WORLD Cup open air fan zones set up in other cities are not set to be appearing in the city centre any time soon.

As anticipation builds for England's latest match against Belgium tomorrow evening, the pubs and bars of the city and set to packed with passionate fans watching Gareth Southgate's team.

Some Worcester News readers have suggested Cathedral Square as the perfect location for an open air football fan zone for an England game, particularly as it recently held screenings of family films on a big screen there.

Official council organised zones have been set up in cities such as Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle for fans to watch England matches in public areas, but Worcester City Council has confirmed there are no plans to set up a zone tomorrow night, or for England's first knock out match early next week.

Birmingham City Council reportedly ruled it out as it did not want to compete with bars and pubs, and this could be a reason why Worcester City Council has also not considered it.

Harry Meads, manager of Bushwackers, welcomed the news, saying they were putting up a big screen ready to show an England match for the first time this tournament.

Mr Meads said: "We expect 500 people, and the atmosphere will be great, with a DJ playing music too."

Asked if there were any concerns for trouble, Mr Meads said they had staff spotting potential problems, to ensure a friendly atmosphere.

Sue Patey, the landlord of of the Old Pheasant, said their big screen had been a big success, particularly during England matches, so no fan zone was good news.

And Grace Stringer, events team leader at Mode, echoed this, saying the bar's screenings of matches this World Cup had been a big success.

"We had six to seven hundred here for Sunday's game," she said.

"There has been no issue with trouble, everyone is safe and there is a great atmosphere."

Councillor Lynn Denham, who represents Cathedral on the authority and is also vice chairman of the authority's communities committee, said: "I certainly would not be against a big screen in Cathedral Square. Any community events where people come together are always welcome.

"People have told me they have enjoyed the big screen events already held there.

"But I'm not aware of any discussions on showing England matches.

"If there is interest in it maybe a commercial partner could do it - but this would be need to be discussed with partners such as businesses and the police.

"There can be risks with it, police consider that there can be a significant risk of anti-social behaviour following matches - I know they risk assess before each England match."