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Officers forced to “gear up” have slammed the Government’s last minute U-turn on allowing pubs to stay open for England’s next World Cup match, The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s last minute decision to let pubs stay open until 5am to allow people to watch the Three Lions’ game against Mexico.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, NPCC lead for football policing, and acting Chief Constable Scott Green, NPCC lead for alcohol licensing and harm reduction, said the “late announcement” meant forces having to adapt plans and take officers away from communities. The pair also asked England fans to be considerate to others and drink “sensibly” during the game.

The statement said: “We recognise there will be significant public interest in England’s match on Monday morning and that many of the public will want to come together in pubs and licensed venues to enjoy the occasion.

“We also know from previous tournaments the knock out games sadly see an increase in violent incidents particularly in the night time economy and an increase in domestic abuse. This is directly linked to alcohol consumption.

“The likely route for England progression has been known for a considerable time yet this late announcement leaves policing having to adapt our plans seeing officers working extended shifts which in turn takes them away from communities.

“From a policing perspective, our priority is to support people to enjoy the match safely and responsibly. We therefore ask those watching the game to be considerate – drink within sensible limits, and behave in a way that keeps you, your friends, staff, officers and the wider public safe.

“We will continue to work with partners and venues to support a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone.”

Greene King said more than 600 pubs across England will be staying open late to show the match and Marston’s said more than 400 will be open late.

A spokesman for Fuller’s said that as of on Friday morning, 23 pubs were planning to stay open.

Andy Trotter, a former deputy assistant commissioner at the Metropolitan Police, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the “late change” from Government allowing pubs keep their doors open will result in last-minute shift changes for officers.

“My anxiety is with the late change the police are now going to have to gear up across the country on a night normally when into the early hours it’d be a bit quieter than usual,” Mr Trotter said.

“Now they have to change shifts, get more officers out.

“And we all hope this is going to be a great night in all ways. We all hope it’s going to be calm and peaceful, but we know the combination of hot nights, alcohol and sporting events can lead to trouble.”

He added: “There could well be issues as people come out at 4 or 5 in the morning, bumping into the morning bleary-eyed commuters.

“So the police have got to be ready for this, but my anxiety is the late notice for police forces means a lot of late shift changes, which is the unfortunate.”

Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that pubs across England and Wales will be able to stay open late for the round of 16 match, which kicks off at 1am on Monday.

MPs had called for leeway beyond the 2am extended pub opening hours already in place for England matches during the football World Cup.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “On the timing, obviously England’s progression in the tournament was confirmed on Wednesday evening and we announced plans as quickly as possible following this.

“And more broadly, we have engaged with policing partners throughout preparations for the World Cup and we are grateful for their flexibility and professionalism throughout.”