England v Italy: PM writes good luck message to England squad ahead of Euro final
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has written a message of good luck to the England football team ahead of their historic and eagerly anticipated game with Italy in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final.
Mr Johnson told manager Gareth Southgate and the squad that they had “already made history”.
He said: “You have taken England into the final of a major international competition.
“For most people in this country, it is the first time this has happened in all their lives.
“You have forged a band of brothers whose energy and tenacity and teamwork – and sheer flair – seem to shine in everything you do.
“You have lifted the spirits of the whole country, and tomorrow we know you can lift that trophy too.
“We are not just hoping or praying. We believe in you, Gareth, and your incredible squad.
“On behalf of the entire nation, good luck, have a great game – and bring it home!”
England v Italy: What you need to know about the Euro 2020 final
When is the final happening?
When is the final happening?
The Euro 2020 final kicks off at 8pm on Sunday 11 July at Wembley Stadium.
Can I get a ticket?
Can I get a ticket?
While the capacity for the final, along with both semi-finals which have all been at Wembley, has been increased to more than 60,000, it seems there is little hope of securing a ticket if you do not already have one. As it stands, there are no tickets on sale on the Uefa website for the final. Most ticket sales took place in 2019, long before the matches in each stage of the knockout stage of the competition were known. If the situation changes, however, and more tickets do become available, fans would likely need to stump up hundreds – if not thousands – of pounds to secure a seat.
Where can I watch the game on TV or online?
Where can I watch the game on TV or online?
The game will be broadcast on ITV, with its coverage starting from 6.30pm on Sunday. It will also be available to stream online on the ITV Hub (for viewers in the UK only).
What if I'm watching it at a pub?
What if I'm watching it at a pub?
Pubs in England will be allowed to stay open later on Sunday, in case the final goes to penalties, Downing Street has said.
The government has granted pubs special permission to open until 11.15pm - 15 minutes after normal closing time on Sunday.
It comes after No 10 Downing Street was decked out in St George’s flags ahead of the England football team playing in the Uefa Euro 2020 final on Sunday.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also sent his best wishes to the team.
He said: “On and off the field, you’ve shown the best of England during this tournament.
“You’ve been as fearless as the three lions on our crest. You’ve lit up this tournament. And in spite of those who tried to undermine you, you’ve used your platform to stand up for our shared values as a country.
“In doing so, you have become role models not just to a generation of young people, but to an entire nation.
“I want you to know that as you line up at Wembley today, the whole of England will be bursting with pride watching you.
“We still believe. Bring it home”.
Earlier in the week, MPs from all parties used interventions in the Commons to congratulate the team for making the final, including Jacob Rees-Mogg reciting the John Barnes rap from World In Motion.
The Conservative minister quoted New Order’s Italia 90 anthem before praising the “excellent leadership from Mr Southgate” for guiding England to Sunday’s Euro 2020 final against Italy.
Other MPs hailed England boss Mr Southgate, and made several attempts to reference Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home) – the David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and Lightning Seeds classic which has aided England’s bid for glory.
For Labour, shadow Commons leader Thangam Debbonaire said Mr Johnson should spend some time “studying at the Gareth Southgate school of leadership”.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said on Saturday he was “counting down the minutes until kick-off”.
He said: “The players, Gareth Southgate and the behind the scenes team have done something far more powerful than just win football matches – they have embodied an inclusive, inspiring, forward-looking England that so many people who have never sat through a football match feel connected to and proud of.
“I myself and the Liberal Democrats all wish England the very best for the match. Whatever happens, we have a team we can be proud of playing in a major tournament final at Wembley. Football is already home”.
England v Italy kicks off at 8pm on Sunday, July 11. Coverage starts on ITV from 6.30pm - it will also be available to stream live on the ITV Hub.