Southampton ready for historic England match as they taken on Sweden in World Cup

Today the nation finds out if England can break their 28-year hoodoo and claim a spot in the semi-finals of this year’s World Cup.

READ: Where you can watch the England v Sweden match

Jubilant fans celebrated a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Colombia in the last 16 on Tuesday.

Eric Dier stayed calm to score the decisive kick after 120 minutes of nervous action.

At 3pm today, pubs will be heaving, people will be praying and silence will be heard throughout the streets of the city as England’s quarter-final match against Sweden kicks off.

READ: Meet the group putting up England flags around Southampton's streets

And amid all the excitement buzzing around the team’s best performance since 2006, a police boss has urged fans to enjoy the game in a positive manner.

John Apter, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, wants people to enjoy themselves, but remain sensible to help the officers who are on duty.

He said: “The police officers working today, although they would rather be watching the game, are there to keep people as safe as possible in what will be an excitable atmosphere.

“My plea to football fans and the public is have a great time and have fun but whatever the outcome, celebrate with sense or drown your sorrows quietly.

“Don’t create or become a burden for an already over-stretched police service.”

England are hoping to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time since 1990, when the national side lost a penalty shoot-out to rivals and eventual winners West Germany.

To celebrate the occasion, pubs throughout Southampton will be holding parties and events for people to attend and cheer on Harry Kane and co.

READ: Here are the fun ways you can avoid watching England v Sweden

Bosses have said they are expecting their establishments to be full to the brim of punters eagerly watching the match.

The View Bar & Bistro, in the Sports Centre, will be offering patrons a barbecue as well as an outdoor screen so fans don’t miss any of the action.

Co-manager Lou Godwin (pictured inset) said people can bring their own blankets to sit outside and that space in the pub will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

The match will also be shown live at the Saints Pub. Landlord Eugene Mcmanus said: “The turnout’s been great so far and it’s really good for us here.

“There will be outdoor screens and a DJ. It’s going to be a great day.”

Prior to the tournament, Hampshire Constabulary warned that the levels of domestic violence may go up as a result of the tournament, which is being held in Russia.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to evaluate the threat, harm and risk posed to our communities throughout the World Cup and will respond to any crime reports with officers and staff as appropriate.”

Other emergency services have issued warnings, including Public Health England which says the hot weather, as well as alcohol, could cause problems for residents.

It is set to be the hottest weekend of the year so far, with the Met Office predicting that temperatures could soar as high as 33C.

Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said: “We could well see the hottest day of the year so far this weekend. It’s only got to go to 33.1C and you’re there.”

Dr Thomas Waite, a public health consultant with PHE, said: “Many people will drink alcohol when the weather’s like this – but it’s really important to remember that all alcohol has a dehydrating effect so if you are drinking alcohol, consider that other fluids will you keep better hydrated.”

This was echoed by Southampton General Hospital.

Dr Chris Hill, a consultant in emergency medicine at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The emergency department is always prepared for any event that may affect our ability to provide timely care to those in need, whether this is the weather, festivals or a football match.

“The ED at Southampton General Hospital has seen a continued rise in attendances from all causes of emergencies recently and so would like to remind everyone of the impact their decisions can have on the emergency care system.

“The ambulance service is busy, the hospital is busy so please, please enjoy the match responsibly.”

Swedish furniture retailer Ikea is getting into the spirit by offering a meal deal featuring meatballs and fish and chips.

The creation is called ‘a plate of two halves’ and all customers who buy a plate of meatballs will get fish and chips for free.

It will be on offer in shops across the UK from 11am.

And on Sunday, Ikea will sell the winning country’s dish for just £1 all day.

Joakim Haby, Ikea UK & Ireland co-worker said: “We are very proud that our two home nations are in the quarter-finals this weekend but have been finding it hard to choose between them.

“So, whether you’re cheering on having a Jamie Vardy dinner party or a Filip Helander get-together, Ikea’s plate of two halves is the perfect match meal.”

If England win today, they will face either the host nation or Croatia in the semi-final, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday at 7pm.

The World Cup final will be played at 4pm on Sunday, July 15, at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.