Excited crowds surround Wembley for England vs Denmark’s Euro clash

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Football fans descend on central London hours before England and Denmark go head to head in the latest Euros match.

The country is set to face the EU nation at 8pm for a place in the Euro 2020 final with up to 65,000 fans expected to be at the Wembley Stadium.

Ahead of the game, England supporters were excitedly chanting “it’s coming home” and “God save the Queen”.

The Duke of Cambridge, who is president of the Football Association, was at the venue to watch the match.

Among celebrities, James Cordon took a selfie of himself in the stands with his family. Boris Johnson was pictured wearing a number 10 shirt. Also in a football strip was Harry Kane’s wife Katie Goodland.

Outside Wembley, supporters dressed as Knights of Saint George pose for photographs while others let of red flares.

This is the first time the men’s team has made it to the semi-final of a European Championship since the penalty shootout defeat to Germany at back in 1996.

Fans play football outside Wembley Stadium several hours before the semi-final match with Denmark
PA Wire

The excitement and anticipation of the big game has forced some fans to arrive on Wembley Way or in pubs ahead of the game.

Some have staged impromptu kickabouts while others have been spotted wearing replica strips.

Others flooded London’s Trafalgar Square ahead of the clash.

Lars Thuesen, Danish ambassador to the UK, said around 8,000 Danish people living in the UK will also be among the Wembley crowd later, with numbers limited due to travel restrictions.

Three Lions fans are expected to get through nearly 10 million pints in pubs and beer gardens on Wednesday.

As the football fever continues and with an increased capacity of fans at the Stadium – the highest capacity in a UK football ground since the outbreak of Covid – the Met police have put extra officers on the streets to meet “any demand” placed on them.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, has said that the city still remains a “public health crisis” despite the game.

He added: “My message is clear: If you don’t have 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.

“Many pubs and bars right across London are screening the matches and attracting large numbers of fans. Met licensing officers have been visiting such venues to talk to staff about how they can keep their customers safe and deal with any risks arising from disorder and anti-social behaviour as well as helping the vulnerable get home safely.”

Footage shared on social media showed some Denmark fans gearing up for the match, fully dressed in their native colours, at a Vinegar Yard screening.

Standard chief football correspondent Dan Kilpatrick posted a video on social media of hundreds of England fans arriving at Wembley Park station belting out Fat Les’s anthem Vindaloo.

Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted “Football has the incredible power to bring people together from all walks of life. Euro 2020 is a chance to celebrate our diversity and get behind the England team.

“Football’s coming home - and it’s a home we all share.”

Fans outside Wembley Stadium
PA

DAC Taylor said the Met is very well prepared for the increase in fans. Officers will continue to prevent crime and disorder and respond effectively to any incidents.

He said: “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.

“We have a particular focus on safeguarding, tackling domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, and hate crime – all of which are Met priorities.

“We will bring such offenders to account and support victims. We encourage anyone who is suffering at the hands of an abusive or violent partner, or knows someone who is, to call us.”

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