In towns around the country, life seemed to grind to a standstill as fans flocked to pubs or headed home to watch the match.

Went out and did the food shopping today
Not a bloke in sight, roads empty, and very happy women everywhere 😂

— Emma 👑💞 | REZO (@JustCallMeCatch) July 7, 2018

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Was there a match on?

I spent a heavenly couple of hours on the bike: the roads were empty!

— Valleyvisuals (@ValleyViz) July 7, 2018

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Football means empty roads at rush hour. What a lovely drive home 😂

— Sabs (@sjfrldn) July 7, 2018

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Travel tip. If you want to travel down the A34 and the M3, do it when @England are playing a #WorldCup quarter final. #emptyroads

— andrew b (@andyb505) July 7, 2018

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I found something I like about football… it’s 30 degrees and yet the roads to the coast are empty 👍🏻⚽️🏝🌞🚘 #everyonewins

— Jodee Conrad (@mrsjodeeconrad) July 7, 2018

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In London, large queues started forming as early as 10am outside pubs in London Bridge and Clapham – and eager viewers were queueing for as long as five hours.

Just as well their patience was rewarded…