WHILE pubs will not be six deep at the bar and fan park capacity is to be limited greatly this Sunday, the buzz around England's first group stage game of Euro 2020 remains palpable on the streets of East Lancashire.

A cocktail of forecasted sunshine and a feverish anticipation to see how Gareth Southgate's fearless young lions fare in the primarily home-based tournament, many will be making plans to watch the match with their fellow fans.

However, with some Coronavirus restrictions still in place and parts of Lancashire struggling to contain the so-called 'Delta' variant, what are the rules ahead of the big match?

Here is everything you need to know: 

  • Pubs have been asked to 'risk assess' their positioning of TV screens and commentary volume while ensuring they're Covid secure.
  • You can watch the match inside a pub with six people from six households, or two households of any size
  • Up to 30 people can meet outdoors in a pub beer garden or designated fan park
  • For those staying at home to watch the game and thinking of inviting friends over, the rule remains six people from multiple households (or two households of any size) indoors at any one time, with 30 people permitted outdoors

So, can you hug your friends when (if) the Three Lions score?

The government advises that indoor rooms should be well-ventilated, hands washed regularly and social distancing adhered to.

However, the guidance suggests that people use their "personal judgement" when celebrating a goal or victory with friends.