Soccer-mad
employees around the country are planning to take sick days to watch England
play in this summer’s World Cup matches.
A
poll of 4,500 fans by Premiership sponsors Barclaycard claims that 40 per cent
of those questioned are planning to take sick days to watch David Beckham and
company compete in June.
The
survey suggests that the unauthorised absence could cost the economy £400m per
game, and anything up to £3.2bn if they emulate the 1966 team and reach the final.
Many
fans have already decided to take time off in the summer because of the early
kick-off times of England’s matches at the tournament, which is being hosted by
Japan and Korea.
The
findings, published on football website 4thegame.com, also reveal that 66 per
cent of fans think Sven-Goran Eriksson should be made king if England wins the
tournament.
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