England’s World Cup win over Sweden led to record levels of alcohol poisoning

The number of cases in NHS hospitals doubled on that day.

England's mighty charge to their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years sparked a record number of people to be admitted to hospital with alcohol poisoning. NHS England has confirmed that 711 people were admitted with the condition on Saturday 7 July, the day that England beat the Swedes by two goals to nil. On an average Saturday, doctors treat 386 people for alcohol poisoning. The UK health service also said that 10% of all accident and emergency admissions are alcohol-related. On a Friday and Saturday, that rises to 70%. Hospital visits due to alcohol poisoning have the broader A&E diagnosis of "poisoning (including overdose) other, including alcohol." A spokesman said it may be assumed that the bulk of cases on 7 July were alcohol-related poisonings, given the date of the Sweden game, and the sharp spike coming as a result of the victory. Dr Clifford Mann, NHS England's clinical lead for accident and emergency, said: "As a doctor who works in emergency care, I've seen first-hand how drunk and sometimes aggressive people can put extra stress and pressure on paramedics, nurses and other hospital staff trying to do their job. "As we prepare to see in the new year, I would urge everyone to have a great time but not to overdo it - the NHS is not the National Hangover Service."