FOOTBALL fans can bag themselves a free drink at three Warrington pubs tomorrow, Wednesday.

But only if they can prove their footballing knowledge ahead of a big summer of sport which includes the Euros.

The offer comes as a nationwide survey by Greene King Brewery reveals just how much Brits know about the beautiful game – with nearly one in five admitting they don’t know any football lingo at all.

Proving one of the most troublesome phrases, almost three in four Brits (74%) are unfamiliar with the modern false nine position, which has inspired Greene King’s brand-new False Nine golden ale.

The drink is a four per cent, easy-drinking beer that ‘makes for the perfect accompaniment for the football’, with refreshing citrus and tropical notes.

The false nine position refers to a striker who operates in a deeper role than usual, linking the play with the midfield to the wide areas or helping the team progress up the pitch.

To celebrate the launch of the new drink, Greene King will be giving away free pints of False Nine across 532 pubs nationwide.

Among them are Thorn Inn in Appleton Thorn, Golden Fleece in Lymm and Mulberry Tree Inn in Stockton Heath.

But only if punters can name a false nine player, including the top five voted for in the UK-wide survey – Lionel Messi, Phil Foden, Johan Cruyff, Roberto Firmino and Francesco Totti.

False Nine will be available in selected pubs, running from now right through to the Euros final on July 14.

Former Arsenal and England forward Alan Smith, now a commentator and pundit, said: “The modern false nine is quite a tricky position to define, so it is not surprising to hear the nation is a bit confused by what exactly it means.

“From Messi to Firmino, there have been some iconic footballers that have played in this role, so it is great to see a nod to the position with the launch of Greene King’s new False Nine golden ale.

“Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual supporter who does not even know what the offside rule is, now is the time to get behind the nation and cheer them on to glory this summer.

“What better way to do it than at the pub with your friends and family – and a refreshing pint of False Nine in hand.

“So, head to your local Greene King tomorrow and simply name a false nine player (Messi, Foden, Cruyff, Firmino or Totti) to grab your free drink.”

Will Hemmings, marketing director for brewing and brands at Greene King, added: “We are delighted to launch our new False Nine beer, in perfect time for this summer’s football.

“To celebrate the launch, we are going to be giving away the pint for free for one day only in selected Greene King Pubs, but only to those that can prove their football knowledge by naming a false nine player, including those voted the top five players by our nationwide survey.

“All pub-goers need to do is give the name of a false nine player at the bar when buyinh the drink, then they can claim at no cost at all.

“We are hoping this will give Brits the taste of False Nine ahead of the big games, meaning punters across the nation can enjoy the drink throughout the tournament as they toast to England and Scotland.”

To find a participating Greene King pub, visit greeneking.co.uk/our-beers/seasonal-range/false-nine/pint-finder