Prince William, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie are cheering on every England attack at Wembley tonight as thousands of football fans place their hopes of national glory on Gareth Southgate's squad trouncing Denmark in their Euro 2020 semi-final showdown.
The Three Lions are facing the Danes from 8pm while 60,000 spectators at Wembley and 30 million fans in living rooms, pubs and fan zones across the country unite to support England as the team makes a noble bid to seal a place in Sunday's blockbuster final against Italy.
The Duke of Cambridge and Mr and Mrs Johnson will be hoping that our heroes banish the ghost of Euro 96, when England lost in the semi-final to Germany on penalties - an historic wrong somewhat expunged after Southgate's side knocked the Germans out of the Championship last week.
William, the president of the Football Association, cheered England alongside the Duchess of Cambridge and their son George last week. But the prince is without his family because Kate is self-isolating after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus.
Mr Johnson tweeted 'we're behind you' with a photo of him wearing an England jersey with the name 'Boris' on the back as he left for the biggest football match on home soil in 25 years. Last night he said: 'Gareth Southgate and the England squad have done the nation proud in the Euros, and tonight we will all be wishing them the best of luck in getting to the final. Bring it home!'
Up to 2,500 VIPs have been allowed to skip quarantine upon entering Britain so they can watch the semi-finals and final in person, after football bosses threatened to move the games to Hungary unless the British government eased coronavirus travel restrictions for its officials and sponsors.
Currently, most of Europe is on the UK's 'amber list', which would usually force arrivals into a self-imposed quarantine for 10 days. But under the plans a window for quarantine free entry will be opened for VIPs.
The VIPs will need to provide a negative test before leaving for the UK, and will have to undergo testing during their stay. They will also be restricted to staying in selected hotels and to official meetings and matches.
However, most of the VIPs will fly in and out on the same day as the match they are attending. Wembley is set to have 60,000 fans in it tomorrow night - meaning it will be at 75 per cent capacity.
Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, his wife Princess Mary, and their 15-year-old son Prince Christian have been given exemptions to travel to London for the clash. Furious Denmark fans threatened to 'come by sea like the Vikings' after they were banned from travelling under the country's Covid rules.
Earlier the stadium grounds were awash with red, white and blue, with onlookers describing scenes of 'carnage' as huge numbers of England fans sang 'It's Coming Home' and 'God Save the Queen', let off flares and did knee slides while taking selfies with rival supporters wearing Viking horns.
Fans without tickets to the game went drinking in Leicester Square before heading to the official fan zone in Trafalgar Square. Three dressed as lions said they were watching the match at Wembley, while a fourth was made up as a 'lion tamer' who would 'keep us under control if Denmark win'.
The Metropolitan Police are expecting huge crowds to take to the streets after the match, and have urged fans to follow coronavirus guidelines and stay away from London if they don't have tickets for the game or a pre-booked seat in a pub, bar or designated fan zone.
England fans ahead the Euro 2020 football semi-final match between England and Denmark at Wembley
General view inside Wembley Stadium as England and Denmark players warm up ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final clash
Harry Kane of England leads the team on to the pitch for the warm up prior to the semi-final match against Denmark
Simon Kjaer of Denmark leads the team on to the pitch for the warm up prior to the match
Fans cheer prior the start of the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark at Wembley
Boris Johnson heads to Wembley Stadium to watch England play Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final match
England manager Gareth Southgate waves to the fans before the semi-final match against Denmark
Fans of England show their support in the stands before the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final match at Wembley
England supporters wave flags ahead the semi-final football match between England and Denmark at Wembley
England's Harry Kane during the warm up before the crunch semi-final match against Denmark
Fans of England show their support prior to the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark at Wembley
England fans inside Wembley Stadium ahead of the crunch Euro 2020 semi-final match against Denmark
England fans show their support prior to the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark at Wembley
Comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner look on from the crowd during the Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley
Actor James Corden posted a photo of himself with his family at Wembley Stadium ahead of the semi-final match
Denmark fans show their support prior to the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark at Wembley
Denmark fans show their support prior to the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark at Wembley
Fans of Denmark show their support prior to the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark at Wembley
Fans cheer prior the start of the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark at Wembley Stadium
Fans of England cheer prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final match between England and Denmark at Wembley
Denmark fans inside Wembley Stadium before the Euro 2020 semi-final crunch match against England
England supporters hang flags ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final football match between England and Denmark at Wembley
England fans show their support outside Wembley ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark
Denmark fans arrive at Wembley as the Vikings square up to the Three Lions at the Euro 2020 semi-final
Thousands of England fans gathering outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark
Fans gather outside Wembley Stadium in London, Wednesday, July 7, 2021 ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final
Thousands of England fans gathering outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark
Denmark fans wear viking hats and wave flags as they gather outside Wembley Stadium in London
Thousands of England fans gathering outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark
England supporters arrive to watch the Euro 2020 semi-final football match between England and Denmark at Wembley
Fans at the Vinegar Yard in London before watching the Euro 2020 semi-final match between England and Denmark
Thousands of England fans have gathered outside Wembley (pictured) in scenes of 'carnage' as millions dash out of work and pack out pubs ahead of tonight's semi-final showdown against Denmark
Denmark fans arrive at Wembley as the Vikings square up to the Three Lions at the Euro 2020 semi-final
England supporters pose as they arrive to watch the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final football match
Two England fans in Leicester Square in London jump for joy as they clutch an England flag ahead of the match tonight
England fans show their support outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark
A fan of England raises a red flare outside the stadium prior to the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark
Gareth Southgate 's men face the Danes at 8pm with the winners going on to face Italy in the final on Sunday - in what would be England's biggest game since 1966. Pictured: Fans in Wembley
Vast swathes of fans are already outside Wembley - with some seen doing knee slides in the rain (pictured). Onlookers described the jubilant scenes as 'absolute carnage' with four hours still to go before kickoff
The nation is right behind the Three Lions, with 30 million expected to tune in on TV, as well as 60,000 at the stadium (pictured). Top tier tickets for the clash are being re-sold for up to £6,500 each on 'touting' websites, MailOnline has found
Crowds of England football fans drinking at tables and on the streets of Leicester Square ahead of the Euro 2020 clash
England fooball fans drinking in Leicester Square ahead of tonight's Three Lions semi-final clash against Denmark
Fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final match between England and Denmark
Met Police said they are ready for the demands of tonight's match - with huge crowds set to take to the streets whether England win or lose. Pictured: Fans at Wembley today
Fans are seen letting off flares as they drink from cans in Wembley ahead of tonight's match. Kickoff is at 8pm
Red and white flares - the colours of England's flag - are let off as supporters approach Wembley stadium this afternoon
The force urged fans (pictured at Wembley) to follow Government coronavirus guidelines and stay away from London if they don't have tickets for the game or a pre-booked seat in a pub, bar or designated fan zone
England fans doing knee slides outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark
A fan wearing a wig and draped in an England flag is seen outside Wembley. Other supporters drink from cans around him
Meanwhile, in London's Leicester Square, supporters without Wembley tickets were seen drinking ahead of kickoff at 8pm tonight
Supporters were seen chanting and lifting their hands in the air as they swigged beer in Leicester Square
Countless fans rushed to Leicester Square to grab seats in bars and pubs ahead of kickoff at 8pm tonight
England fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark
England fans pose with a fan of Denmark on Wembley Park Boulevard before the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match
The Anglo-Danish clash has been friendly so far, with one England fan even revealing that he faces being sent off to sleep in the shed if England win tonight - by his Danish wife. Chris Kerin, 38, will be given his marching orders by wife Christina if Southgate's team overcome Denmark tonight in their Euro 2020 semi-final
Ben Edwards, 43, Craig Pope, 47, Matt Glew, 38 and 'tamer' Laurence Page, 72, who was wearing an England flag top hat, from Maidstone, said they were confident of victory. Mr Glew said: 'It's our toughest test yet but I reckon we're going to win 2-0.'
Pointing at his lion headgear, the former banker added: 'We paid about £100 per hat but it was worth every single penny, we've been asked for autographs and all sorts.'
Mr Edwards, who works in cyber security, said: 'Denmark aren't going to win - it's coming home.' Mr Pope, who works in construction, added: 'We're going to get past our semi-final hoodoo.'
Jo Andrews, 36, a property manager from Portsmouth who was wearing an England hat and face paint, said she was 'absolutely excited' to be there.
She said: 'We are definitely going to win tonight - 3-1. This is our turn, this is our chance and we are going to win tonight and we are coming back Sunday.'
England fans have travelled from far and wide to support the team. Two supporters, who gave their names only as Clare, 47 and Charlotte, 44, both from Stockton-on-Tees, said they have travelled around 250 miles to watch the game in London 'on a whim'.
The pair have no tickets to Wembley, but made the journey to support the team in the capital and enjoy the atmosphere.
Clare said: 'We saw it on YouTube, the fan zone and everything, and we thought we want to be a part of that.'
A father and son said they have travelled to London from Nottingham after winning tickets to the semi-finals two years ago in a ballot.
James Garmon, 45 has brought his son, Harry Garmon, 11, to see a match at Wembley Stadium for the first time, and only surprised him with the tickets recently.
Speaking before they headed to the stadium, Mr Garmon said: 'Harry is a big football fan, he plays football, so what better time to come down and see the England team.
'I entered the ballot a couple of years ago to get tickets for the semi-finals, hoping England would get through and the plan was if they got through, though he was nine at the time, I thought I would bring my son to come and see England.
'It all worked out, it's been two years in the making.'
Elsewhere, England fans without tickets for the official fan zone in central London's Trafalgar Square gathered in the area to avoid 'missing out' on the atmosphere.
Luke Hughes, 19, a student from Watford, said: 'I've seen the scenes on social media of everyone chanting and singing in London after the game has finished - there is no way I am missing that.
'I think it will be a tough game, maybe decided on one goal, but if we win, this place will be electric. It's coming home.'
A sea of Three Lions shirts and England flags could be seen at the fan zone in Trafalgar Square. Supporters cheered as it was announced that England could make their first major tournament final since 1966.
An announcer told the crowd: 'This is historic. It's an iconic night tonight.'
One supporter, Dave Smalls, 42, a plumber from Basildon in Essex, said: 'I honestly can't wait for this - everything seems different to tournaments in the past.
'Gareth Southgate has not just united a team, but a country - it's a team you can get behind.'
England superfan Chris Dowse, who lives on the flag-bestrewn Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, south-east London, said he had declined the offer of tickets to the Euro 2020 semi-final because he would rather watch the game in the company of his neighbours.
The 42-year-old said: 'I've been offered tickets but I've turned them down. Firstly, I'm not rich and I'd like to spend that money on my kids. But secondly, I am really proud of what we've achieved on this estate, so I will be watching it here.'
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: 'The Met is very well prepared for the increase in fans.
'We have a very experienced policing team in place and will continue to prevent crime and disorder and respond effectively to any incidents. We have deployed a great many officers and specialist units.
'We want people to be able to enjoy the Euros 2020 safely and securely. London still remains in a public health crisis. There are Government guidelines in place and we ask people to follow these and remain socially distanced.
'My message is clear: If you don't have a ticket to the matches, fan zone or officially booked into a pub, bar or club, please do not come to London - you could end up missing the game.'
By 5pm this afternoon - three hours before kick-off - England fans were singing footie anthem 'It's Coming Home' and songs about star defender Harry Maguire while drinking cans of lager and cider.
A group of women in Bristol out to watch the crunch Euro 2020 semi-final clash between England and Denmark
Fans of England gather outside Wembley Stadium prior to the Euro 2020 semi-final between England and Denmark
England fans in London before watching the Euro 2020 semi-final match between England and Denmark
England fooball fans drinking in Leicester Square ahead of tonight's Three Lions semi-final clash against Denmark
A married couple are backing opposite teams at the Euro 2020 clash between England and Denmark at Wembley
England and Danish fans arriving at Wembley together this afternoon. The nation is right behind the Three Lions, with 30 million expected to tune in on TV, as well as 60,000 at the stadium
Victory for England will see Gareth Soutgate's men face Italy at Wembley on Sunday - the team's first final since 1966
Spirits were high and drinks were flowing several hours before the match kicked off as fans piled into bars to soak up the atmosphere
A group of England fans pouring pitchers of beer at Boxpark Wembley this morning ahead of the semi-final match at 8pm
England fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark
England fans dressed as knights outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match this evening
England fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark
England fans at tables in Boxpark Wembley several hours before the match against Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-finals kicks off
England fans cheer and enjoy a drink in Leicester Square, London ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final this evening
Fans in Leicester Square. Today, England take on Denmark in their first Euros semi-final since 1996 with hopes of a victory
England fans at tables in Boxpark Wembley this morning, with the nation eagerly awaiting the 8pm kick off of the semi-final
In scenes mirrored across the nation, England fans queue to enter Box Park near Wembley Stadium as the country looks forward to the Euro 2021 semi-final against Denmark this evening
A fan of England shows their support outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Semi-final match
Alan Putman, in costume and a horse drawn carriage, on the Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, south London, where residents are showing their support for England ahead of their game against Denmark
Images from across the country showed supporters getting into the spirit, with a set of flag-waving supporters stopping traffic to recreate the famous Vindaloo video in Kidderminster, West Midlands
Fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark
Denmark football fans gather in Vinegar Yard, Bermondsey, ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final between England and Denmark
The police kept a watchful eye, but the atmosphere was good-natured as bars and cafes around the stadium were packed with people.
The Anglo-Danish clash has been friendly so far, with one England fan even revealing that he faces being sent off to sleep in the shed if England win tonight - by his Danish wife.
Chris Kerin, 38, will be given his marching orders by wife Christina if Southgate's team overcome Denmark tonight in their Euro 2020 semi-final.
The couple from Hertfordshire will watch the tense match at Wembley together with both hoping that they get bragging rights at the final whistle.
Furniture worker Chris was today wearing
