England fans pack out streets of London and Berlin for Euro 2024 final
The biggest moment of the summer is upon us and England fans are out in full force for the Euro 2024 final.
From London’s streets to the bars of Berlin, the Barmy Army are making themselves seen and heard far and wide.
Gareth Southgate’s side take on Spain in the German capital at 8pm, seeking to finally bring it home after 58 long, long years.
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It’s the first time the Three Lions have made the final of a major competition on foreign soil – and it’s safe to say we’re making the most of it.
Beers have been flowing at pubs in Berlin and shirts are off in the 24°C sunshine, with many flocking to an area near Brandenburg Gate and the main square of Breitscheidplatz.
Those lucky enough to get a ticket for the game at the Olympiastadion have also lined the stands with flags, some of which of course say: ‘It’s coming home.’
Fan parks in Germany are also packed with England fans – thousands of which have made the journey.
Among those in Berlin was barber Sam Tattersall, 29, from Nottingham, who shaved a red St George’s Cross into his hair, saying: ‘I thought I’d go for it with the St George’s cross because football’s coming home.’
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Rob Cheetham, 24, from Wiltshire, said he had been camping in Essen since the start of the tournament.
He said: ‘I think the amount of times we’ve gone one behind and come back, no matter what happens in the start of the match I’m still going to have hope.
‘Even if we’re losing in the 90th minute, we’ve still got hope that we can bring it back at the end.’
And it’s not just the host country where crowds have gathered.
As you can imagine, back home in London, the atmosphere has been building all day.
England fans were seen chanting and setting off red flares outside the Admiralty pub in Trafalgar Square.
Hoards of people have packed out the streets with national team replica shirts every way you turn.
Police have been called to Leicester Square to manage the huge crowds gathering.
Thousands are also set to descend on fan zones elsewhere, including in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Bristol.
England manager Southgate said the team has been ‘grateful’ for the support throughout the tournament, adding he hoped to see the ‘same again’ on Sunday evening.
The King, the Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister are among those who have thrown their support behind the team.
Prince William, who will attend the match, said in a social media post on Saturday: ‘We are so proud of you all England, just one last push to finish the job!
‘Go out there and show the world what you’re made of. We believe. W.’
In a message to Southgate’s side, King Charles sent the players the royal family’s ‘very best wishes’ and ‘warmest congratulations’.
He added: ‘If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated!
‘Good luck, England.’
If this is the atmosphere pre-match, you can only imagine the party afterwards if England can win the championship.
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