RAIL workers watching the Euro 2024 final could lead to problems on the trains on Sunday, travellers are being warned.

Great Western Railway (GWR) is warning passengers to check their journey before leaving home on Sunday (July 14) as the company anticipates a shortage of train crew.

Engineering work in Oxfordshire and the Severn Tunnel means more staff than normal are required to run train services, while sickness – and England reaching the final of the Euros – are also likely to reduce the number of workers available for overtime shifts, the company said.

“GWR will implement contingency plans to protect core services and minimise disruption for customers,” a spokesperson said.

“These are particularly likely to impact frequencies on branch line services and cause short-notice cancellations and alterations, on long-distance services between London Paddington and Bristol; London Paddington, Swindon and Cheltenham/Gloucester; Bristol Temple Meads and Exeter/Plymouth.

“The number of cancellations could lead to a train every two hours on these lines, and other routes may also be affected.”

On the impacted routes, trains are set to be “very busy”, the spokesperson added, and “customers may find it more convenient to travel the day before or after”.

GWR said tickets for travel on Sunday would therefore now be valid on Saturday (July 13) or Monday (July 15).

“There are likely to be other short-notice changes through the day on Saturday and customers can keep up-to-date with the latest information at www.gwr.com/check,” the spokesperson added.

“If trains are cancelled, customers can use their existing ticket on the previous or the next available service.

“If you choose not to travel the usual refund arrangements remain in place.”