It’s official: Most footy fans would rather watch the game from the pub than in the stadium

£9 pints out of plastic cups? Nah, you're alright 

Nearly half of England fans (49 per cent) say they'd rather watch a major tournament match in the pub than inside the stadium itself (33 per cent), according to new research from Stonegate Group.

The findings suggest that for many supporters, the perfect matchday experience isn't necessarily being pitchside, but being surrounded by fellow fans, a decent pint and a big screen.

And let's be honest: who can blame them?

Most of those who do make it to the stadium end up spending large chunks of the game watching on a television under the concourse while queueing for food, drinks or the toilets anyway.

The research found that England fans see the pub as the ultimate home of tournament football, with 43 per cent admitting they've dodged social plans specifically so they can watch a major England match there.

The study also confirmed what most England supporters already suspected: that we're a nation of armchair experts once the tournament starts.

One in three fans describe themselves as football experts during major competitions, while almost a quarter (24 per cent) believe they could guide England to a major final from the comfort of their seat in the pub.

Penalty decisions are the biggest source of debate among supporters (45 per cent), followed by tactics (28 per cent) and substitutions (24 per cent).

Meanwhile, half of fans admit to questioning refereeing decisions during matches, proving that VAR hasn't made anyone any calmer.

The findings come ahead of Stonegate Group's "Roar of the Nation" campaign, in partnership with Heineken, which will see pubs across England and Scotland compete to be crowned the loudest venue during England's tournament fixtures.

Participating venues include The Minories in London, The Moot Hall Arms in Leeds and Akenside Traders in Newcastle.

Kay Bartlett, Chief Marketing Officer at Stonegate Group, said: "Football tournaments are all about atmosphere and shared experiences, and there's nothing quite like watching a huge match surrounded by fellow fans in a packed pub. The pub remains one of the best places to enjoy tournament football and create unforgettable moments together."

Craig Woolley, Marketing Activation Director at HEINEKEN UK, added: "Nothing beats the buzz of the pub when our home teams are playing. From the first chant to the final whistle, it's where fans come together to share the excitement, tension and drama of a major tournament."