AFTER a year’s delay, it is almost time for Euro 2020 to kick off across the continent.

The first game is on Friday (8pm), with Italy taking on Turkey at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.

And England kick off at Wembley on Sunday (2pm) against Croatia, who knocked them out of the 2018 World Cup in the semi-final.

Wales and Scotland, the other home nations involved in the tournament, play on Saturday (2pm) and Monday (2pm) respectively.

Although the Government changed its guidance for Greater Manchester this week due to a rise in coronavirus cases, pubs and other venues are still allowed to stay open.

Here we look at five of the best venues in Trafford to watch Euro 2020.

4TheFans

Messenger Newspapers: (Image: 4TheFans)(Image: 4TheFans)

4TheFans is an outdoor venue in Trafford Park dedicated to live football.

With three big screens and what it calls a ‘monster’ sound system, the venue claims it is the closest supporters will get to a gameday experience without going to a stadium.

There is a full programme of entertainment for each England game, including appearances from football legends such as Danny Mills, David May and Paul Merson.

Tickets for the group stages are sold out, but tickets for the knockout stages are available.

And if the unthinkable happens and England fail to make it, 4TheFans is offering a refund.

The Brooklands Tap

The Brooklands Tap on Hope Road in Sale is showing all the games throughout Euro 2020.

You can pop in for most games, but the pub is asking customers to book a table for the England games.

If you get a table, you are guaranteed a good view of the action on one of the pub’s 12 TVs.

The Orange Tree

Messenger Newspapers: (Image: Google Street View)(Image: Google Street View)

The Orange Tree is on the Old Market Place in Altrincham, and its plentiful TVs and surround sound make it a prime location on gameday.

You can watch the games in the beer garden if the sun is shining, and there is a private function room with a TV available for group bookings.

The Orange Tree is asking customers to book a table, especially for the England games.

Unit 3 Bar

Also in Altrincham, Unit 3 Bar is an industrial taproom on Railway Street.

The bar has a projector on a 100-inch screen, as well as three 50-inch TVs.

It was fully booked for the final of the Champions League and the Europa League, so it is a good idea to book a table to avoid missing out.

Champs

Messenger Newspapers: (Image: Google Street View)(Image: Google Street View)

Located on Flixton Road in Urmston, Champs claims it is ‘the place to be’ for live football.

As well as the usual TVs, it boasts a video wall for supporters who like their football on the big screen.

And as a sports bar, it is likely to provide a livelier atmosphere during the games than the average pub.