Asda launches fanzone in Manchester for over 65s watching Euro 2024 alone

Football fever has started to sweep the nation with Euro 2024 well underway. The 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship kicked off on Friday night as Scotland were defeated 5-1 by hosts Germany.

Last night, England fans were given something to celebrate as the team begun their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Serbia. Next up for the Three Lions is a clash against Denmark at the Frankfurt Arena on Thursday evening (June 20).

And while fan zones up and down the country erupted with excitement as Jude Bellingham scored England's first goal of the tournament, and friends gathered for a celebratory pint or two, some will have been watching at home alone.

READ MORE: Where to watch Euro 2024 in Manchester - best sports bars, pubs and fan zones in the city centre

According to new research, more than 1.9million over 65s will be watching the biggest football tournament of the year alone over the coming weeks. To combat this, Asda has announced the launch of 'Nanzones', the first football fanzones designed for elderly football fans - and there’s one coming to Manchester.

The first Nanzones will open at Asda stores at Manchester Eastlands, Watford, and Liverpool Arrow Park on Thursday, 20 June in time for the England vs Denmark game. Asda has said that each fanzone will give local elderly people the chance to 'unite over food, drink and football'.

Fanzones for senior citizens are free to enter and the areas will be decked out with football decorations and refreshments.

According to a poll conducted as part of Asda's Togetherness Tracker, 60% of people surveyed think more needs to be done to combat loneliness and social isolation, with the elderly called out as the group most in need of support. And despite being