Tens of thousands of England fans are arriving in Berlin as Gareth Southgate’s men’s team attempt to make history and beat Spain to win a first major tournament since 1966.
More than 50,000 England fans are expected to be in German capital for the final of the European championship, many of whom will be without tickets.
The German newspaper Bild reported that jubilant England fans were acting as “if they had already won the European championship final”. Police said they had made a small number of arrests overnight after some violent altercations outside bars in the city centre.
Expectations are high for Southgate’s team after England produced their best performance of the tournament so far in their win over the Netherlands in the semi-finals.
Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, published an open letter to the players overnight. “You should all be proud of what you’ve achieved so far,” he wrote. “I hope you can take some strength from the millions at home kicking every ball alongside you.”
Starmer and his culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, will be in the stands at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
“You don’t need a running commentary from a politician on what you should or shouldn’t do,” Starmer said. “You’re here not because of luck, but because of your graft and hard work. You’ve earned it. As you did three years ago, you’ve made the country proud.
“Whatever happens, you should know that you have united the country, and we are all behind you. So enjoy tonight. I know that up and down the country, we all will.”
The Prince of Wales, who is president of the Football Association, will also attend the match. “We are so proud of you all,” he posted on social media. “Just one last push to finish the job! Go out there and show the world what you’re made of. We believe.”
William was in Germany for England’s group stage match against Denmark and the quarter-final victory over Switzerland. He took his eldest son, Prince George, to the final of the last Euros at Wembley, which England lost to Italy on penalties.
England have never appeared in a major tournament final outside of Wembley. Spain will appear in a European final for the fifth time in their history. They have won three of their four previous final appearances, losing only to hosts France at the 1984 European Championship.
The Spanish media appear confident about the prospect of a “historic” fourth European Championship title, taking them clear of Germany for the outright record. The newspaper Sport claimed that England “need to win” but that Spain “just want to win”.
Barcelona’s Mundo Deportivo had the headline “Come on”, with the Spain stars Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo, the captain, Álvaro Morata, and Nico Williams and Dani Carvajal on the front. The newspaper said the national team wanted to put the “icing on the cake” after winning each of their games in the tournament.
The former England captain Alan Shearer said he believed the two teams were evenly matched and “it’ll probably take a piece of brilliance from someone to win it”.
Speaking before the game, Southgate, who has faced criticism after poor performances in the group stages and near-death experiences in the knockout rounds, said his team were ready.
“I don’t believe in fairytales but I am a believer in dreams and we have big dreams but you have to make those things happen,” he said. “The run we have had, late goals, penalties, that doesn’t equate to us making it happen. We have to perform.”
The Conservative leader and former prime minister Rishi Sunak said: “We are right behind you tonight and, whatever the result, I know you’ll do us all proud. Bring it home.”
