Wimbledon VIPs to miss crucial World Cup encounter

Top British sports stars attending Wimbledon will not be offered a place to watch England's World Cup quarter-final against Sweden on Saturday.

Spanish defender Gerard Pique takes in the action on centre court. Picture: AP

Wimbledon traditionally invites household name sporting personalities to sit in the Royal Box on Centre Court on the middle Saturday of the tournament.

Organisers at the All England Club have stuck steadfastly to plans not to screen World Cup matches this year.

And Press Association Sport understands no provision will be made within the hospitality areas for any of Saturday’s special guests to take in the football.

The England match kicks off at 3pm, while play on Centre Court begins at 1pm.

Former England football captain David Beckham and four 1966 World Cup winners were Royal Box guests on the middle Saturday in 2016.

Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Geoff Hurst, Gordon Banks and Roger Hunt were all in attendance that day.