England fans 'could be sacked' in direct warning about Euro 2024 opener against Serbia

England get their tournament underway two days later with most of the nation expected to tune in for the evening match against Serbia.

The match won't kick-off until 8pm BST, meaning it will finish around two hours later depending on stoppage time.

Pubs all over England are expected to cash in on England's participation in the Euros and Sunday's game against Serbia is the only group game that takes place on a weekend.

That could lead to a few sore heads on Monday morning, but experts at national law firm Richard Nelson LLP have warned against anyone trying to 'pull a sickie'.

Jayne Harrison, head of employment law at Richard Nelson LLP, said: “With England being the favourites to win this year’s European Championship it’s inevitable that excitement for the tournament will reach fever pitch over the coming days as the Three Lions attempt to win their first major tournament in 58 years.

“Due to England’s first game being on a Sunday night it’s likely many supporters will be enjoying a few drinks during the game.

"That said, it’s important people remember to drink responsibility and ensure they’re in a fit state to work on the Monday morning.

"If an employer thinks their employee has called in sick and it is not genuine - such as to recover from a hangover - then they can investigate the case and may take disciplinary action over unauthorised absence.

“For those wanting to indulge on Sunday night we’d encourage you to book annual leave for the following Monday, avoiding not turning up for work at all or worse being dismissed.”

She added: “Over the last few years companies across the country have embraced flexible working and we’d encourage them to do so during the Euros. Where possible many companies may be able to offer an early finish or even remote working for the afternoon and this is something we’d advocate.”

Gareth Southgate has just a few more days to fine tune his plans for England's opening Euro 2024 game.

But he was dealt a blow on Wednesday after John Stones missed a training session due to illness.

The Manchester City star is seen as one of the first names on the England team sheet when fit.

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However, Stones only managed to start 12 league games last season as injury issues plagued his campaign.

He shrugged off a knock in England's defeat to Iceland to participate in training on Tuesday.

But Southgate may have to try out a different centre-back partnership against Serbia if Stones is unavailable.