England and Italy fans have come out in force ahead of the Euro 2020 final, with even Queen Elizabeth II sending a letter of support to the English
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England and Italy fans have come out in force ahead of the Euro 2020 final, with even Queen Elizabeth II sending a letter of support to the English team’s manager.
Key points:
- Queen Elizabeth sent a letter to the England manager recalling presenting the World Cup to the English team in 1966
- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnston also wished the team luck
- This is Italy’s 10th final in a major tournament
England fans have lined the roads at St George’s Park to cheer on the home team on its final journey to the stadium.
And Italy supporters are flying their red, white and green flag in the host country and back home, as well as dancing in the streets.
The match will be played at Wembley Stadium at 8:00pm CEST, which is 5:00am AEST tomorrow.
Pressure to perform
The pressure has never been so high on this group of England players.
The national team reached the semifinals at the 2018 World Cup in Russia but was a long way from home, unaware of much of the hysteria.
England captain Harry Kane said the experience this time is different.
Players can see it before their very eyes.
“Seeing the fans on the streets like they have been, the reception we had as we pulled into the hotel here and as we were leaving St. George’s Park, it just has shown us how big an occasion it is,” Kane said.
Azzurri fans out in force
Italian fans were also seen cheering their team, waving flags and holding up jerseys as it arrived via bus for the final.
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Wow… what a send-off! 😍
Amazing scenes as the #ThreeLions depart St. George’s Park for the final time. pic.twitter.com/FU9Z3417nC
— England (@England) July 10, 2021
Queen Elizabeth sends support
Queen Elizabeth II sent a message to the England soccer manager to wish the team luck ahead of its most anticipated game since the 1966 World Cup final.
The Queen wrote a letter to manager Gareth Southgate in which she recalled her memory of presenting the World Cup to England in 1966 and seeing the joy that brought.
“I want to … 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,” she wrote.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also wished the team good luck in a letter on Saturday.
He congratulated them on what they had achieved so far and praised their teamwork and “sheer flair”.
“You have lifted the spirits of the whole country, and tomorrow we know you can lift that trophy too,” Mr Johnson wrote.
Ahead of the final, beer sales are soaring across the England and special permission has been given for children to start school late on Monday.
If England wins the tournament, there is speculation Mr Johnson could announce a national holiday to celebrate.
A petition asking for a day off if the team wins has gained more than 350,000 signatures.
While England have only once previously reached the final of a major tournament, this will be Italy’s 10th such final.
What time is the Euro 2020 final on in Australia?
Kick off is 5am AEST. You can watch it on Optus Sport and follow along in our live blog
