England fans party into the night after Three Lions beat Denmark

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England fans will wake up nursing a national hangover this morning after thousands of supporters partied through the night following the country’s historic victory at Wembley last night. 

Scores of supporters prepared to call in sick for work today following a night of booze-fuelled partying after the Three Lions defeated Denmark 2-1 during a nail-biting showdown in front of 60,000 spectators at the Wembley Stadium. 

Last night’s victory is a historic achievement for England and ended their 55-year wait to qualify for a major final – sealing their place in Sunday’s final against Italy.

The scenes of celebration came as police revealed 20 arrests have been made by officers for a number of offences including common assault, public order and assault on police. 

Following England’s victory, crowds of fans in Wembley leapt onto their seats and waved their flags in the air as Gareth Southgate’s squad beat their rivals following a nerve-shredding thriller.

And in London’s Trafalgar Square, hundreds of fans were seen blocking traffic as the celebrations poured onto the streets.

Some formed an impromptu mosh pit in front of the big screens while others grouped together at the London landmark with chants of ‘Southgate you’re the one’ and ‘Don’t take me home’ ringing out.

Fans with flags were also spotted lighting red flares and sending smoke through the night sky as around 50 officers stood in attendance, watching from a distance.    

Car horns also blared from the roads in an attempt to join in with the celebrations as shirtless fans threw beer into the air.

Music royalty manager Roisin Brophy, 31, from Bath, said: ‘It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment and incredible to experience it in Trafalgar Square. Football could be coming home, and this is lifting the whole country after Covid.’ 

Accountant Paul Mehta, 38, from South London, said: ‘The beers have been flowing and Italy will be tough in the final, but we can do it.

‘The players will be real heroes if we win it. Southgate got his decisions right for the semi, and the players are performing well for him.’

Vic Richards, 22, from Croydon, south London, said: ‘I’m still trying to compute what happened, I’ve never seen England make a final.

‘It’s beautiful, it’s unbelievable, I love this country, the players gave it their all. This is an historic occasion, we may never see this again- now we can start to believe.’ 

England are now just one game from football glory after they secured a spectacular victory over Denmark after Harry Kane’s extra-time penalty-kick secured the Three Lions’ place in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final against Italy.     

Following England’s spectacular victory, window cleaner Terry Johnson, 72, of Partington, Greater Manchester, who watched the 1966 World Cup Final in his sitting room, said: ‘It’s amazing. I have waited more than 50 years to see us in another final and it’s happened.

‘I am so happy especially for those who have not seen us in a final. I watched the World Cup final win with my nine brothers and sisters. And now I get the chance to see us win something again. I’m confident we go on and lift trophy.’

And hairdresser Jane Brooks, 23, of Blackpool, Lancashire, said: ‘That was incredible. It was so nervy but the boys did it.

‘Gareth has everyone bouncing. It feels like we have won the lottery. I can’t wait for the final.’

Earlier tonight, excited fans eager to soak up the atmosphere, donned replica kits, face paint and fancy dress as they began to arrive to the Wembley Stadium before kick-off. 

Meanwhile thousands were seen filling out the tables and enjoying a drink at Boxpark in Croydon ahead of the eagerly anticipated game. 

One supporter, Chris Flood, 38, from Croydon, said: ‘We’re going to win it. Obviously penalties are 50/50 but it’s not going to happen, the way England have been playing.’ 

And Estelle Vella, 29, a product developer also from Croydon, said: ‘We’ve got a great team. Harry Kane is on top form and with Raheem Sterling up front, we can’t lose.’  

Another fan at Croydon’s Boxpark, Jack Hockney, 22, from Enfield, said: ‘No nerves, no nerves around here. We’ve not conceded a goal, we’re not going to concede a goal. It’s coming home.’         

His friend Tom agreed, saying it ‘is coming home, simple as that. 3-0 England. Kane two. Done’.

Elsewhere in Manchester, more than 1,800 football fans, some of whom sported inflatable lions, Three Lions hats and Gareth Southgate cut-outs, arrived to a specially built fan park to cheer on the Three Lions.

Businessman Rob Davenport, 42, of Altrincham, Greater Manchester said: ‘It’s really hot inside here. But they look good and it’s great to have them to cheer on the boys.

‘I couldn’t get to South Africa for the lions tour so I brought a lion here. It’s gonna be fantastic – I think they will score first bu we’ll win 3-1.’

And Sam Bowden, 35, of Burnley, Lancashire, said: ‘We’ll take Gareth out on the town if we win. He’ll be a big pull and I’ll sure we will win.’ 

Accountant Mike Kerr, 43, of Bolton, said: ‘I am so nervous. I thought we were gonna score so many times.

‘But I still believe as we look more dangerous than them. I just pray we can score before it goes to the dreaded penalties.’

Elsewhere, thousands of England fans without tickets for the official fan zone in central London’s Trafalgar Square gathered in the area to avoid ‘missing out’ on the atmosphere.

Fans roared ‘football’s coming home’ as the rock band the Lightning Seeds played live in the Trafalgar Square fan zone just before the match.

Supporters later stood for the national anthem with most fans wearing Three Lions shirts and hundreds of red and white flags seen fluttering beneath Nelson’s column  

Luke Hughes, 19, a student from Watford, said: ‘I’ve seen the scenes on social media of everyone chanting and singing in London after the game has finished – there is no way I am missing that.

‘I think it will be a tough game, maybe decided on one goal, but if we win, this place will be electric. It’s coming home.’ 

England fan Benjamin Crew, 32, a roofer from Woking in Surrey, said: ‘I’m feeling fantastic, we’re going to win the lot.’

Finance work Emma Jones, 25, from Central London, said: ‘It’s coming home. Everyone is so up for it here. The team have been amazing and we’re going to cheer them on to the final. The team is bringing the country together after a tough year. Come on England.’ 

Student Dylan Robalino, 20, from South London, said: ‘It’s incredible watching the game with 1000 fans. Kane and sterling are in form and we have the quality to win the semi – and the final.’ 

And in Newcastle’s Times Square hundreds were seen soaking up the sun as they geared up for the match. 

England superfan Chris Dowse, who lives on the flag-bestrewn Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, south-east London, said he had declined the offer of tickets to the Euro 2020 semi-final because he would rather watch the game in the company of his neighbours.

The 42-year-old said: ‘I’ve been offered tickets but I’ve turned them down. Firstly, I’m not rich and I’d like to spend that money on my kids.

‘But secondly, I am really proud of what we’ve achieved on this estate, so I will be watching it here.     

England fans without tickets to the game went drinking in London’s Leicester Square before heading to the official fan zone in Trafalgar Square to watch the semi-final clash. Two supporters from Stockton-on-Tees even travelled 250 miles to soak up the atmosphere in the capital. 

Ahead of the game tonight, one construction decided to show their support for the team by spelling out ‘it’s coming home’ in roof tiles atop a home in Swallows Meadow, Solihull.

Benn Ricket and James Weller, who run BMR Roofing and Property Maintenance, said they wanted to spread some cheer after a difficult year during the pandemic. 

IEarlier today, the stadium was awash with red, white and blue, with onlookers describing scenes of ‘carnage’ as huge numbers of England fans sang ‘It’s Coming Home’ and ‘God Save the Queen’, and let off flares while taking selfies with rival supporters wearing Viking horns.  

Ben Edwards, 43, Craig Pope, 47, Matt Glew, 38 and ‘tamer’ Laurence Page, 72, who was wearing an England flag top hat, from Maidstone, said they were confident of victory. Mr Glew said: ‘It’s our toughest test yet but I reckon we’re going to win 2-0.’

Pointing at his lion headgear, the former banker added: ‘We paid about £100 per hat but it was worth every single penny, we’ve been asked for autographs and all sorts.’

Mr Edwards, who works in cyber security, said: ‘Denmark aren’t going to win – it’s coming home.’ Mr Pope, who works in construction, added: ‘We’re going to get past our semi-final hoodoo.’

Jo Andrews, 36, a property manager from Portsmouth who was wearing an England hat and face paint, said she was ‘absolutely excited’ to be there.

She said: ‘We are definitely going to win tonight – 3-1. This is our turn, this is our chance and we are going to win tonight and we are coming back Sunday.’

England fans have travelled from far and wide to support the team. Two supporters, who gave their names only as Clare, 47 and Charlotte, 44, both from Stockton-on-Tees, said they have travelled around 250 miles to watch the game in London ‘on a whim’.

The pair have no tickets to Wembley, but made the journey to support the team in the capital and enjoy the atmosphere.

Clare said: ‘We saw it on YouTube, the fan zone and everything, and we thought we want to be a part of that.’

A father and son said they have travelled to London from Nottingham after winning tickets to the semi-finals two years ago in a ballot.

James Garmon, 45 has brought his son, Harry Garmon, 11, to see a match at Wembley Stadium for the first time, and only surprised him with the tickets recently.

Speaking before they headed to the stadium, Mr Garmon said: ‘Harry is a big football fan, he plays football, so what better time to come down and see the England team.

‘I entered the ballot a couple of years ago to get tickets for the semi-finals, hoping England would get through and the plan was if they got through, though he was nine at the time, I thought I would bring my son to come and see England.

‘It all worked out, it’s been two years in the making.’ 

A sea of Three Lions shirts and England flags could be seen at the fan zone in Trafalgar Square. Supporters cheered as it was announced that England could make their first major tournament final since 1966.

An announcer told the crowd: ‘This is historic. It’s an iconic night tonight.’

One supporter, Dave Smalls, 42, a plumber from Basildon in Essex, said: ‘I honestly can’t wait for this – everything seems different to tournaments in the past.

‘Gareth Southgate has not just united a team, but a country – it’s a team you can get behind.’

England superfan Chris Dowse, who lives on the flag-bestrewn Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, south-east London, said he had declined the offer of tickets to the Euro 2020 semi-final because he would rather watch the game in the company of his neighbours.

The 42-year-old said: ‘I’ve been offered tickets but I’ve turned them down. Firstly, I’m not rich and I’d like to spend that money on my kids. But secondly, I am really proud of what we’ve achieved on this estate, so I will be watching it here.’

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: ‘The Met is very well prepared for the increase in fans. 

‘We have a very experienced policing team in place and will continue to prevent crime and disorder and respond effectively to any incidents. We have deployed a great many officers and specialist units. 

‘We want people to be able to enjoy the Euros 2020 safely and securely. London still remains in a public health crisis. There are Government guidelines in place and we ask people to follow these and remain socially distanced. 

‘My message is clear: If you don’t have a ticket to the matches, fan zone or officially booked into a pub, bar or club, please do not come to London – you could end up missing the game.’

By 5pm this afternoon – three hours before kick-off – England fans were singing footie anthem ‘It’s Coming Home’ and songs about star defender Harry Maguire while drinking cans of lager and cider. 

The police kept a watchful eye, but the atmosphere was good-natured as bars and cafes around the stadium were packed with people. 

The Anglo-Danish clash has been friendly so far, with one England fan even revealing that he faces being sent off to sleep in the shed if England win tonight – by his Danish wife.

Chris Kerin, 38, will be given his marching orders by wife Christina if Southgate’s team overcome Denmark tonight in their Euro 2020 semi-final.

The couple from Hertfordshire will watch the tense match at Wembley together with both hoping that they get bragging rights at the final whistle. 

Furniture worker Chris was today wearing a classic red England kit with an England scarf round his neck while Christina, 30, originally from Denmark’s third largest city, Odense, was draped in her nation’s flag.

Predicting a 2-1 win to Denmark while sitting on Wembley Way, nurse Christina said: ‘I think we’re going to win tonight, I think we are on a great run.

‘We have a two-year-old son back at home and I’ve convinced him to support mummy’s team so it’s two against one in our household. England are good but I think Denmark are better.’

Chris, however, predicted that England would come out on top – after extra time and penalties. He said: ‘I don’t like getting too carried away but I think we’ll hopefully go through… but it might have to be from a dreaded penalty shootout. 

‘I was getting nervous last night watching the Italians and Spanish. I just hope we can scrape a win within the 90-minutes. Denmark are a very tough team and are definitely a concern, it won’t be easy.

‘I’ll be over the moon if we get through to our first final since 1966… but I’ll be in the doghouse that’s for sure. I’ll probably be spending tonight in the shed if that happens! But we’ll try and enjoy the game together, it’s been a good atmosphere so far.’

Chris and Christina were among thousands of England and Denmark football fans milling around Wembley this afternoon ahead of the 8pm kick-off. 

Some England fans came dressed as knights and faced off against their Danish rivals clad in Viking outfits.

Jospeh Afrane, meanwhile, wore a St George’s flag shirt and tie, shoes decorated with the Union flag and a white suit as he held his England scarf aloft under the famous arch.

The 55-year-old from Battersea, South London, said: ‘I think England will win 2-0 and I correctly predicted the result against Germany. I’m confident they can do it. I think Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling are going to play well and team up again.

‘I hope they don’t underestimate Denmark though, as they can frighten England, especially on the break. It’s time for England to get to a final and I’ll be cheering them on all the way.’

Confident couple Lee and Steph Roberts from Medway in Kent were predicting a 3-1 win to England. Both work for McDonalds – where they met – and shelled out just over £1,000 for the tickets

Lee, 37, said: ‘I went on the UEFA website and snapped them up after the Germany game so it was a bit of a risk as I could’ve been watching Ukraine vs Sweden but luckily we got through and I’m watching England.

‘I’m quietly confident, this is the best team we’ve had in years and so far things have started to click. I don’t think anyone else has got through five games at a tournament and not conceded any goals – certainly not any previous England teams. 

‘I think Denmark are a good, strong and well-drilled side and it won’t be easy by any margin but I think we’ll have too much for them.’

Steph added: ‘I think both Denmark and – if we do get through – Italy are beatable. I don’t think England need fear anyone, we’re as good as any team at the moment.’ 

Images from across the country showed supporters getting into the spirit, with a set of flag-waving supporters stopping traffic to recreate the famous Vindaloo video in Kidderminster, West Midlands.  

One father, meanwhile, filmed himself singing ‘It’s Coming Home’ as he rushed his pregnant fiancee to hospital. Simmie Sweeney woke up this morning to find partner Amy Watts, 27, had gone into labour and as he rushed her to hospital, he decided to burst into song, singing the 1996 Three Lion’s hit while Amy squirmed in pain next to him. 

The video has now been viewed more than 47,000 times, with Mr Sweeney tweeting: ‘Mrs is currently in labour – reckon I’ll be out in time for tonight?’  

His excitement was shared by fans up and down the country who shared photos of themselves wearing England shirts, as others lined up outside Boxpark near Wembley stadium and flocked to bars hours before kick-off. 

The Boxpark fans sang and drank throughout the afternoon, as other fans moved across Wembley Way to soak up the atmosphere. 

Around 6.8 million pints are expected to be poured, with the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) saying that fans will buy 50,000 pints a minute over the course of the match. 

And former England captain Wayne Rooney showed he was ready for the clash, waking up his children by blaring Three Lions through his house this morning. 

The Duke of Cambridge, who is president of the Football Association, will be among those inside the ground to watch the match, which will be the first time the men’s team has made it to the semi-final of a European Championship since an ill-fated penalty shoot-out defeat to Germany at Euro 96. 

The incredible footage of fans recreating the Vindaloo video was filmed in Kidderminster and organised by Kiddy Lad, a local social media personality who put out a request for a ‘huge crowd’ of people to show up at around 7pm on Monday.

Several residents answered his call, with footage showing people of all ages waving flags, letting off smoke flares and holding signs as Kiddy Lad led the march on the back of a truck. 

England fans were in buoyant mood this morning as they prepared to roar on the Three Lions in their Euro 2020 semi-final tonight.

Supporters had started to gather in central London to cheer on Gareth Southgate’s team against a tough Denmark side at Wembley. Wearing the 1966 red England World Cup winning shirt, Andy Hallett and friend Jeff Courtney were sipping coffee in a cafe in Soho.

Civil servant Andy, 34, from Bow in East London, said: ‘I’ve got the day off because it’s my birthday today and I’m hoping England are going to give me a great birthday present tonight.  

‘We’ve been going great and have really grown into the tournament and now confidence is high. It’s going to be a tough game, Denmark are a very resilient side and everyone has a soft spot for them at the moment because of what happened to Christian Eriksen.

‘But I’m hoping for a 2-0 win to England this evening. I think it’s going to be a good, clean game. Last night’s game between Italy and Spain had too much diving and play acting but I don’t think we’ll see that tonight as both teams are pretty respectful.’  

Jeff, 35, added: ‘I think it’s going to be close but I’m hoping England just about edge it.’

Courier Danny Arnold, 24, left his home in Stockport, Lancashire at 4am this morning to deliver pizza supplies to Rudy’s Neapolitan restaurant in Soho.

Sporting a burgundy England shirt, the Manchester United fan said: ‘I wanted to get up and do the early delivery this morning so I can get back home to watch the match.

‘It’s ironic that I’m delivering to an Italian restaurant as I really hope it’s Italy who England play next! 

‘We’ve been very good in their last couple of games but we’ve also had that little bit of luck that you need to go far in tournaments.

‘I’ve been pleased with the United lads as well, particularly Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire, whose built up a really solid partnership with John Stones so far. Denmark will be no pushover but I just hope we can get to our first final since 1966.’

University friends Megan Beattie and Annie Robinson said they were both looking forward to the big game tonight.

Professional dancer Megan, 22, joked: ‘It’s coming home! It has to be – England fans have waited so long for a taste of success. I like the Denmark team but Mason Mount is my favourite player and I hope that he and the rest of the England team step up again tonight. They’ve all been brilliant so far.’

Nissan has come up with the perfect tribute to Southgate ahead of tonight’s Euro 2020 semi-final clash with Denmark. The car giant has renamed one of the entrances to its Sunderland plant in tribute to the England manager, who previously managed Middlesbrough.

A goods entrance at the plant has been rebranded The Nissan Southgate, with his name and face etched on a mound nearby.

The entrance, which has been known as ‘The South Gate’ since the plant first opened 35 years ago, is used by thousands of staff and part delivery drivers every day.

Nissan said they wanted to show their support for Southgate as England will play in the semi-final against Denmark tonight.

Michael Jude, HR Director at Nissan Sunderland Plant said: ‘Thousands of our team here at the plant and supplier delivery drivers use the Nissan Plant South Gate every single day.

‘To show our support for Gareth and the lads for tonight we’ve renamed it the Nissan Southgate, complete with a picture of the man himself. Come on England.’

Student occupational therapist Annie, 21, said: ‘I think the team has done the country so proud and they’ve given us a much-needed lift after all we’ve been through with Covid and lockdowns. It’s like there’s a little bit of normality back in people’s lives and I’m really enjoying it.

‘But just imagine how amazing it would be if England made it to the final and actually went on to win – there’d be a massive party!’

Meanwhile, Italy fan Matteo Orletti, 28, hoped the Danes go on to meet his countrymen in the final. Matteo, who works at Caffè Nero in Soho, went to last night’s match between Italy and Spain and said: ‘It was incredible, an unbelievable atmosphere at Wembley and what a result!

‘I have to say that I want Denmark to play Italy in the final because I’m an Inter Milan fan and Christian Eriksen is one of our players. Denmark would be doing it for him. But I think England is going to win tonight and that won’t be a bad thing seeing as I’ve been living in London for the last five years.

‘Who will win the championship? Who knows! Italy have a chance and I’m going to try and see them in the final this weekend.’ 

Bars in nearby Leicester Square and Soho were this morning preparing to welcome thousands of thirsty England fans ahead of the 8pm game – although due to Covid regulations most places required supporters to book in advance. 

Jack Innes, 27, who works at The Crown and Two Chairmen pub on Dean Street said: ‘We’re going to be at capacity for this game so there’ll be about 100-people.

‘It’s what we need really after being closed so long due to the Covid lockdown.

‘I’m hoping an England victory will keep our patrons in good spirits!’

Elsewhere in London, stewards were already in place at the fan zone in Trafalgar Square from 9.30am this morning despite it not opening until 5pm this evening.

One said: ‘We are letting in 900 supporters to watch the match on the big screens. It’s slightly more than the 750 who were allowed in to watch the group matches. 

‘It’s free to come in but you have to enter a ballot to get a ticket. Hopefully it’s going to be a great atmosphere tonight.’  

The crowd at Wembley will be the largest since coronavirus restrictions were introduced last spring, and Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said he cannot guarantee there will not be an outbreak of Covid-19 cases linked to football fans watching the game.

He told LBC radio: ‘I think we can manage this risk but to say there is no risk, if you have thousands of people in one place… there’s always risk in life.

‘I think we’re managing the risk. I’m confident there won’t be a big outbreak but we can’t guarantee that now.’

Those watching from outside venues may need to be prepared for all weathers, with sunshine and showers forecast for parts of England throughout the day, although London is expected to remain dry during the match. 

Looking forward to the game, one fan wrote this morning: ‘Never been so excited/nervous for a football match but I’m ready with my shirt on ready to watch c’mon England.’

Another said: ‘Right I can’t wait any longer! Getting my first beer, so excited for tonight’s match. 3 lions, vindaloo & the great escape are going to be banged out for the next few hours.’

While a third said: ‘I am so, so excited and I really hope we win tonight. I know that sounds very basic but I’m really enjoying England doing well and want to watch the final in a pub with my best friends.’

Even the Coldstream Guards got into the action, after Prince Charles invited them to blare out renditions of Three Lions and Sweet Caroline from the gardens of Clarence House yesterday. 

More than 30 million fans in living rooms, pubs and fan zones across the country will unite to cheer every England attack. 

In the stadium, Prince William will be leading the cheers, though he will be without his family tonight because Kate is self-isolating at home after coming into contact with someone who had tested positive for Covid.

George is not expected at the ground, given the late start time on what is a school night. In the red corner, the Danish royal family have been given special permission to skip UK quarantine measures so they can watch the game at Wembley. 

Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, his wife Princess Mary, and their 15-year-old son Prince Christian have been given exemptions to travel to London for the clash. 

Furious Denmark fans threatened to ‘come by sea like the Vikings’ after they were banned from travelling under the country’s Covid rules. Only about 6,000 Danes living in England will be at Wembley. 

Boris Johnson said: ‘Gareth Southgate and the England squad have done the nation proud in the Euros, and tonight we will all be wishing them the best of luck in getting to the final. Bring it home.’

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) believes fans will buy 50,000 pints a minute over the course of the match.

Ten million pints could be poured by the end of the day, with fans expected to pack out pubs hours ahead of kick-off.

BBPA’s chief executive Emma McClarkin said today: ‘With England fans’ support, we hope that pubs will sell 6.8 million pints during the semi-final match. 

‘If the team goes on to win, a final at Wembley awaits, which would be a huge boost to our pubs and the nation.’

‘After a long wait, the pubs we love should be restriction-free from July 19. Only when the restrictions are removed can our pubs recover, but to do so they need Government investment to build back better.’

Builders arranged the tiles on a new build house to read ‘It’s coming home’ ahead of the Three Lions crunch Euro 2020 semi-final tonight. 

The patriotic labourer’s work raised the roof in Pitstone, Buckinghamshire and ocals were chuffed with the rallying cry as England prepare to face Denmark.  

Demand has soared for tickets ahead of the crunch match at Wembley today – with a place in Sunday’s final at stake.

Only 60,000 people will be allowed inside the stadium, which will be at 75 per cent capacity due to Covid.

And with the remaining tickets being bought up by the FA’s official supporters group last night, it has sparked a mad rush for tickets on resale websites.

One hospitality ticket on LiveFootballTickets.com is being listed at a staggering £6,499.

But even standard tickets are selling for more than £1,000 – more than double their general sale value.

MailOnline also found people offering to sell tickets via social media, with one person offering a four ticket bundle costing £5,000. 

Meanwhile, consumer groups are warning fans of potential ‘scam’ online ticket touts.