Yorkshire Bank has found that almost 10% of 25-34-year-olds, the most important homebuying group, are sidelining plans to look for a house during the World Cup, preferring to see how England progress than buy a new home.

Unsurprisingly, perhaps, it is mainly men who are putting plans to buy on hold. Just 1% of women feel England’s bid for glory is a good enough reason not to go house hunting.

Gary Lumby, Yorkshire Bank’s head of retail, said: “Although the market has enjoyed a buoyant year so far, with record lending figures being reported and increasing sales, our research suggests there will be a small slowdown during the World Cup.”

He continued: “Many appear more concerned with how many goals Owen will score than how many bedrooms a new semi-detached may have. Estate agents may also find their offices full of ‘World Cup widows’, women who have left their partners on the bench at home to watch the football.”