How the screens will look

CAMDEN Council are to erect jumbotron screens in two of its parks for public screenings of England’s World Cup semi-final with Croatia tomorrow night, the New Journal can reveal.

The World Cup final on Sunday, possibly the national side’s first appearance in football’s biggest match since 1966, will also be shown on open-air screens at the council-owned Talacre Park Gardens in Kentish Town and Russell Square, Bloomsbury.

Council chiefs are understood to be keenly aware that there is no time to fully consult regular park users and people who live nearby after rushing to organise the screenings following England’s quarter-final success over Sweden, but believe they are tapping into widespread enthusiasm for England’s nail-biting quest to bring home the trophy. Officials have been finalising the details of the screenings today (Tuesday),

Security has been hired and police have given their approval for the screenings. Camden are hoping for a “family friendly” event.

England will kick off against Croatia at 7pm tomorrow with thousands now expected at the two parks.

Council leader Councillor Georgia Gould, who supports QPR, told the New Journal: “England’s march towards the World Cup final continues and we’re going to cheer the team on here in Camden with big screens at two great locations. Residents can enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere at Russell Square and Talacre where our staff will be on hand to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

She added: “As we all know, it’s rare for England to get this far in the World Cup so make the most of it now – let’s come together as a community to cheer Gareth Southgate’s team on to a place in the final.”

Pubs across Camden, meanwhile, are gearing up for what has been predicted to be their biggest Wednesday night ever, while hundreds of England fans are expected to watch on a big screen at the Koko nightclub – the former Camden Palace – near Mornington Crescent.

In King’s Cross, the privately-managed big screen is being used for the Wimbledon tennis championships and then a sold out screening of The Wizard Of Oz on the canalside steps.