England are now just one game from soccer glory after they secured a superb victory over Denmark
England's footballers ended their 55-year wait for a major final last night – and are just ninety minutes from Euro 2020 glory after a nerve-shredding extra-time win over Denmark at Wembley.
More than 66,000 people – joined by Prince William, Boris Johnson and a who's who of celebrities – packed the stands in Britain's largest post-pandemic crowd.
And those followers played a fundamental role as they roared their Three Lions heroes home – the 2-1 semi-final win coming by way of a Harry Kane goal in extra time. Gareth Southgate's man now face Italy on Sunday.
England won a controversial penalty for a trip on Raheem Sterling and though captain Kane saw his effort saved by Danish keeper Kasper Schmeichel the striker was first to pounce on the rebound, slamming the ball home and sending followers into dreamland.
Twenty tension-filled minutes later, the final whistle sounded and Wembley – and tens of millions watching at home – burst into a countrywide chorus of Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline, with the PM and spouse Carrie amongst those joining in.
It sets up that final in opposition to Italy, back at Wembley on Sunday evening. But for the fans, last night was all about ending the decades-long wait for a first final since the 1966 World Cup.
As the victory was confirmed, shirtless followers packed into London's Trafalgar Square fan area sprayed beer over each other, singing 'It's Coming Home' and praising manager Gareth Southgate's team.
Vic Richards, 22, from Croydon, south London, said: 'I'm still attempting to compute what happened, I've in no way seen England make a final.
'It's beautiful, it is unbelievable, I love this country, the players gave it their all. This is an historical occasion, we may in no way see this again - now we can start to believe.'
Other followers collapsed onto the floor crying with joy or partied on the tables. Oliver Ways, 28, from Mitcham, said: 'This time it is coming home, the momentum is with us, I do not care what anyone says. I'm so under the influence of alcohol but I do not care - the game was just how we desired it.
The atmosphere inside and outdoor the floor had been rousing and good-natured. England players took the knee before kick-off in aid of anti-racism, but no boos could be heard. ITV commentators described the 'buzz' and 'sense of occasion' which could be felt in the massive stadium.
Pubs throughout Britain had been packed out for the match, with 6.8million pints anticipated to be poured, and fans spilled out onto the streets after the final whistle. In London round 20 people were arrested.
Fans blocked roads and clambered over a stranded bus in jubilant scenes before being moved on by police to proceed their celebrations.
As the result sank in, Prince William, the FA president, led the congratulations. The Duke had cheered England on alongside spouse Kate and son Prince George last week but was compelled to watch yesterday's game alone as the Duchess was isolating after a covid Test-and Trace alert.
But in a tweet from the KensingtonRoyal Twitter account, the couple said: 'What a game, what a result! A huge team effort @England. The whole country will be behind you on Sunday. #ItsComingHome.'
Mr Johnson wrote on Twitter after the game: 'Tonight @England played their hearts out. What a tremendous overall performance from Gareth Southgate's squad. Now to the final. Let's bring it home.'
Also congratulating the England victory, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted a photograph of himself celebrating as he watched the semi-final match on TV, with the hashtag: '#ItsComingHome'.
In the stands, football royalty mingled with megastar celebrities keen to catch the action. David Beckham cheered on his former facet sat near 1996 superstar Paul Gascoigne, who seemed to be nursing facial injuries and wore darkish glasses.
Beckham chatted with former England women's player Alex Scott before kick-off, with director Guy Ritchie and Three Lions comics Frank Skinner and David Baddiel additionally in attendance.
James Corden additionally reunited with his household at Wembley stadium, after 18 months apart, as they cheered on England at the Euros 2020 semi-final.
The Gavin and Stacey star, forty two - who now lives in America - took to Instagram to share a photograph of himself with his dad and mom and two younger sisters in the stands.
And it wasn't only British royalty cheering on. Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, his spouse Princess Mary, and their 15-year-old son Prince Christian were given exemptions to tour to London for the clash.