HUNDREDS of university students are expected to watch England’s World Cup clash against Senegal from a union’s “inclusive” fanzone.

Essex University’s students’ union is running its own alternative to the World Cup, using the power of sport to bring together football-loving students from around the globe.

A dedicated fanzone set up on campus is showing all matches live and is expected to be sold out for England’s knockout match against Senegal this Sunday.

On Tuesday, around 500 students packed inside the heated marquee tent to enjoy England’s 3-0 win over Wales, with each goal sparking wild celebrations.

The fanzone is one of a number of initiatives forming part of SU Football Fest.

Kobbie Agyemang, the students’ union VP Student Experience, said: “This World Cup does not share our values in many ways, especially in its treatment of worker’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights, so we decided to create a football festival that does.

“As a university with students from more than 140 countries we recognised that football is a powerful way of bringing people together and forming connections, especially following the periods of loneliness and isolation that many experienced during the pandemic.

“Through SU Football Fest we’ve created inclusive spaces on our campuses for our incredible international student community to support their countries.

“This project is also about bringing students together in other ways, so we’ve brought giant inflatable games to campus, run craft events and face painting, and are hosting our very own student charity football tournament.”

The Football Fest is also about driving change by promoting Amnesty International’s #PAYUPFIFA campaign, that is lobbying for compensation for migrant workers, as well as the university’s Gender Affirmation Fund for trans students.

SU Football Fest has also provided an opportunity to showcase the creativity and passion of students, with representatives from each country carrying their nation’s flags in a special opening ceremony and students starring as the faces of the Festival in posters and advertising displayed across the university’s campuses.