Figures from past World Cup and European Championship tournaments demonstrate there is a significant economic boost that accompanies England's participation.
According to a study by the Centre for Economic and Business Research the effect of non-qualification could be as much as £1 billion, based on an examination of the impacts of the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2004.
The report predicts that an England failure to reach Euro 2008 would lead to a dramatic drop in TV advertising revenues and a fall in revenues for betting companies.
The CEBR suggestes that a successful tournament for England would contribute to a boost of more than £285 million for pubs, clubs and off-licences.
The English Football Association says that the immediate financial impact of failure tonight is manageable.
