King Charles and Prince William tonight paid tribute to the England squad, hailing them the ‘pride of a nation’ and to ‘hold your heads up high’ after the Three Lions’ heartbreaking Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
Gareth Southgate’s men were unable to make history as they lost 2-1 in Berlin, as the Three Lions once again missed out on glory.
Millions of fans had packed into bars and pubs in hope of seeing England finally claim their first victory since the World Cup of 1966.
And super sub Cole Palmer had given the nation belief when he struck a brilliant equaliser in the 73rd-minute, after his team had gone behind at the start of the second half.
It sent boozers into wild celebrations, with beers launched into the air as fans sung ‘it’s coming come’ – while in Berlin’s Olympiastadion, Prince William and his son, Prince George, punched the air in delight.
But the hopes and expectations of a nation came crashing down minutes later when Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal slotted the winning goal past Jordan Pickford in the 86th-minute.
Crestfallen fans were left in disbelief and holding their heads in their hands after England came agonisingly close to victory.
The defeat left William and George visibly stunned, with the Prince of Wales later seen consoling England’s dejected skipper, Harry Kane – as King Charles urged the squad to ‘hold your heads high’ and hailed them the ‘pride of a nation’.
Devastated England were left in disbelief after the Three Lions lost to Spain in the last few minutes of the Euro 2024 final
The loss left millions of England fans heartbroken and holding their head in their hands
This supporter was seen leaving London’s O2 with a deflated England blow up ball
England were left heartbroken once again after losing in the final of Euro 2024 having come so close to winning their first major title since 1966
Prince William and Prince George were also stunned as the Three Lions lost 2-1 to Spain
A heartbroken Harry Kane was seen walking past the trophy having almost bringing his side to clinching their first major tournament since the World Cup in 1966
Ollie Watkins, who secured England’s place in the finals with his goal against the Netherlands was consoled in the stands after the loss
Heartbroken England fans held their heads in their hands moments after Spain scored the winning goal
The defeat echoed England’s bitter loss at Euro 2020, when the squad came in as runners-up.
On the pitch, goalkeeper Pickford and Cole Palmer were left holding their heads in their hands, while a distraught Jude Bellingham was comforted by Southgate after collapsing to the floor.
In a touching message to try and lift spirits, the Prince of Wales told the team ‘we’re all still so proud of you’ after they lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain.
William, who is the president of the FA and later presented runner-up medals to the Three Lions, said: ‘It just wasn’t meant to be.’
Spain claimed a 2-1 win while England fell at the last hurdle for a second European Championship final in succession.
The prince said on social media: ‘This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards. W’
And King Charles urged the side to ‘hold your heads high’ in a message to Gareth Southgate where he praised their ‘really great achievement’.
He said: ‘Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high.
‘All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near – and will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even as we congratulate Spain.
‘But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today – and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead.’
England fans at London’s Boxpark were left crushed by the Three Lions’ latest loss in a final
Fans in a pub in London were left crestfallen as Spain’s second goal went into the back of the net, effectively sealing England’s fate
England fans were left heartbroken by the loss during the Euro finals to Spain
Other fans appeared to burst into tears as they watched on in horror as the Spain scored a second goal moments before the end of the game
This England fan covered his face in shock as England crashed out of the Euro 2024 finals
Prince William is seen shaking hands with England skipper Harry Kane
Luke Shaw wrapped up in a hoodie and looked like he tried to disappear among his family and friends in the stands after England lost to Spain
And England manager Gareth Southgate appeared dejected as he collected his runner-up medal, watched on by defender Kyle Walker, left
The Spanish celebrate in Berlin after winning the final of Euro 2024
Fans watching the latest defeat were left dejected – with most at the Boxpark Croydon, in south-east London, having left before the final whistle went.
Fraser Mullen, 40, from Redhill in Surrey, said: ‘It didn’t feel like the same old England. We just came up against a better team.
‘We defended really well. Jordan Pickford was outstanding. We made Spain look really average.
‘It doesn’t feel as bad as it has in the past. The talent is there. They just need to do a bit more next time.’
A small number of England fans lingered at the match screening at London’s O2 Arena after the final ended, staring in disbelief as they watched their team comforting each other.
Several St George’s flags were abandoned on the seats as the 15,000-strong crowd departed, leaving crushed and empty drinks cups all over the floor.
England fans filed out of the fanzone at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin after the final whistle, while Spanish fans stayed to celebrate.
Rhys Love, 19, who had travelled to Berlin with friend Sam Kelsall from Guildford, Surrey, said: ‘It’s disappointing but the people aren’t sad.
Ollie Watkins was seen hugging family and friends as he appeared to be crying after the game
An England fan cuts a lonely figure as they make their way out of the O2 looking down at their phone
Two England fans wearing flags were seen comforting each other in Trafalgar Square, where hours earlier hundreds of supporters had been cheerfully singing and drinking beer
Others appeared to cry as friends comforted them. Pictured are dejected supporters at Croydon’s Boxpark
Cole Palmer, who lifted hopes again after securing a 73rd-minute equaliser could not contain his emotions as England were beaten in the final of the Euros again.
Jordan Pickford was left looking dejected having lost 2-1 to Spain
The agony was felt equally on the pitch, with Gareth Southgate seen consoling a heartbroken Jude Bellingham
Bellingham was later consoled by his relatives in the stand after the devastating loss against Spain
‘It would have been brilliant but it wasn’t to be. Our trip was quite cheap compared to what some people spent to be here.’
Mr Kelsall, 19, added: ‘It was worth it to be here for that goal.’
Speaking after the loss, former England legend Alan Shearer said: ‘It hurts… It’s really disappointing.’
Some 50,000 supporters travelled to Berlin to cheer on Gareth Southgate’s men.
Businessman Phil Riggins, 64, from Brockley, London, was among the army of England fans in the German capital.
He told MailOnline: ‘Its typical of England’s luck. We just can’t find a way to get over the line.
‘I thought when Cole scored my dream was going to come true. Spain were rattled. There were ten minutes when England’s name was on the cup.
‘Declan Rice… If only! That ball just would not go into the net and we had three shots in one attacked.
‘It is a real shame. Because I think that might be the end of a few of our senior players like Harry Kane and Kyle Walker. ‘
As he talked, he wiped tears from the face of his 11-year-old son Ruben who’d painted on England flag began to smear.
‘I am in my 60s, so I suppose it’s for the youngsters to look forward and hope for one day to prove we are the best.’
Watkins hugged his girlfriend Ellie Alderson tight after he looked dejected following England’s loss
Jude Bellingham was also consoled by family and friends as they hugged him after the game
This supporter in Boxpark Wembley was comforted by a woman next to him after the loss
But it was jubilation for the Spanish supporters who went wild in Madrid at Spain’s victory
Thousands had gathered in cities across Spain to watch the finals (pictured are fans in Madrid)
Harry Kane, England captain, appears visibly disappointed at yet another finals defeat
Prince William embraces Bukayo Saka of England at end of game in Berlin
Dejected looking fans held up a sign saying ‘Proud whatever happens’ after England’s loss against Spain
Cole Palmer also looked dejected as he sat in the stands with friends and family of the players after the match
Kate Schofield, 19, from Sheffield, hugged her boyfriend Paul, and wiped away tears.
The politics student said: ‘I’ve just seen England lose and some of the players were crying. I can’t stop crying myself.
‘it is just so sad. It’s been a great party throughout this tournament and we looked like we were going to go and win it. I can’t believe we are going home once again without a cup
‘I phoned my mum and dad a minute ago and they were both crying as well after they watched on television.
‘They said as soon as they saw Harry Kane looking so upset , they started crying as well. I reckon everybody’s coming back home.’
Willie Jackson, 33, of Newport, added: ‘I suppose we lost to the better team. Spain has been amazing in nearly every game they played.
‘But for most of the game we were equal with them. It seems that we’ve just got a bad luck vibe about us
‘I’m just gonna go and get some drinks now and try and forget this pain.’
Arms folded, this England fan in Berlin shows his anguish at England’s loss
Jubilant Alvaro Morata of Spain lifts the UEFA Euro 2024 cup after his team clinched victory
Prince William appeared to comfort a heartbroken Jude Bellingham as he collected his runner-up medal
Fans at the Olympiastadion in Berlin can’t believe the team’s have lost
Jude Bellingham’s heartbreak was etched on his face as he held his head in his hands
In Newcastle, tearful fans slumped to their knees as the full-time whistle signalled a gut-punch defeat.
Supporters crammed into a fan park in Times Square were left crestfallen as the Three Lions’ 58 years of hurt continued.
Traipsing off into the city centre, supporters hugged each other, disconsolate at the result.
University student Taylor Hesketh, 21, from Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside, said: ‘We stood off Spain and showed them too much respect and we got punished. But Spain deserved it. They were the better team and they’ve been best the team in the tournament.
‘It hurts a lot but I’m proud of the team. I’m proud of the fact that every time we seemed down and out we fought back. We refused to accept defeat all tournament and we got within a whisker of extra time tonight.
‘Right now it feels like a punch in the stomach. Losing a final doesn’t feel great – but at least we are in them now.
‘For years the national team has underachieved and now we are in finals, so I’ve got lots of respect for Gareth Southgate.
‘Even though we lost, he deserved a knighthood.
Around 1,800 Three Lions supporters sank more than 7,000 pints cheering on England in the outdoor fan zone.
Before kick-off fans were whipped into a frenzy after being shown a reel of crucial England goals over the years – including Sir Geoff Hurst’s 1966 World Cup-winning hat-trick.
VIP tables – priced at £140 each – were snapped up as soon as the Netherlands were brushed away in the semi-final.
A string of tackles by Manchester United defender on Spain’s teen sensation Yamine Lemal, 17, were greeted by loud roars as supporters urged the Three Lions forward.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka’s mazy runs were met with cheers – while hands were on heads when midfielder Phil Foden connected with a free kick in the last minute of the half.
Fans kept the faith as Spain dominated possession and held their hands on their heads when Phil Foden tested Unai Simon with a half-volley on the stroke of half time.
England fans across the nation were left heartbroken as the Three Lions failed to claim victory
PIckford appeared to wipe tears from his eye as he walked past the winners’ trophy
King Felipe VI of Spain and Leonor and Princess of Asturias celebrate with the trophy and the team after winning Euro 2024
While head coach Luis de la Fuente of Spain is thrown into the air by the players as celebrations went into overdrive on the pitch
Earlier, Kane comforted a heartbroken Jude Bellingham on the pitch after the match ended
But they were stunned into silence after Yamine Lemal opened up the England defence and slipped in Nico Williams to put Spain ahead two minutes into the second half.
Despite delirious scenes when Cole Palmer’s exquisite finish put England level, punters were drowning their sorrows at full-time.
Coley McFarlane, 22, a domestic abuse advocate from Middlesbrough, said: ‘I think we had a massive slice of luck in getting to the final but I’m still proud of the lads.
‘England had never made a final on foreign soil before and before Euro 2020 we hadn’t been in a final since 1966.
‘We are reaching milestones that other England teams could only dream of, so I’m trying to stay positive.
‘The World Cup is in two years and we’ll smash it.’
The post-match analysis took place in kebab shops and fried chicken joints as supporters debated Southgate’s substitutions and team selection.
Retail worker Josh Barry, 20, said: ‘I don’t think you could fault the players, they gave their all for the shirt and they were heartbroken at full time.
‘It’s easy to get disillusioned with all the money in the modern game, and it meant a lot to see them care so much.’
Earlier, Phil Foden had England’s first real shoot on goal sending a hopeful nation into overdrive after his chip at goal was stopped by the Spanish keeper before the end of the first half.
It was by and large the best opportunity in a cagey and scrappy opening 45 minutes, which saw England skipper Harry Kane getting a yellow card for a poorly timed tackle against Fabian Ruiz.
But it was heartache for the Three Lions with Spain taking just little over a minute of the second half to open the scoring.
Spain’s two wonderkid wingers combined to send Spaniards across the world wild, with 17-year-old Lamine Yamal snapping a pass to Nico Williams who smashed it across Jordan Pickford.
The goal left millions of England supporters stunned, with fans packing out pubs and streets groaning in despair as they held their heads in their hands.
But it sent Spanish supporters into a frenzy in Berlin – and sparked tense scenes in some parts of the city.
An announcer on stage at the fanzone at Brandenburg Gate in the German capital reminded crowds to ‘be kind to each other’.
She said: ‘This is a football match, this is not a war.’
Nico Williams of Spain scores his team’s first goal whilst under pressure from Kyle Walker of England
The ball blasted past Pickford sending Spanish supporters into a frenzy
England fans at Millennium Square in Leeds react to the game which saw the Spanish claiming first blood in the opening minute of the second half
Stunned supporters were left in disbelief after the opening goal which put England behind
One man was stretchered out of the crowd towards the end of the first half of the game after he appeared to suffer a medical episode.
In the Berlin fanzone, Spanish fans cheered, waved flags and threw drinks in the air after their country scored.
Groups of police officers holding riot helmets gathered to the side of the crowds as the second-half started.
While in the stadium, ugly scenes appeared to break out as fans clashed with each other after the match.
England fans at the O2 Arena groaned and held their heads in their hands in despair as Spain scored the first goal of the Euros final.
Supporters at the venue in London clutched their pints and were biting their nails nervously as they watched a replay of Spain’s goal on the 16-metre screen.
One spectator at Boxpark Croydon threw a large Gareth Southgate mask onto the stage after Spain scored the opening goal.
England fans were devastated as the Spanish appeared the strongest team in the second half
Fans are pictured at the Boxpark in Croydon as they watched the drama unfold tonight
Spain’s first goal sent their supporters wild, as they screamed and cheered
Spain’s Nico Williams celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the final match
Williams celebrates with Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal after scoring the opening goal
The crowd broke into a brief chant of ‘I’m England ’til I die’, but then went quiet.
Among the crowd watching the historic match in the German capital unfold were members of the British royal family.
Prince William arrived at the match with his 10-year-old son, Prince George as the pair watched the action in Berlin.
Dressed in smart blue suits and ties, the pair of royals joined the thousands inside the Olympiastadion.
William took to Twitter to share a video of the pair walking the red carpet into the Olympiastadion, along with the post: ‘Hello, Berlin!’
Avid football fan George, who turns 11 later this month, appeared nervous as he sat next to his father – who is the President of the FA – to cheer on the Three Lions.
William, 42, appeared more relaxed, laughing and joking with guests at the sporting spectacle.
The future King was also seen talking to new Prime Minister Keir Starmer – who faced calls earlier this week to give Brits a day off, should England win the Euros.
Later, both the royals appeared frustrated after England failed to capitalise on a vital chance before the first half.
Prince William and his son, Prince George, 10, were in the crowd cheering on the Three Lions
Prince George, who turns 11 later this month, appeared nervous as he arrived at the stadium
But his father William, 42, was more relaxed, smiling and joking with fellow guests at the game
Prince William is seen chatting to his soon moments before kick-off, with the pair looking smart in navy blue suits and ties
Earlier, William was seen speaking with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was also at the game (Prince George is pictured, right, in the background)
Prince George later had his own chat with the PM as his proud father, William, watched on
Later William and George appeared to show their frustration in the first half which ended 0-0
The royal pair’s appearance followed just hours after the Princess of Wales attended the final of Wimbledon in the afternoon, accompanied by daughter Princess Charlotte, nine.
Kate presented the Wimbledon trophy to Carlos Alcaraz as the Spaniard won the Grand Slam for a second year in a row.
Kate, 42, who has stepped away from public royal duties while undergoing cancer treatment, saw the Spanish reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz take on veteran Novak Djokovic, winning in three sets.
Back in the Berlin and Phil Foden’s influencer son Ronnie was leading the Three Lions’ army of cubs tonight cheering on England.
The five-year-old – who has a staggering four million followers on Instagram – was snapped cheering on his father, 24.
Wearing an England shirt, the youngster was seen holding a home-made sign saying: ‘Bring it home daddy!’
Joining Ronnie and the other children roaring on the Three Lions were England’s glamous groups of WAGs, who were out in force.
Conor Gallagher’s girlfriend Aine May Kennedy was joined by Bukayo Saka’s partner Tolami Benson and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale’s wife Georgina Irwin.
Phil Foden’s influencer son Ronnie, five, was among the Three Lions’ ‘cubs’ cheering on the team with his adorable homemade sign
Aaron Ramsdale’s wife Georgina Irwin was among the WAGs roaring England on
She was joined by Tolami Benson, the girlfriend of Bukayo Saka, who was sporting an England shirt
Aine May Kennedy, right, was also wearing England’s uniform as she watched the action
England players scramble to defend an attempted overhead kick from Robin Le Normand in the first half
But after a tense first half with no goals scored so far, the wives and girlfriends were clearly hoping for a development in the game.
Tolami appeared to be scrolling through her phone as the match approached half time.
Meanwhile while Aine May pulled a rather fed-up expression as she watched on.
Olivia Naylor even posed with her hand on her hip, as she joined the crowds to support John Stones.
Aaron Ramsdale’s wife Georgina went all out with facepaint and an England top – but even she maintained a neutral expression as the game progressed.
Tolami Benson – girlfriend of Bukayo Saka – appeared to be scrolling through her phone as the match approached half time
Meanwhile while Aine May – who is the girlfriend of Conor Gallagher – pulled a rather fed-up expression as she watched on
Olivia Naylor even posed with her hand on her hip, as she joined the crowds to support John Stones
Earlier all the wives and girlfriends posed for a group photo, which was posted on Aine May’s account, ahead of kick-off tonight.
Aine May – who is the girlfriend of Conor Gallagher – cut a glamorous figure in a pair of jean shorts and her partner’s England shorts.
The 23-year-old posed alongside Ellie Anderson, who is the girlfriend of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
The mother-of-two also donned a pair of light denim high-waisted shorts, a cropped England top and white sandals.
On her on Instagram, Ellie posted a picture of her and Ollie’s brother Jordan, who was also a footballer.
Ellie’s boyfriend Ollie scored a glorious goal in the 90th minute of England’s last match on Wednesday night and was deemed man of the match.
Meanwhile, Dani Dyer looked equally glamorous in a white mini skirt, matching ruched top and a England shirt.
Aaron Ramsdale’s wife Georgina went all out with facepaint and an England top
Pictured: Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson looked pensive as she took her seat in the stands
Pictured: Ellie Anderson – girlfriend of Ollie Watkins – and Jordan Watkins seen in the stands in Berlin
Also in the stands cheering on Gareth Southgate’s men was British pop icon, Ed Sheeran.
The Shape of You singer, decked out in a red England away kit, has been a key ally of the squad having met the team earlier during the tournament.
Sheeran, who was also spotted in the stands at the semi-final clash , said: ‘Everything is coming together at the right point’.
Earlier, Ant and Dec, Amanda Holden and WAG Dani Dyer led the stars supporting the Three Lions on social media to a hopeful victory in the Euros 2024 final on Sunday.
Former Love Island star Dani, 27, is in Berlin, Germany, to support her England player partner Jarrod Bowen and posed for snaps before the match began.
She teamed her white England shirt with a pretty ruffled skirt and wore sunglasses perched on top of her head.
Dani posed in another snap with her actor dad Danny, 46, ahead of the game before heading to meet some other WAGS for a few drinks.
She was seen celebrating with player Conor Gallagher’s partner Aine May Kennedy and forward Ollie Watkins’ girlfriend Ellie Alderson.
Meanwhile Amanda Holden dressed to impress in full England gear as well as a novelty hat as she watched the match in Spain.
Ed Sheeran was pictured in the stands cheering on the Three Lions in Berlin
Ant and Dec (seen), Amanda Holden and WAG Dani Dyer led the stars supporting the Three Lions on social media to a hopeful victory in the Euros 2024 final on Sunday
Former Love Island star Dani, 27, is in Berlin, Germany, to support her England player partner Jarrod Bowen and posed for snaps before the match began
Dani posed in another snap with her actor dad Danny, 46, ahead of the game before heading to meet some other WAGS for a few drinks
Elsewhere Geordie Shore’s Holly Hagan, 32, posed in a red England top and jeans with her husband Jacob Blyth ahead of the game.
She penned in the caption: ‘It’s coming home apparently!’
Football fan KSI, 31, looked in great spirits as he arrived at the final in Berlin in his England shirt.
Elsewhere Kate Beckinsale and Amanda Holden cheered ‘it’s coming home’ ahead of the match earlier in the day.
She playfully sipped on a Guinness and posed in the bar with a group of Spanish fans.
TV duo Ant and Dec shared a snap in their England shirts as they passionately penned: ‘Come on lads!!!’ in the caption.
Meanwhile Amanda Holden dressed to impress in full England gear complete with a novelty hat for her Instagram posts as she enjoyed a Guinness
She wore a novelty hat as she watched the match in Spain where was joined by fans from the opposing team
Later Dani Dyer was seen celebrating with player Conor Gallagher’s partner Aine May Kennedy and forward Ollie Watkins’ girlfriend Ellie Alderson
Dani teamed her white England shirt with a pretty ruffled skirt as she posed with the other WAGs ahead of the game
Three Lions fans came out in force earlier during the day. with tens of thousands of people crowding into cities up and down the country.
As excitement for the game built earlier in the day. Three Lions fans packed into cities up and down the country, turning the streets red and white.
Massive crowds filled London, with thousands of punters marching on Leicester Square singing ‘It’s Coming Home’.
In Trafalgar Square, fans set of red and white flares – sparking a warning from police, who were pictured clashing with some of the supporters.
Meanwhile, in Newcastle boozers were at capacity hours before kick-off as footie fanatics bagged their spots.
Supporters packed into a sold-out fan zone in the city hours before kick-off – and had already downed 3,000 pints by 6pm.
By 8pm, more than 1,800 will have crammed in to watch the match on a giant screen, where fans were whipped into a frenzy after being shown a reel of crucial England goals over the years – including Sir Geoff Hurst’s 1966 World Cup-winning hat-trick.
Bar worker Tom Brodie, 30, said: ‘We will get through 7,000 pints tonight easily.
England fans were full of hope before the game, with these supporters pictured in Berlin
Punters filled Croydon’s Boxpark ahead of England’s clash with Spain as the beers were in full swing
Come on England! These pair of fans came prepared in Croydon with their own flag
Other fans showed they were ready for kick off during the celebrations in Croydon’s Boxpark
Chants of ‘It’s coming home’ have been ringing out across the UK. Pictured: a fan in Croydon
These fans in Leicester Square opted to sport some patriotic hats to show their support
Other supporters in Leicester Square were seen wearing St George’s flags as they celebrated
‘Everyone is in good spirits. No one is bothered that it is a Sunday. It’s like a Friday night in Newcastle.
Gas engineer Shaun Chapman, 26, from Middlesbrough, out with his mates for the big match, had a vision of how the final would play out.
He said: ‘I think it’ll be 1-1 draw and England will win on penalties. We’ve ridden our luck all the way – if we don’t win it this year, we never will.
‘But you earn your own luck – the players have refused to accept being beaten. If we do bring it home, then Gareth Southgate should be knighted and bow out on a high.’
As the match carried on, fans in Newcastle were forced to be patient during a goalless first half.
Keen supporters at the front tried to lift the atmosphere by blowing a hooter but the tension was palpable.
Cries of ‘go on’ were shouted whenever Gareth Southgate’s men tried to push forward.
Steven Lister, 28, an engineer, said: ‘I think we are doing quite well.
‘Spain aren’t really threatening us. We need to keep stopping their wide players which we’ve managed to do so far.
England fans light flares as they gather near Trafalgar Square in London ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 final
Before kick-off, England fans appeared in fine form, cheering and singing n a fanzone at the Brandenburg gate in Berlin
But after the first goal was scored against the Three Lions, mood among fans soon changed from jubilation to anxiety
‘It’s difficult to say what needs to change in the second half.
‘We just need to keep it tight and then go from there.
‘They can’t get the ball off Saka so that’s encouraging. We need to keep giving him it.’
Aaron Mokeller, 27, said: ‘I think we need to take Harry Kane off for Ollie Watkins.
‘I want to see Anthony Gordon get on as well to give us more of an attacking threat.
‘I don’t have much confidence for the second half.’
Earlier, joiner Alfie Clarke, 21, from Barnsley, south Yorks, said: ‘Everyone is up for it and feeling confident. I reckon it’ll be 2-1 with Saka and Kane to score.
‘We’ve been drinking since 11am this morning – if we win we’ll be drinking until 11am tomorrow.’
Despite rain showers, crowds were buoyed up as an acoustic guitarist played renditions of Three Lions (on a shirt), Hey Jude by The Beatles and Oasis hit Wonderwall.
Newcastle university student Hayley Watkinson, 21, said: ‘Whatever the result tonight, it’s going to be a special night.
‘Gareth Southgate has had some criticism but the team has been getting better and better. We were unlucky against Italy in the final in 2021 when we lost on penalties. Tonight I hope that luck will be on our side.’
The fans were all singing as they got into the swing of things in Trafalgar Square
And in Manchester, the beers were going down a storm at the AO Arena where fans will watch the game
Celebrations were in full swing at the Wembley Boxpark fan zone in London (pictured)
A Southgate smooch: this fan blows a kiss at a man wearing a huge head of England manager Gareth at the Boxpark in Croydon
Thousands of fans got in the spirit of things – with some setting off flares in Trafalgar Square
It prompted warnings by police after who have put dispersal orders in place until 2am (pictured is an officer in Trafalgar Square moving on fans)
One officer is seen speaking to and England fan in central London ahead of the Euros final
Leon Metcalfe, 27, a quantity surveyor from Durham, Co Durham, added: ‘I can absolutely believe we are in the final – we are the best team in the world. Southgate is a legend.
‘I’ve taken the day off work tomorrow because I just know we are going to win – 2-1 and a Harry Kane penalty in the 90th minute.
‘If that happens I’ll be out until Tuesday.’
In Manchester, the city centre was transformed into a huge fan zone as more than 4,500 England supporters packed out the Progress Centre in Ardwick.
A sea of white shirts flooded into the outdoor venue – less than a mile from Piccadilly station
The jubilant crowd, undeterred by city’s gloomy skies and unseasonably low 16C temperatures, wrapped themselves in St George’s flags to keep warm.
Among the punters getting into the swing of things was 34-year-old Lee Wright, who declared: ‘Tonight’s the night. It’s finally coming home.’
Speaking to the Sun, the football lover added: ‘If we win, I’m definitely pulling a sickie tomorrow.
‘It’s history in the making and I have no intentions of going to bed if we batter Spain.’
Manchester’s AO Arena was packed with England fans sinking pints of beer and singing
This group of supporters posed behind a White Ensign at Manchester’s AO Arena
LIVERPOOL: Fans look to enjoy the drinks and the weather in the build-up to tonight’s Euro 2024 final
In Berlin, these two young fans were showing off their fancy dress outside the Olympiastadion
‘It’s coming home’: One supporter in Berlin is pictured with a flag ahead of tonight’s match
Shops in central London have been getting in on the celebrations, selling flags to punters
While fans at London’s Kirby Estate – dubbed England’s most patriotic neighbourhood – have decked out their homes with England flags
Fans are seen in central London as they get ready for tonight’s big game
Millions of punters were predicted to take tomorrow off – with train drivers and rail staff across the nation having already caused mayhem on Sunday after snubbing overtime hours, leading to hundreds of train cancellations.
The Metropolitan Police has already rolled out an anti-social behaviour order across Westminster until 2am on Monday.
It comes as large crowds took over the centre of the capital.
Glenn Sanderson, 29, who travelled from Southend-on-Sea in Essex to watch the final at the O2 Arena in London, said he is ‘confident’ the England men’s team can follow in the footsteps of the Lionesses.
The England supporter said: ‘I am confident, I wouldn’t say it’s a guaranteed win but I think the way we’ve been playing – we’ve been building up something for a long time, and today I think we might do it.
‘If the men’s team are going to follow the women’s team, the under 21s did the same thing a couple of years ago as well – it’s the next step in the progression of football.
‘If the women can win it – so can the men.’
Craig Miles, 36, travelled from Cookham in Berkshire to watch the final at Boxpark in Croydon, south-east London, as part of a group of 10 friends.
England fans cheer for their team as they gather near Trafalgar Square in London
There were scenes of jubilation in Berlin, too, where 50,000 England supporters have travelled
This fan was seen sporting the flag of St George on his face ahead of tonight’s game
Fans are pictured in London’s Leicester Square were celebrations have been going on all day
Mr Miles said: ‘I think we’re going to win. I think it’s our time.
‘I was at the final at Wembley when we lost to Italy three years ago. That was pretty painful.
‘On paper we have a better team (than Spain), but they’re playing better.’
At the O2 Arena in London, fans prepared for the final with a mass sing-along.
Wearing England flags, shirts and hats, supporters at the Greenwich venue danced and sang along to a live band performing karaoke classics including the Killers’ Mr Brightside, I Want To Break Free by Queen and the Human League’s Don’t You Want Me.
Fireworks and smoke went off at the front of the stage while lyrics were projected on the 16-metre screen behind the band.
Some 50,000 England fans travelled to Germany to cheer on the Three Lions
Thousands packed into a fanzone at the
An announcer on stage at the fanzone at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin reminded crowds to ‘be kind to each other’.
She said: ‘This is a football match, this is not a war.’
One man was stretchered out of the crowd towards the end of the first half of the game after he appeared to suffer a medical episode.
In the Berlin fanzone, Spanish fans cheered, waved flags and threw drinks in the air after their country scored.
Groups of police officers holding riot helmets gathered to the side of the crowds as the second-half started.
England fans at the O2 Arena groaned and held their heads in their hands in despair as Spain scored the first goal of the Euros final.
Supporters at the venue in London clutched their pints and were biting their nails nervously as they watched a replay of Spain’s goal on the 16-metre screen.
One spectator at Boxpark Croydon threw a large Gareth Southgate mask onto the stage after Spain scored the opening goal.
The crowd broke into a brief chant of ‘I’m England ’til I die’, but then went quiet.
Lee and Vanessa Hancock, from Howden, Yorkshire, had travelled to Berlin to watch the final in the fanzone with 12-year-old daughter Eleanor.
Mrs Hancock, 50, said: ‘We knew we wouldn’t get tickets for the match, but we wanted to be in Berlin because it’s a better atmosphere.
‘We’ve had an amazing weekend. I don’t think the first half of the match has been too bad, I thought Spain might have got one in.’
Mr Hopkins, 50, who booked the trip a month ago, added: ‘We’ve got a flight home at 6am so I hope it doesn’t go to extra time.’
