Hope and excitement is building across the nation as the countdown to England’s Euro 2020 final against Italy begins – marking the first time many could see the team win a trophy.
Ahead of the men’s team’s biggest game in 55 years, celebrations were already well underway with revellers already hitting town centre bars and pubs on Saturday night adorned in England flags.
Millions of fans are expected to tune into the live broadcast of the match in living rooms and pubs this evening, while 60,000 supporters are set to cheer on the squad at Wembley Stadium.
The Queen, prime minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Keir Starmer led messages of support for the Three Lions as England fans flooded social media sites with well wishes.
In a video posted to his Twitter account on Sunday morning, Mr Johnson said: “Best of luck to England tonight. It’s been an incredible journey so far but we’re all hoping you can go one better and bring it home tonight.”
The Duke of Cambridge, who is also president of the FA, said: “I can’t really believe this is happening. So exciting and I just wish you the very best of luck.
“You bring out the very best of England and we are all behind you. The whole country is behind you. So, bring it home.”
The final – set to attract a record television audience of 35 million – will kick off at 8pm and could last until around 11pm if there is extra time or a penalty shootout.
As such, pubs will be allowed to open until 11.15pm on Sunday instead of the usual 10.30pm.
A predicted 7.1 million pints will be bought over the course of the day, according to the British Beer & Pub Association, with many watering holes that are showing the game fully booked for the event.
Schools across England have promised pupils the option to start later on Monday if they are staying up to watch the game, while some employers also considering letting workers have a lie-in.
A welcome extra bank holiday could also reportedly be on the cards for those feeling worse for wear tomorrow should England win.
Last week, Three Lions (It’s Coming Home) by Baddiel, Skinner and the Lightning Seeds stormed back into the UK Top Five, following the nation’s winning streak so far in the tournament.
While Uefa reportedly rejected a request for the comedians to perform on the pitch before the final, they will perform the football anthem at London’s 229 club for 200 fans on Sunday afternoon.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3yOg7W2
Post a Comment