FIRED-UP England fans have let off flares and climbed buses as they descend on Wembley – while millions have packed in pubs for tonight’s historic Euro 2020 final.
Supporters have been belting out It’s Coming Home as the Three Lions prepare to take on Italy in our biggest game in 55 years.
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Excitement has reached fever pitch some eager fans queuing from 5am to get the drinks in despite the risk of torrential rain today.
Wembley is already filling up with a sea of supporters heading to the stadium early.
Smoke has filled the air as flares are let off outside the stadium and in London’s Leicester Square with fans flooding the streets.
Thousands of fans descended on the square to party and share in the excitement ahead of kickoff tonight.
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Excited Three Lions supporters are also roaring from the top of buses as the air crackles with anticipation.
An England fan near to Trafalgar Square, James Heath, 26, from Lewisham, south London, said: “This is absolutely the biggest day of your life if you are an England fan – nothing is bigger.
“I reckon a massive party needs to happen if we win and even if we lose – everyone should be massively proud of this country.
“Let’s just hope it comes home, to do it over a big nation like Italy would be the cherry on top.”
England supporters could be seen carrying boxes of alcohol around Trafalgar Square.
Fans walked the streets with St George’s flags painted on their faces.
Large groups are congregating near to the landmark without having tickets for the official fan zone.
Neil Rose, 23, a student from Stratford, east London, said: “I don’t care about tickets or anything like that.
“I’m here to drink, have a laugh and watch England make history.
“After the year everyone has had, that’s what we deserve.”
England fan Kate Genery, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, said ahead of the game: “I’m feeling very pumped for the whole tournament. I’m riding on that wave.
“Considering with Covid-19, everyone’s had a s****y year. You can sense a real buzz in London today, it’s like something is about to pop.”
Ben McDonald, 19, attended The Lightning Seeds gig at the 229 music venue in central London today.
He said: “I came for the live music. It’s been so long, and I love The Lightning Seeds, but the atmosphere with the football fans is really fun. You can definitely feel something building up.”
The 229 venue became a sea of St George flags as the crowd cheered along to Frank Skinner and David Baddiel and The Lightning Seeds’ rendition of Three Lions.
Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick as England won the 1966 World Cup Final, introduced comedians Skinner and Baddiel on to the stage as the crowd became ecstatic with cheers, screams and jumping along to the tune.
The mood was jubilant as the crowd danced along. England chants continued after the song was done and the audience broke out into a chorus of Sweet Caroline.
King’s Cross St Pancras train station in London was temporarily closed today after smoke from flares set off by England fans went inside.
Hollywood star Tom Cruise has said he will be cheering on England tonight and doesn’t care what the score is “as long as England win”.
The Hollywood actor will watch the match at Wembley tonight after attending the men’s final at Wimbledon.
Cruise told The Sun: “I’ll be cheering on England later. I’m heading to watch it after the tennis.
“I don’t care what the score is as long as England win. Come on England!”
Football mad Cruise has also taken time out of his busy filming schedule to wish Harry Kane and the rest of the team good luck before tonight’s Euro 2020 final.
Meanwhile councils are now fencing off areas to stop a repeat of wild celebrations that have erupted during the Three Lions’ successful campaign.
A busy square in Manchester that was the centre of euphoric scenes following England’s semi-final win against Denmark is closed off.
After a bleak year that saw Euro 2020 delayed by 12 months, the Three Lions’ impressive run through the tournament has finally given the nation hope.
Excitement simmering under the surface has now exploded as supporters come together to make the beautiful game beautiful again.
Flags flying from windows and chants of Football’s Coming Home have echoed across England as fans prove they still believe after 55 years of hurt.
Many have seen this tournament as Gareth Southgate’s redemption after his saved penalty saw England crash out of Euro 96.
The gaffer has now one-upped every Three Lions manager since Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966 by guiding his team to a spot in the final of a major competition.
His hardworking squad have become national heroes after shunning pubs and parties for swimming pool inflatables and golf.
Gone are the names of past England players – their younger counterparts who grew up in the shadow of Wembley’s famous arch now uttered on the lips of the nation.
Players such as baby-faced starlet Bukayo Saka, Utd new boy Jadon Sancho and Chelsea star Mason Mount may not remember England’s past heartache but have instead written their own history.
The trusted squad, who have only conceded one goal throughout the competition, will remain basically unchanged for tonight’s final.
The only player from the starting 11 against Denmark that will miss out is Arsenal hero Saka with Kieran Trippier taking the helm instead.
Phil Foden is also absent through injury after picking up a foot issue in training.
But the players will have to work extra hard – with England winning just eight of their 27 meetings with Italy through the years.
The Italians have also blocked the Three Lions from ever recording a victory in World Cup of Euro games.
Southgate said “phenomenal” support at Wembley and across the nation had made a huge difference.
He added: “It’s not an experience we have had for a long time.
“The players are feeling that warmth, connection and that energy.”
Even the Queen has shared her support for our boys – evoking the spirit of 1966 when she handed the World Cup to England Captain Bobby Moore after the 4-2 win over Germany.
Addressing the letter to Southgate, the monarch said: “55 years ago I was fortunate to present the World Cup to Bobby Moore and saw what it meant to the players, management and support staff to reach and win the final of a major international football tournament.
“I want to send my congratulations and that of my family to you all on reaching the final of the European Championships, and send my good wishes for tomorrow with the hope that history will record not only your success but also the spirit, commitment, and pride with which you have conducted yourselves.”
Other famous faces have also rallied around the team, with messages from Boris Johnson, Tom Cruise, Anthony Joshua and Harry Kane’s wife Kate.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
