ENGLAND’S success in the World Cup coupled with the hot weather has led to a drop in Oxford blood donations, according to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).

Stores of O negative (which is compatible with all blood types) have become depleted in particular, prompting an urgent call for people with that type to donate in the next few days.

In normal warm weather, donations can drop by as much as 10 per cent, but on Saturday when England beat Sweden in the quarter finals, donations fell by as much as 20 per cent because so many were busy watching the game.

The combined effect has cost the NHS around 2,000 blood donations in the last two weeks.

Director of blood donation for NHSBT Mike Stredder said: “Nationally, we aim to have six days of worth of blood stocks but today we only have three days of O negative blood.

“O negative is especially important because it is the universal donor group which can be given to almost anyone in emergencies.

“We need donors with other blood groups to keep their appointments as usual but this urgent appeal is specific to O negative.

“If you are O negative and you can give blood, please donate now.

O negative donors can book appointments or just turn up to the Oxford donor centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital (all donors must make sure they are well hydrated on the day of donation).

Call 0300 123 23 23 or visit blood.co.uk