktail menu while you're there.

Do bear in mind that the venue will only be showing games that fall between their opening hours (Tuesday - Friday: 5pm - 11pm. Saturday: 3pm - 11pm).

24-25 Granville, Brixton Village, SW9 8PR, beetle-juice.co.uk/beetle-juice-brixton

Hackney Bridge

Hackney Bridge is one of the best spots to head in east London for the tournament, promising one of the biggest screens in the city for England games. It has committed to showing every game in the tournament, with non-England games being shown in its Hanger Bar. Guests can book a table of four or eight, priced at £100 and £200 respectively. The packages include one £10 food token each and one pint per person.

Units 1-28, Echo Building, E Bay Ln, E15 2SJ, hackneybridge.org

Clapham Grand

One of the best event spaces south of the river is opening up its doors again for the football. Every England game is being shown on the Grand’s 25ft screen with tickets starting at £9.50. You’d better act quick though, as the game against the USA is already sold out.

The Grand, Clapham Junction, 21-25 St John’s Hill, SW11 1TT, claphamgrand.com

Note: Tickets for England v France are currently sold out at this venue

Greenwood

One of the best sports bars in the city is open now for bookings, with Greenwood in Victoria offering a smart spot to take in the action. Get booking as soon as you can to secure a place, or go further and invest in one of their World Cup packages. They start at £350 for 48 bottles of Moretti, as well as one of their quarterback platters, a wingback platter and sharing nachos.

170 Victoria St, SW1E 5LB, greenwoodlondon.com

Note: Tickets for England v France are currently sold out at this venue

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