Greene King invites Brits to Toast the Nations ahead of the tournament to celebrate fans’ unwavering support
Brits up and down the country can kick off this year’s summer of sport with a free drink from Greene King next week before Scotland face off against Germany in the first match of the tournament.
The free drink comes as the pub company and brewer prepares to host the nation in its pubs over the next six weeks, with 61% of fans saying they’ll support England and Scotland win, lose or draw.
Whether a die-hard supporter or a non-football fan, customers can claim their free pint before the game on Friday 14th June; when the Tartan Army come up against tournament hosts and three-time winners Germany.
To claim your free drink, simply head into participating Greene King pubs and say the secret code phrase, ‘For Pub and Country’, at the bar. The offer is available between 6pm and 7pm at 800 of the pub company and brewer’s pubs in England, Scotland, and Wales before kick-off at 8pm.
The free drink offer comes as Greene King prepares to host the nation this summer, with nearly seven in ten Brits (68%) saying major international football tournaments help create a sense of unity.
Despite football fever gripping the nation, the study further revealed nearly six in ten (58%) supporters believe England and Scotland could be the two unluckiest footballing nations in Europe.
Brits cited historical pressure (35%), bad decision making (33%), and tough draws (31%) as the top three reasons for poor past performances.
| ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND’S TOP 10 UNLUCKIEST EUROPEAN MOMENTS |
| 1. England losing in the final in 2020 |
| 2. England crashing out in the semi-final 1996 |
| 3. England going out on penalties in the quarter-final in 2012 |
| 4. England going out on penalties in the quarter-final in 2004 |
| 5. England losing to Iceland in the round of 16 in 2016 |
| 6. Scotland missing a penalty versus England in 1996 |
| 7. England failing to qualify in 2008 |
| 8. England coming bottom of the group in 1992 |
| 9. Scotland losing playoff match versus England in 2020 |
| 10. England going out in the group stages in 2000 |
Unsurprisingly, penalties were named the most agonising way to lose a match by nearly seven in ten (69%) supporters, with psychological pressure (36%) cited as the main reason for low success rates.
One man who’s already filled with footy fever is ex-player Jimmy Bullard, who said: “It’s no secret that we’re two of the unluckiest footballing nations in Europe. If we don’t go out on penalties then it’s an injury or a refereeing decision, there’s always something.
“But there’s something in the air this summer that makes me think this might just be our year. I can’t wait for the games to get underway and will be at my local Greene King for kick off – see you there!”
One of Britain’s leading football analysts, Statman Dave, has provided some expert insight around England and Scotland’s unlucky footballing histories.
Dave said: “As we head into another tournament both England and Scotland have really strong squads with a lot of striking power. England in particular boast five of the top 20 goal scorers in Europe this year, while Scotland’s Lawrence Shankland has scored 31 goals in all competitions and finished top goal scorer in the Scottish Premiership.
“However, fans of both nations will know when it comes to high pressure situations like penalty shoot outs, neither side has the strongest record. For example, England has lost more shootouts than any other nation at the Euros, having lost four.
“Hopefully the agony experienced in England’s final shootout against Italy last time around won’t be replicated this summer; it’ll certainly be exciting to watch.”
Michelle West, Head of Sport at Greene King, added: “This summer at Greene King we’re hosting the nation, something we’ve been doing for over 200 years. Whether England and Scotland win, lose, or draw come the end of the tournament, we know that there’s nothing we all love more than throwing our support behind our home teams and what better way to kickstart the celebrations than by enjoying a free drink?
“So, head into participating Greene King pubs on Friday 14th and say the secret code phrase – ‘For Pub and Country’ – at the bar to claim your free drink.”
Customers can choose from a variety of drink options, including pints of Greene King’s Level Head and Flint Eye, as well as ciders, spirits, and soft drinks.
For terms and conditions visit: https://www.greeneking.co.uk/live-sport/football/euros/toasting-the-nation