But what if Scotland win 10-0?

Is football coming home? Left: The Shoap’s Caitlyn Cooling and Adam Harkin

EVERY time Scotland scores in this evening’s (Friday) Euro’s opening game against (whisper it) Germany, the good people at The Scottish Stores, King’s Cross, say they will be handing out free shots of tequila.

“Whisky’s expensive!” joked Rosie Brooks, bar­tender at the Caledonian Road institution – famously Scottish since 1901 – and fully decked out in the Saltire flag, banners and balloons. She said the pub’s seating areas were fully booked but that walk-ins were expected with stand­ing areas still available.

So should Scotland upset the odds and beat the tournament hosts, expect to hear the unofficial Scottish theme song, Baccara’s Yes Sir, I Can Boogie, blaring out from all corners of King’s Cross.

Over in Angel a newer Scottish contingent, The Shoap, will also be cele­brating. Its owner Gregg Boyd will be singing in the stands in Germany! “I have travelled to see Scotland play in the Euros for the first time ever in my life,” said Mr Boyd, who opened his shop in St John Street in February. “I can’t wait to be a part of it all.”

Gregg Boyd in Germany

Most of Islington’s other big-screen pubs wil be decked out in the more familiar red and white of the St George Cross.

Mick Doherty of Islington Sports Bar and Grill in Holloway Road will also be handing out free shots every time Scotland or England score, but left it in no doubt which team his bar was backing, with England flags draped across the bar and walls. “I think England are in with a good shout,” he said ahead of the Three Lions’ first match against Serbia on Sunday. Gareth Southgate’s men then play Denmark on Thursday.

Mr Doherty added: “It’s a very open tournament. I think there are about six or seven teams that could win it and England is one of them. But again, it depends on those tactics. A win is well overdue”.

Ciaoan Smith, founder of The bottle Cocktail Shop in Upper Street, has created an England-themed cocktail for the England games, although he seemed unconfident he would still be making them on July 14, the day of the final. “I think England have a good chance of making it to the semi-final but, really, I think France will win,” he said.

Bartender Hayley Blackley and Mick Whelan at the Islington Sports Bar and Grill

Eamon Gately, manager of the City of London FC team based in Bunhill, said he thought this tournament may be England manager Gareth Southgate’s swansong.

“I think he’s a good manager and has been very productive throughout his time with England,” he said. “He has done extremely well, even if it is one of his last tournaments with England.”

The 16 European Cham­pionship tournaments have been won by 10 national teams: Germany and Spain have each won three titles, Italy and France have won two, and the Soviet Union, Czechia, the Netherlands, Denmark, Greece and Portugal have each won once. But England lost to Italy at Wembley on penal­ties in the final of the last Euros in 2021 after it was delayed a year by Covid.