'Please don't climb on our buses' warning issued ahead of England's World Cup match

National Express is warning football fans not to climb on its buses as England play their World Cup semi-final Credit: PA

Buses will be diverted away from an area of Birmingham city centre on the evening of England's World Cup semi-final match against Croatia.

National Express said it had taken the step in a bid to protect its buses and drivers.

Its services will be diverted away from the city's Broad Street from 8pm on Wednesday (July 11) - and its buses may avoid other areas of the city "if situations develop".

A spokesperson for the National Express said the company was in close contact with West Midlands Police.

The action and advice comes after a taxi was put off the road in Nottingham city centre following England’s World Cup quarter-final win over Sweden.

Footage posted on social media showed several fans climbing on to the private hire vehicle – smashing the windscreen and sunroof – in Old Market Square last Saturday (July 7).