LONDON • Will they be watching the musicians on stage or have their ears glued to what is happening in Russia? With England taking on Sweden in the World Cup quarter-final today, the bands playing the early sets at the British Summer Times series of concerts in London's Hyde Park are resigned to perhaps even performing before sparse crowds as the nation tunes in to the critical game.

Fortunately, the big names such as Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Bruno Mars and The Cure will be on stage either after the football action is over or on days when there are no games.

Still, organisers would know that an England progress to the final could only help kick up a greater feel-good buzz at the concerts.

Asked if organisers plan to screen today's match, event director Jim King said: "We're addressing it."

Simon will wrap up the event on July 15 - which is also the day of the World Cup final - with his concert which is part of his farewell tour.

REUTERS