PUBS in Oxford are gearing up for a month-long football bonanza as Euro 2016 prepares to kick-off.

Publicans have said they expect to see the usual big crowds for England matches but the involvement of Northern Ireland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland is expected to boost trade even further.

It is the first time four sides from the British Isles have qualified for a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

Yesterday Wahoo in Hythe Bridge Street had 13 new 50in TV screens installed in preparation for showing all 51 matches.

Sales and marketing manager Megan Brown said: “It is going to be a big football celebration.

“It will be a carnival, we have got flags everywhere and there will be clappers and vuvuzelas.

“We are pretty much sold out for the England games so we will be absolutely crazy.”

Wahoo is selling £3 tickets guaranteeing entry as well as pre-match entertainment.

About 350 fans are expected to pack out the venue for England’s opening game with Russia on Saturday.

Ms Brown said: “We have got an extra outdoor bar that will be selling draught and bottled beers, it’s going to be a similar experience to the 2014 World Cup.

“I am really, really excited. It will be great.”

The George in Littlemore is a favourite watering hole for many Oxford United fans before they head to the Kassam Stadium on matchdays and it will also be getting in on the Euro action.

Landlord Nigel Woodley said: “We are expecting there will be lots more people here to support England.

“We will be doing barbecues and that sort of thing.

“I imagine as a football pub with a big screen we will get a lot of people coming.

“It is a great opportunity to get people through the door.

“It has a big impact on our trade.”

Wales are the first home nation to play, kicking off against Slovakia at 5pm on Saturday followed by England v Russia at 8pm.

Northern Ireland open their campaign against Poland on Sunday at 5pm and the Republic of Ireland take on Sweden at 5pm on Monday.

Pubs are also expected to be busier than normal when England play Wales at 2pm on Thursday, June 16.

The Campaign for Real Ale’s Oxfordshire branch spokesman Dave Richardson said: “People should go down and support their local pub while supporting their national team.

“Most of the pubs will be pretty busy for the England matches but a lot of pubs will be showing all the games.

“There are lots of people of different nationalities who live in Oxford, you hear so many Spanish voices for example. 

"It will hopefully be a great celebratory occasion and not just for England.”