Match Of The Pray

Come on England: Nation holds its breath for final

- Patrick Hill & Stephen Hayward

Captain fantastic Harry Kane clasps his hands as England prays for Euro 2020 glory tonight.

Messages of support have poured in from the Queen, the PM and even Hollywood star Tom Cruise as Gareth Southgate’s boys takes on Italy.

The entire nation is on tenterhooks ahead of England’s first final since the 1966 World Cup. Some 35 million are set to tune in for what would be the most-watched event on British TV.

Hundreds of fans lined the street as the squad left St George’s Park, Staffs, yesterday and headed to a Watford hotel. Fans filmed the scene on their mobiles and even recorded awestruck players on the coach. One exclaimed: “Jesus, you are the best.” Another said: “It makes you realise...”

But then it is a rare event. Even Her Maj showed she is up for the cup with a message addressed to “Mr Gareth Southgate, OBE”.

It said: “Fifty-five years ago I was fortunate to present the World Cup to Bobby Moore and saw what it meant to players, management and support staff. I send my congratulations and that of my family to you all, and my good wishes for tomorrow with the hope history will record not only your success but also the spirit, commitment and pride with which you have conducted yourselves.”