England fans pack into pubs, knocking back beers and singing football songs on eve of final

England fans tried to settle any pre-match nerves by hitting the town on Saturday night ahead of the country’s biggest football game in 55 years.

Many were already decked out in their England shirts and flags as they partied in central London on the eve of the Euro 2020 final.

Supporters packed into the pubs and sang many of the now well-known England chants s they made the most of the first men’s final since 1966. 

England fans partied in Leicester Square on Saturday night with many on the beers on the eve of the country’s Euro 2020 clash against Italy

England fans tried to settle any pre-match nerves by hitting the town on Saturday night ahead of the country's biggest football game in 55 years

England fans tried to settle any pre-match nerves by hitting the town on Saturday night ahead of the country’s biggest football game in 55 years

England flags were on display in central London as beer drinkers made the most of the first men's tournament final in their lifetime

England flags were on display in central London as beer drinkers made the most of the first men’s tournament final in their lifetime

Two England fans enjoy a night out in Leicester Square before Sunday's final against Italy at Wembley after a decades-long wait for a final

Two England fans enjoy a night out in Leicester Square before Sunday’s final against Italy at Wembley after a decades-long wait for a final

Many were already decked out in their England shirts and flags as they partied in central London on the eve of the Euro 2020 final

Many were already decked out in their England shirts and flags as they partied in central London on the eve of the Euro 2020 final

Fans chanted and danced as the party atmosphere took over the country and shows no sign of abating before Sunday's final

Fans chanted and danced as the party atmosphere took over the country and shows no sign of abating before Sunday’s final

There were also a number of Italians making themselves known before the crunch game as Wembley prepares to host its first international men’s final since 1996.

Many streets across the nation, including Downing Street, are a sea of St George’s flags with Englishmen relishing the historic occasion.

But while England fans are drinking into the night, the players are having a much more relaxed evening at the Grove Hotel in Hertford.

Supporters greeted the players upon their arrival with a huge cheer and also lined the streets near St George’s Park as the team left the training centre.

Many streets across the nation, including Downing Street, are a sea of St George's flags with Englishmen relishing the historic occasion

Many streets across the nation, including Downing Street, are a sea of St George’s flags with Englishmen relishing the historic occasion

There were also a number of Italians making themselves known before the crunch game as Wembley prepares to host its first final since 1996

There were also a number of Italians making themselves known before the crunch game as Wembley prepares to host its first final since 1996

There were scenes of revelry across the country as fans packed the pubs and bars to relish the once in a lifetime match

There were scenes of revelry across the country as fans packed the pubs and bars to relish the once in a lifetime match

Italy played their semi final at Wembley Stadium meaning many Italians are already in London for tomorrow's final

Italy played their semi final at Wembley Stadium meaning many Italians are already in London for tomorrow’s final

Speaking at a press conference alongside his captain Harry Kane on Saturday night at the hotel, Southgate said his focus was on ‘bringing the trophy home’, adding: ‘We’re here to win.’ 

The Three Lions have received letters from the Queen praising their spirit and commitment, but Southgate said it was all about what happens at Wembley on Sunday.

The England manager also called on a partisan crowd at Wembley not to disrespect the Italian national anthem.

‘It’s important our fans always respect the opposition,’ he said.

‘We know that when we play abroad and fans boo our anthem it inspires them more. I don’t think it will help the team.

Gareth Southgate (pictured) has urged the nation to 'stop looking at the negatives of our own country' because 'England has so much to be proud of' ahead of the Euro 2020 final tomorrow night

Gareth Southgate (pictured) has urged the nation to ‘stop looking at the negatives of our own country’ because ‘England has so much to be proud of’ ahead of the Euro 2020 final tomorrow night

Kane is greeted by hordes of screaming fans as he arrives at the Grove Hotel in Hertford on Saturday evening with the England team

Kane is greeted by hordes of screaming fans as he arrives at the Grove Hotel in Hertford on Saturday evening with the England team

England fans show their support as the England Team arrive in London ahead of the Euro 2020 Final against Italy on Sunday

England fans show their support as the England Team arrive in London ahead of the Euro 2020 Final against Italy on Sunday

Many supporters gathered outside the Grove Hotel as they awaited the arrival of Gareth Southgate and the England squad on Saturday

Many supporters gathered outside the Grove Hotel as they awaited the arrival of Gareth Southgate and the England squad on Saturday

‘We can intimidate the team booing during the game, but it is different for the anthem.’

The nation will have a long day waiting for the 8pm kick-off, but Southgate insisted it will be business as usual.

‘It’s a normal matchday. All of our preparations, especially for these knockout games, have been the same – you have to keep that consistency,’ he said.

Englanders tuning into tomorrow night’s clash are armed with the fervent hope that Harry Kane will follow in the golden footsteps of Bobby Moore and lead England to glory – breaking the country’s 55-year trophy drought. 

Harry Maguire steps off the bus in a face mask as a huge crowd of England fans cheer on the team after their journey to the hotel

Harry Maguire steps off the bus in a face mask as a huge crowd of England fans cheer on the team after their journey to the hotel

Marco Verratti, Lorenzo Insigne and Salvatore Sirigu of Italy's Euro 2020 team are seen departing for London ahead of tomorrow's match

Marco Verratti, Lorenzo Insigne and Salvatore Sirigu of Italy’s Euro 2020 team are seen departing for London ahead of tomorrow’s match

Tyrone Mings steps off the bus

Conor Coady arrives at the hotel

Tyrone Mings (left) and Conor Coady (right) wave to the England fans at the hotel as the two centre-backs arrive on the eve of the final

Gareth Southgate said he was focused on 'bringing the trophy home' as his side prepare for Sunday's Euro 2020 final against Italy

Gareth Southgate said he was focused on ‘bringing the trophy home’ as his side prepare for Sunday’s Euro 2020 final against Italy

In Wembley Stadium itself, almost 70,000 fans will erupt into a cauldron of noise for the epic clash, which kicks off at 8pm.

Southgate’s England team has been hailed for its social conscience which has seen squad members saluted for taking the knee against racism, making a stand on donating to the NHS, and taking the fight for free school means to Downing Street.

But as well as acknowledging a forward-looking nation, Southgate – whose grandfather saw service in the Second World War – is keen to hail its history and values.    

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