ENGLAND'S first World Cup match will be shown on the giant outdoor screen outside Blackburn town hall tonight - despite earlier fears that it would not be screened.

The 38ft high structure has shown a number of World Cup matches this year, including Spain's shock 3-3 draw with Portugal.

UPDATE: Big match WILL be shown on big screen after all

Blackburn with Darwen Council, which owns the board, had decided to not show England's first match in Russia, a tricky opener against Tunisia, outside the town hall.

The rotating 15-metre mobile-phone shaped has been used to offer prime digital advertising space, but was also erected to broadcast major events.

Ricky Johnson, owner of Tiki Monkey bar, which sits overlooking the screen, earlier said: "It's shame that the England match is not going to be shown tonight.

"I can see why the council have not put it on, they have a beautiful town hall and beautiful town centre and wouldn't want that to be damaged by fans drinking too much.

"I hoped the council would have put it on and I hope they can show the future matches as it would be really beneficial for the community and the local businesses.

"Football is a big part of Blackburn, especially with Rovers doing so well last season, the town has a big football following and businesses can take advantage of this."

Cllr Phil Riley, the regeneration boss for the council, earlier told the Lancashire Telegraph: "We showed a couple of games over the weekend.

"We are trying to work out what the best way of going about showing games, particularly in the context of England games.

"We don't want to to take people away from pubs and other businesses showing the match and impact on trade.

"The tournament is going on for a month and we will look to potentially showing future England matches."

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesman said: “The England match will definitely be played on the big screen tonight.

“After discussions with local traders and publicans, we decided to play it on a soft trial to see how people would take to it.

“A decision will be made about future England matches at a late date.”

UPDATE: Big match WILL be shown on big screen after all