Euro 2020: Streets littered with rubbish morning after England's defeat at Wembley

England fans walk through the litter strewn on the ground in Trafalgar Square, London, after Italy defeat
FAn England fan draped in a flag walks in the litter in front of St Martin-in-the-Fields church, in Trafalgar Square Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

A huge clean-up effort is under way across England after football fans left masses of rubbish following the Three Lions' defeat to Italy on penalties last night.

Street sweepers were met this morning by mounds of litter left by last night's revellers who had cheered and agonised through the nail biting Euro 2020 final at Wembley.

Fans began gathering in central London early yesterday, with some setting off flares, knocking over bins and uprooting trees to hurl them through the air.

A street cleaner clears up in Trafalgar Square, central London Credit: Victoria Jones/PA
Debris covers a street in London’s Leicester Square after Italy won the Uefa Euro 2020 Final against England Credit: Aaron Chown/PA

Wembley and the West End saw the worst of the litter, which resulted in tonnes of rubbish and broken glass having to be removed. 

Anticipating a big clear up, refuge collectors reportedly started as early as 4am to pick up empty beer cans, spirit bottles and take away containers strewn across the capital.

A street cleaner in Leeds city centre the morning after England were beaten in the final of the UEFA Euro 2020 Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire/PA Images
Street cleaners clear debris in London’s Leicester Square Credit: Kirsty O’Connor/PA
Street cleaners complete the clear-up in London's Leicester Square the morning after England were beaten in the final of the UEFA Euro 2020. Credit: Kirsty O'Connor/PA Wire/PA Images
Litter and broken glass strewn on the ground in front of St Martin-In-The-Fields church, in Trafalgar Square, London, on Sunday night Credit: Victoria Jones/PA

The late-night finish to the match was reflected in quieter than usual streets and motorways around the country.

The M62 motorway at rush hour when traffic is normally at a standstill Credit: Peter Byrne/PA
Empty streets in Liverpool this morning Credit: Peter Byrne/PA

Fans were left devastated when the nation’s dreams of being crowned champions of Europe in front of a home crowd were crushed on Sunday night.

The nation was at a standstill for the Three Lions’ biggest match in 55 years and Luke Shaw’s second minute goal had fans daring to dream that football could well be coming home rather than going to Rome.

But after extra time finished a goal apiece, it was to be Italy's night - with the visitors claiming a win, 3-2 on penalties.

Former England player Paul Ince says Euro 2020 team will 'grow and get better'
Euro 2020: Ten defining images of England's memorable journey to the final