England fans ahead of the Euro 2024 final being… England fans (Picture: Rex/Getty/PA)
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.
Follow Metro.co.uk’s live blog for coverage of England vs Spain in the Euro 2024 final
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.
Thousands of England fans gathered in Breitscheidplatz, the main square in Berlin (Picture: AP)
Topless fans soaked up the sunny weather in the German capital (Picture: EPA)
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.’
England fans have been lining the Olympiastadion with flags (Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
These fans believe it’s coming home (Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
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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.
England fans set off smoke flares outside the Admiralty pub in Trafalgar Square in London (Picture: Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutt)
There were flares going off in Leicester Square too (Picture: AP)
It’s already party time in Berlin (Picture: Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutt)
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.
Police officers have been pictured in Leicester Square (Picture: Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press Wire/Shu)
England have made it to the final and the occasion is huge (Picture: Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press Wire/Shu)
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.’
Is it coming home? (Picture: Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press Wire/Shu)
Fans are in full voice (Picture: Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press Wire/Shu)
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.’
There is a dedicated England Fan Zone at Breitscheidplatz (Picture: UEFA via Getty Images)
There’s sure to be plenty of beer flowing tonight (Picture: UEFA via Getty Images)
The best hair award goes to… (Picture: AP)
If this is the atmosphere pre-match, you can only imagine the party afterwards if England can win the championship.
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