World Cup boosts beer sales in England’s pubs but some are still facing last orders

The World Cup has provided a welcome boost to England’s pubs with millions more pints sold. But the industry is ailing and many are facing closure.

LONDON — Scotland fans famously drank Boston dry.

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But while the team’s exploits on the field could not match the success of their supporters, pubs in England — some of which are struggling financially — have been boosted by the boon in beer sales from the team’s run to the World Cup semifinals.

England plays arch rival Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, an 8 p.m. kickoff back home (3 p.m. ET) that will likely see fans flock to pubs across the country hoping to see their team make its first World Cup final in 60 years.