Fired-up England fans pack out fan zones as they get ready to roar Lionesses onto Euros victory in final

The Sun

4 days ago

FIRED-UP England supporters have packed out fan zones in Basel today, as they gear up to roar on the Lionesses from abroad.
The Lionesses are set to face Spain in the European Championship final in just hours when it kicks off in Switzerland tonight.
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Kick off will be at 5pm UK time, with fans due to flock to pubs across the country to cheer their team on.
The game will be broadcast on BBC One and ITV1 for fans at home.
And with pub licenses being extended until 1am, fans are hopeful that the Lionesses will bring it home.
Tonight's match takes place in Basel, Switzerland, with fans kitted out in merch as they await kick off in fan zones nearby.
Fan zones are decked out with flags and merch supporting the team.
Those eagerly awaiting kick off could be seen donning England tops as they waved flags.
Others had brought cardboard cutouts and posters for their favourite players.
One fan could be seen carrying a cutout of team manager Sarina Weigman, while another carried Jill Scott.
Wrapped in St George's flag, some fans have even painted the flag on their faces.
Prince William, the patron of the Football Association, is set to be in Switzerland to cheer the team on.
In a message on Saturday, the Prince of Wales said: "Good luck to the Lionesses tomorrow.
"The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! We are all cheering you on! W."
Tensions are building as the team previously lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2023 World Cup Final.
However, the England team have demonstrated a strong winning streak throughout the tournament.
In a tense game against Italy, they clawed back a 1-0 losing streak, to go on to win 2-1 in the final minutes of the match.
It cemented 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang as England's breakout star of the tournament.
The Lionesses have shown their prowess on the field, as the team prepare for tonight's all-important game.
Speaking to PA news agency, captain Leah Williamson said that the team were refusing to let fear dictate their approach to football.
She said: "If you're fearful of losing, then even if you do win, do you enjoy that experience. Do you fully take it in?"
Wiliamson added: "I think this team is so task-focused. Whatever is in our way, we'll try and overcome that together. I don't think we're a team fearful of losing."
Spain are currently the favourites to win after claiming the Nations League title in 2024.
It would be the first time the Spanish women's team win a European title, and would make them the first national side in history to possess every UEFA trophy on offer.
However, England fans are ready to cheer on their team in the hopes that they come out on top.
Speaking about tonight's game, Williamson said: "Hopefully the best is yet to come."
It comes after the Home Office confirmed that licensing hours would be extended across England and Wales, allowing pubs to stay open until 1m.
Pub licensing hours can be relaxed for events of "exceptional national significance" with both the semi-final and final of the Euros included under this umbrella term.
The same extension was allowed earlier this week when the Lionesses played Italy in the semi-final on Tuesday.
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It gave Brits plenty of time to celebrate after the team won 2-1 during extra time.
In an exhilarating final few minutes, the team clawed back from a 1-0 loss after Michelle Agyemang scored in the 96th minute, leading England to win 2-1 during extra time.
The British Beer and Pub Association has estimated that pub-goers will buy a million extra pints during the final, which could boost the economy by £5 million.
Announcing the news, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "I want to wish the best of luck to (manager) Sarina Weigman and the England squad, who we hope will bring it home once again and continue on as champions of Europe."
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