England manager Gareth Southgate has told fans their “support and energy has given us a huge lift” as his team prepares to take on Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
In a video message released with hours to go before kick-off at Wembley, Southgate thanked fans for their “incredible support”, adding “your support and energy has given us a huge lift”.
He said: “We hope we’ve represented you in the right way. We hope you’ve enjoyed watching us play.
“We know now we’ve got to deliver for you so we’ll be doing everything we can.”
It came after Prince William led well wishes to the England team during the countdown to their historic Euro 2020 final against Italy at Wembley tonight.
The Duke of Cambridge, who is also president of the FA, posted a video message to say: “I can’t really believe this is happening. So exciting and I just wish you the very best of luck”.
“You bring out the very best of England and we are all behind you. The whole country is behind you. So, bring it home.”
His grandmother sent a personal message to the England manager on Saturday, recalling her experiences watching England being crowned world champions in 1966.
The Queen wrote: “I want to send my congratulations and that of my family to you all on reaching the final of the European Championships, and send my good wishes for tomorrow with the hope that history will record not only your success but also the spirit, commitment and pride with which you have conducted yourselves.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote a similar letter to the team yesterday evening, telling them they have “lifted the spirits of the whole country” amid the coronavirus crisis.
“Tomorrow we know you can lift that trophy too,” he wrote.
Mr Johnson told Southgate and the squad they have “already made history”.
“For most people in this country, it is the first time this has happened in all their lives,” the PM wrote.
“You have forged a band of brothers whose energy and tenacity and teamwork – and sheer flair – seem to shine in everything you do.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the players have been “as fearless as the three lions on our crest” and thanked them for being “role models, not just to a generation of young people, but to an entire nation”.