Across England, football fans have been savouring the run-up to a game that could see the country crowned champions of Europe.

Houses have been bedecked with flags amid a surge in demand for England-themed paraphernalia, the Shard in London was lit up in the team colours, and the anthemic Three Lions song was projected on to the White Cliffs of Dover.

Italy v England – UEFA Euro 2020 Final – Wembley StadiumFans head to Wembley early on Sunday afternoon (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Italy v England – UEFA Euro 2020 Final – Wembley StadiumEngland fans climb aboard a bus near the ground (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Italy v England – UEFA Euro 2020 Final – Wembley StadiumFlares were let off as the numbers built up (Zac Goodwin/PA)

The final – which is expected to attract a record television audience – is due to kick off at 8pm and will finish by 10pm if it ends in normal time, but could end closer to 11pm if there is extra time or a penalty shootout.

Victory would mark the men’s football team’s first major tournament win since the 1966 World Cup success, which also took place at Wembley Stadium in London.

Italy v England – UEFA Euro 2020 Final – Wembley StadiumSupporters were already in high spirits before noon (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Euro 2020Fans from outside the capital arrive at King’s Cross station in London (Jonathan Brady/PA)
England fans queuing outside the The Faltering Fullback pub in Finsbury Park, LondonEngland fans queuing outside the The Faltering Fullback pub in Finsbury Park, London (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Skipper Harry Kane said the players hope to do the nation proud when they take to the pitch: “We know how much it means to the English fans all over the country so we’re proud to be representing them and hopefully we can do them proud again.”

Fans by a new mural in Nuneaton by artist Nathan Parker, depicting Gareth Southgate, Harry Kane and Raheem SterlingFans by a new mural in Nuneaton by artist Nathan Parker, depicting Gareth Southgate, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling (Jacob King/PA)
Local residents carry an official giant England Nationwide respect campaign flag from Neeld Crescent in Brent, where Raheem Sterling grew up, to Wembley Stadium, ahead of the Euro 2020 finalLocal residents carry an official giant England Nationwide respect campaign flag from Neeld Crescent in Brent, where Raheem Sterling grew up, to Wembley Stadium, ahead of the Euro 2020 final (Jonathan Brady/PA)
An artist paints a picture of the ground ahead of the Euro 2020 final at Wembley StadiumAn artist paints a picture of the ground ahead of the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Despite the English home advantage, Italian fans will be attending Wembley too and hoping their team will continue their 32-match unbeaten run.

Italy v England – UEFA Euro 2020 Final – Wembley StadiumAn Italy fan outside Wembley (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Italy v England – UEFA Euro 2020 Final – Wembley StadiumA dog sporting an Italy shirt outside of the ground (Mike Egerton/PA)