Published: 12:54, 11 July 2021 | Updated: 19:50, 11 July 2021
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 and thousands descended on pubs and fan zones to watch the match.
The final – which is expected to attract a record television audience – kicked 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.
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.”
Despite the English home advantage, Italian fans will be attending Wembley too and hoping their team will continue their 32-match unbeaten run.