EXTRA paramedics will be out across Oxfordshire for what they anticipate will be a busy night, regardless of how England fare in today’s semi-final.

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) said emergency calls increased by nearly a third on Saturday afternoon, as England defeated Sweden in the quarter finals of the World Cup, and Sunday.

Hundreds of people spilled into the streets after the game and crowds lined George Street as the party continued into the evening.

Oxford Mail:

And tonight, Gareth Southgate’s heroes will take on Croatia as England bid to reach the country’s first World Cup final since 1966.

Meanwhile, Thames Valley Police have issued advice in the form of an acrostic declaring 'It's Coming Home', taking a line from the popular song Three Lions.    

Oxford Mail:

SCAS said more staff and vehicles will be on duty from 9pm and senior managers will be coordinating operations from two emergency 999 control rooms.

Paul Jefferies, SCAS’s assistant director of operations, said: “Due to the heatwave and England’s quarter-final game on Saturday we saw a 32 per cent increase in emergency 999 calls between 12pm on Saturday and 6am.

“Fortunately, the vast majority of fans celebrated in the right way in our region and we didn’t see any damage to ambulance vehicles or property that colleagues elsewhere in the country had to deal with.

“I hope people across our region enjoy the game, celebrate or commiserate with the same spirit and style Gareth Southgate has demonstrated so admirably so that we can make ensure everyone tonight – not just football – is coming home safely.”

Oxford Mail:

TVP's advice tonight urges people to have their house keys ready before arriving at their door and for people to organise a lift home if they are planning on drinking before, during or after the match. 

A visible police presence was in Oxford on Saturday, with several officers lining up outside the Wig and Pen pub in George Street following the game. 

Tonight's match kicks off at 7pm.