Your essential guide to England's quarter-final opponents: Meet Ukraine's answer to Posh and Becks, why Chicken Kievs AREN'T from Kiev, how they are BIGGER boozers than Brits...and whose president is a comedian (literally)

  • The team is let by captain and Man City star Oleksandr Zinchenko, married to glamorous TV reporter Vlada
  • Ukraine's president is Volodymyr Zelenskiy, ex-comedian elected in 2019 after social media campaign 
  • Country is sixth-biggest drinking nation downing almost 30 pints of spirits per person each year on average 
  • 1000sq miles of country is abandoned after the Chernobyl disaster and will be radioactive for 20,000 years 

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England will take on Ukraine in Rome on Saturday night in the eastern European state's biggest match in its history.

The team is led by talisman and captain Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is a familiar name with football fans because he is a Manchester City player and teammate of England stars Raheem Sterling, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden. 

Zinchenko lives in a Cheshire mansion with his wife, Vlada, a glamorous blonde TV journalist and model branded the world's most beautiful WAG, and they are considered Ukraine's hottest couple and dubbed the country's 'Posh and Becks'.

The largest country entirely in Europe is also one of the continent's newest, gaining independence from Russia when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 - but since 2014 it has been at war with Putin's state after he annexed Crimea.  Tensions remain high in the region and Russia even claimed to open fire on a British warship last week after it passed close to the Crimean coast after the Royal Navy insisted they didn't recognise Russian claims to the region.

Ukraine's president is Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a former stand-up comedian elected in 2019. His journey to high office became life imitating art because his most famous TV role was of a school teacher who rants about corrupt politicians, which is shared by students, goes viral and he is catapulted to the presidency.

His nation is hard-drinking and sports mad, and its most famous athlete of all time is also the country's coach Andriy Shevchenko, who is the nation's record scorer, also stood in elections after he retired and is close friends with oligarch Roman Abramovich, who signed him for Chelsea.

But the chicken kiev, named after its capital, has no roots in Ukraine having been invented by a Parisian chef to impress a Russian tsar 200 years ago. Ukraine's favourite foods are borscht and burgers, and has one of the busiest McDonald's branches in the world.

With the game in Rome approaching, here's MailOnline's guide to Ukraine:         

Ukraine’s Posh and Becks   

Ukraine's golden couple Oleksandr Zinchenko with his wife, Vlada, a TV journalist and model

Ukraine's golden couple Oleksandr Zinchenko with his wife, Vlada, a TV journalist and model

Vlada Zinchenko takes a picture inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group C match between Ukraine and North Macedonia a fortnight ago

Vlada Zinchenko takes a picture inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group C match between Ukraine and North Macedonia a fortnight ago

TV presenter Vlada Sedan posted this image to her Instagram, of the pair in the national arena when they became engaged in 2019

TV presenter Vlada Sedan posted this image to her Instagram, of the pair in the national arena when they became engaged in 2019

Zinchenko broke interview protocol with TV reporter Sedan when Ukraine beat Serbia 5-0 - and their relationship blossomed soon after

Zinchenko broke interview protocol with TV reporter Sedan when Ukraine beat Serbia 5-0 - and their relationship blossomed soon after

Vlada is an outspoken journalist who slammed her husband's manager Pep Guardiola on TV

Vlada is an outspoken journalist who slammed her husband's manager Pep Guardiola on TV

Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko is the team's biggest star, current captain and married to a woman considered the world's most beautiful WAG.

Zinchenko's wife, Vlada Sedan works as a TV reporter for Ukrainian TV covering the football team her left-footed husband leads and they have been known to kiss during post-match interviews. 

In 2019, after he helped his side to Euro 2020 qualification with a win over Portugal, he proposed to his girlfriend at his country's national stadium in Kiev.

They live together in a Cheshire mansion in an area dominated by footballers playing for Manchester giants United and City.

Vlada, who is also a model, is known to be outspoken, causing a headache for her husband after she laid into his manager Pep Guardiola after they failed to win the Champions League again.

Oleksandr was forced to distance himself from her comments - and deny claims he told her the goings on in the changing rooms - when she told viewers: 'Perhaps I have no right to say this, perhaps Zinchenko will forbid me. But to put it mildly, and in order not to swear, this is completely Guardiola's fault'.      

The comedian-turned president of Ukraine who won using social media

TV star turned president Volodymyr Zelensky

TV star turned president Volodymyr Zelensky

A comedian with no political experience won a landslide victory in Ukraine's presidential election in 2019.

Volodymyr Zelensky, whose only previous political role was playing the president on television, trounced incumbent Petro Poroshenko by taking 73 percent of the vote, according to exit polls conducted by several think tanks.

Poroshenko lost to the television star across all regions of the country, including in the west where he traditionally enjoyed strong support.

It was an extraordinary outcome to a campaign that started as a joke but struck a chord with voters frustrated by poverty, corruption and a five-year war that has claimed some 13,000 lives.

The 43-year-old star of TV series 'Servant of the People' will now take the helm of a country of 45 million people beset by challenges and having run on the vaguest of political platforms.

Zelensky's bid to lead the country of 45 million people was initially dismissed as a joke when he announced his candidacy on New Year's Eve 2018.

His unorthodox campaign relied heavily on quirky social media posts and comedy gigs instead of traditional rallies and leafleting. He ran his campaign mainly on Instagram, where he has 3.7 million followers.

He has also promised to fight corruption, a message that has resonated with Ukrainians who are fed up with politics as usual in a country of 42 million people that remains one of Europe's poorest nearly three decades after winning independence from the Soviet Union.

The star coach

Andriy Shevchenko quit all football to begin a career in politics - but went that went badly turned to coaching the national team.

But the hero Ukrainian striker has been a great success, taking the country to its first Euro quarter-finals where they will play England on Saturday. 

Ukraine's manager Andriy Shevchenko celebrates victory after the Euro 2020 soccer championship round of 16 match between Sweden and Ukraine at Hampden Park
Shevchenko last month at the Champions League final with close friend Roman Abramovich

Ukraine's manager Andriy Shevchenko celebrates victory after the Euro 2020 soccer championship round of 16 match between Sweden and Ukraine at Hampden Park - and right last month at the Champions League final with close friend Roman Abramovich

The former AC Milan and Chelsea forward ended his international career when Ukraine failed to progress from the group stage at Euro 2012, which they co-hosted with Poland.

Shevchenko emerged as one of European football's hottest properties at Dynamo Kiev before enjoying a hugely successful seven-year spell at AC Milan.

He then moved to Chelsea in 2007 for £30million but struggled during his time at Stamford Bridge, netting just 22 times in three seasons.

However, he remains close to Russian owner Roman Abramovich, sitting in front of him at May's Champions League final and celebrating Chelsea's win over Man City with the Billionaire.

Europe's largest country - and one of its newest - after escaping Moscow's clutches in 1991 before war broke out with Putin's super-power in 2014

Russian military hardware rolls into Ukraine

Russian military hardware rolls into Ukraine

Despite the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the relationship between Ukraine and Russia remains a complicated and violent one.

Divided by political and civil unrest, Ukraine has become a pawn in a power game played by Russian president Vladimir Putin after the country gained independence.

They are fiercely proud of its yellow and blue flag, which was banned from being flown by Moscow in 1946 until it became a free state. 

Its citizens comprise those loyal to Russia and those who want Ukraine to remain an independent country to Russian rule.

On February 26 2014, local self-defence forces began to take control of the Crimean peninsula. Military personnel in Russian-made uniform without insignia, and former members of the Ukraine military were involved.

Most of Crimea’s two million inhabitants speak Russian and describe themselves as Russian, and even though they hold Ukrainian passports they live in an autonomous region with its own constitution and parliament.

Russia released footage filmed from one of its Su-24M attack jets which showed HMS Defender sailing off Crimea - but not the moment it alleges shots were fired and four bombs were dropped

Russia released footage filmed from one of its Su-24M attack jets which showed HMS Defender sailing off Crimea - but not the moment it alleges shots were fired and four bombs were dropped 

However, there is also a percentage of revolutionary dissidents who hate Russia, called the Crimean Tartars, who feared Russian president Vladimir Putin would encourage the Ukrainian separatist movement for his own political benefit and intervene militarily in Crimea.

Before the Euros started Ukraine’s shirt sparked controversy in Russia after it featured a map including Crimea.

The top showed its borders as well as the annexed peninsular Moscow considers part of its territory.

Ukraine’s shirt was slammed by one Russian MP as a ‘political provocation’.

And last week 20 Russian aircraft and two coastguard ships have shadowed a British warship sailing near Crimea.

There was confusion over the exact circumstances but Moscow's defence ministry said a patrol ship fired warning shots and a jet dropped bombs in the path of HMS Defender. 

The chicken Kiev IS NOT from Ukraine (and they love Beetroot soup and Big Macs)

The chicken kiev, a much loved dish in Britain that has no link to Ukraine other than the name

The chicken kiev, a much loved dish in Britain that has no link to Ukraine other than the name

People are stand queue to McDonald's in central Kyiv - a branch reputedly the third busiest in the world

People are stand queue to McDonald's in central Kyiv - a branch reputedly the third busiest in the world

Ukraine's capital is synonymous with a breaded chicken dish named after the city. 

But in fact the Chicken Kiev, a staple dish for millions of Britains, was invented by a French chef to grace the dinner table of a Russian tsar in the early 1800s.

It became a 1970s staple in the UK - but the breadcrumbed chicken with its hidden geyser of garlicky butter was supposed to have been consigned to food history by the nouvelle cuisine of the 1980s.

Yet today it’s enjoying a posh-nosh revival on trendy restaurant menus across the country, while star chefs including TV favourites Jamie Oliver, Tom Kerridge and James Martin have all made space for it in recent recipe books.

Its national dish is borscht, a bright red beetroot soup that was also Princess Diana's favourite meal, and is a hearty meal containing masses of beetroot mixed with yogurt, onion, chicken stock, milk, sour cream, salt and pepper with a swirl of horseradish sauce.

But for Ukraine's younger generation, it is more about fast food.

The McDonald’s next to the main train station in Kiev is believed to be the third busiest in the world. 

Drinking is a national pastime

Fans from the big drinking country watch the Ukraine vs Austria match on June 21, 2021

Fans from the big drinking country watch the Ukraine vs Austria match on June 21, 2021

While England's team is expected to win on Friday night, the Ukrainians would be expected to take the spoils in a drinking competition.

Its national drink is a moonshine called Horilka – translating as ‘burning water’ as it is often flavoured with chilli - and the booze mad nation drinks an average of 27 pints of it a year.

Youngsters have moved away from the spirit, which is often brewed at home by Ukrainians, and prefer to drink beer. 

According to the World Health Organisation it is the sixth biggest drinking nation on the planet.

Only people from Belarus, Moldova, Lithuania, Russia and Romania consume more alcohol each year.

Gigantic country has gigantic landmarks

Ukraine is the largest country entirely in Europe and has some of the world's largest and grandest landmarks.

Kiev has the world’s deepest metro station, at 115metres underground. In other words, just about deep enough to swallow the England team up if they lose this weekend.

And Khreshchatyk Street in Kiev is the world’s widest road at 100metres or more. Even the pavements are huge, measuring up to 15metres wide on each side on average.

1000sq mile no-go zone around Chernobyl 'will last 20,000 YEARS'

The haunting Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, that blew up in 1986 and may have killed 200,000 people since

The haunting Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, that blew up in 1986 and may have killed 200,000 people since

In 1986 an accident at the USSR’s Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant triggered the world’s worst radiological crisis.

The events of that night are well documented – but history didn’t stop there. Chernobyl, as a place, remains very much alive today.

1,000-square-mile Exclusion Zone, which includes the city of Pripyat, and will need to be in place for 20,000 years, experts say.

Once inside, there’s no time limit for the stay – but you’re not allowed to sleep in the zone.

There’s no dress code, apart from the stipulation to wear long sleeves as protection against the radiation.

But visiting the zone is not dangerous.

Irradiated topsoil has been scraped away and visitors are advised to rent Geiger counters, which will warn them if they stray into an area of high radiation.

The Chernobyl disaster occurred on 26 April 1986 – and it ranks as one of the biggest nuclear catastrophes in history.

But the abandonment of the town by humans has created one of the most diverse animal sanctuaries in the world, mixed with some of the most striking scenery.

The initial explosion in the No. 4 nuclear reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant killed two people with a further 29 dying days later from acute radiation poisoning.

Greenpeace says that 200,000 more deaths were caused by the effects of nuclear fallout.

 

Watch out England! Meet the very glamorous Ukrainian WAGs set to cheer on their partners against Southgate's squad in Rome including a star sports pundit and a stunning model

Ukraine are set to face England in the quarter-finals of the Euro 2020 on Saturday after a goal in the last minute of extra time knocked Sweden out of the competition and sent fans into a frenzy last night.

The team - who came third in their group - have been joined across Europe by a posse of glamorous wives and girlfriends, who will no doubt cheering the squad on against the Three Lions on Saturday.   

The WAGs include a stunning sports pundit and mummy-to-be who is often seen interviewing some of the world's most famous footballers, as well as a veteran model and PR whizz.

Vlada Sedan, 25, the journalist wife of Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko, is a familar face to many as the host of Ukraine's Football UATV. She is expecting the couple's first child and has posed on the sidelines in Amsterdam and Bucharest as she's followed her husband in the competition.

Also cheering from the sidelines is 42-year-old veteran model Kristen Pazik, wife of manager Andriy Shevchenko and former Chelsea striker.

The US-born mother-of-four has sport in her blood as she's the daughter of Mike Pazik, a former Major League Baseball player and New York Yankees player.

Joining the pair is a supportive team of women who can brag both beauty and brains, among them is a PR whizz, a smart student and more than a couple of models.

Ukraine are set to face England in the quarter-finals of the Euro 2020 on Saturday after a goal in the last minute of extra time knocked Sweden out of the competition and sent fans into a frenzy last night. The team - who came third in their group - have been joined across Europe by a posse of glamorous wives and girlfriends, who will no doubt cheering the squad on against the Three Lions on Saturday. The WAGs are pictured in Bucharest at Ukraine's group stage game

Ukraine are set to face England in the quarter-finals of the Euro 2020 on Saturday after a goal in the last minute of extra time knocked Sweden out of the competition and sent fans into a frenzy last night. The team - who came third in their group - have been joined across Europe by a posse of glamorous wives and girlfriends, who will no doubt cheering the squad on against the Three Lions on Saturday. The WAGs are pictured in Bucharest at Ukraine's group stage game

The WAGs, pictured in Bucharest,  include a stunning sports pundit and mummy-to-be who is often seen interviewing some of the world's most famous footballers, as well as a veteran model and PR whizz

The WAGs, pictured in Bucharest,  include a stunning sports pundit and mummy-to-be who is often seen interviewing some of the world's most famous footballers, as well as a veteran model and PR whizz

SPORTS PUNDIT AND YUMMY MUMMY TO BE  

Vlada Zinchenko (nee Sedan), the pregnant sports pundit wife of Oleksandr Zinchenko, 24, and often sets pulses racing while interviewing the most popular players in the world.

The stunning journalist, 25, lives in Manchester where she supports her midfielder husband who plays for Manchester City, but that doesn't stop her from working for Ukrainian television as one of their top pundits.

The two tied-the-knot in August, after Oleksandr proposed inside the 70,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Kiev. They confirmed the relationship the year before when he planted a kiss on her cheek following Ukraine's 5-0 victory against Serbia.  

A star in her own right, Vlada has nearly 500,000 followers on Instagram and recently shared a throwback of herself in the stands at Euro 2016, dress in yellow and blue and showing off her washboard abs in a tiny crop top. 

She's continued the support this year and has shared many a sideline-selfie in Ukraine's colours, as well as glamorous sideline pictures from the city's she's visited. 

Vlada Zinchenko, the pregnant sports pundit wife of Oleksandr Zinchenko, 24, and often sets pulses racing while interviewing the most popular players in the world.

Vlada Zinchenko, the pregnant sports pundit wife of Oleksandr Zinchenko, 24, and often sets pulses racing while interviewing the most popular players in the world.

The stunning journalist, 25, lives in Manchester where she supports her midfielder husband who plays for Manchester City, but that doesn't stop her from working for Ukrainian television as one of their top pundits.
The stunning journalist, 25, lives in Manchester where she supports her midfielder husband who plays for Manchester City, but that doesn't stop her from working for Ukrainian television as one of their top pundits.

The stunning journalist, 25, lives in Manchester where she supports her midfielder husband who plays for Manchester City, but that doesn't stop her from working for Ukrainian television as one of their top pundits.

The two tied-the-knot in August, after Oleksandr proposed inside the 70,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Kiev. They confirmed the relationship the year before when he planted a kiss on her cheek following Ukraine's 5-0 victory against Serbia. She is pictured working in Leicester

The two tied-the-knot in August, after Oleksandr proposed inside the 70,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Kiev. They confirmed the relationship the year before when he planted a kiss on her cheek following Ukraine's 5-0 victory against Serbia. She is pictured working in Leicester 

A star in her own right, Vlada has nearly 500,000 followers on Instagram and recently shared a throwback of herself in the stands at Euro 2016, dress in yellow and blue and showing off her washboard abs in a tiny crop top.

A star in her own right, Vlada has nearly 500,000 followers on Instagram and recently shared a throwback of herself in the stands at Euro 2016, dress in yellow and blue and showing off her washboard abs in a tiny crop top.

She's continued the support this year and has shared many a sideline-selfie in Ukraine's colours, as well as glamorous sideline pictures from the city's she's visited. Pictured in Amsterdam

She's continued the support this year and has shared many a sideline-selfie in Ukraine's colours, as well as glamorous sideline pictures from the city's she's visited. Pictured in Amsterdam

True yellow and blue! Vlada often sports yellow and blue in photos around the world

True yellow and blue! Vlada often sports yellow and blue in photos around the world

VETERAN MODEL BORN INTO SPORTING LEGACY  

Kristen Pazik, the wife of manager and former Chelsea Ace Andriy Shevchenko, was born into sporting legend as the daughter of former New York Yankees pitcher Mike Pazik.

A former model, Kristen is no stranger to a red carpet and has appeared on cover of French GQ with her footballer husband. 

A mother-of-four, Kristen often shares snaps with her sons - one of whom is already of Chelsea's books at just 14. As their son Kristian was born and raised in London and holds a British passport, the teenager - already a star at Chelsea's academy - has been touted a possible future England star.

Kristen Pazik, the wife of manager and former Chelsea Ace Andriy Shevchenko, was born into sporting legend as the daughter of former New York Yankees pitcher Mike Pazik.

Kristen Pazik, the wife of manager and former Chelsea Ace Andriy Shevchenko, was born into sporting legend as the daughter of former New York Yankees pitcher Mike Pazik.

A mother-of-four, Kristen often shares snaps with her sons - one of whom is already of Chelsea's books at just 14. As their son Kristian was born and raised in London and holds a British passport, the teenager - already a star at Chelsea's academy - has been touted a possible future England star.

A mother-of-four, Kristen often shares snaps with her sons - one of whom is already of Chelsea's books at just 14. As their son Kristian was born and raised in London and holds a British passport, the teenager - already a star at Chelsea's academy - has been touted a possible future England star.

A former model, Kristen is no stranger to a red carpet and has appeared on cover of French GQ with her footballer husband. She is pictured with her four sons

A former model, Kristen is no stranger to a red carpet and has appeared on cover of French GQ with her footballer husband. She is pictured with her four sons

Natural beauty! The model posted this photo to Instagram showing off her well-toned body

Natural beauty! The model posted this photo to Instagram showing off her well-toned body

PR WHIZZ AND  MUM-OF-THREE 

Inna Yarmolenko, wife of West Ham star Andriy Yarmolenko, is often seen posing poolside at an exotic location on Instagram to the delight of her 26,000 followers.

But her impressive CV shows she's much more than just a pretty face and has worked in PR and in social action projects, working as a specialist in Ukrainian foreign relations. 

She also organises charity events every year to promote eastern European culture overseas.  

Inna Yarmolenko, wife of West Ham star Andriy Yarmolenko, is often seen posing poolside at an exotic location on Instagram to the delight of her 26,000 followers.

Inna Yarmolenko, wife of West Ham star Andriy Yarmolenko, is often seen posing poolside at an exotic location on Instagram to the delight of her 26,000 followers.

Inna's impressive CV shows she's much more than just a pretty face and has worked in PR and in social action projects, working as a specialist in Ukrainian foreign relations.
Inna's impressive CV shows she's much more than just a pretty face and has worked in PR and in social action projects, working as a specialist in Ukrainian foreign relations.

Inna's impressive CV shows she's much more than just a pretty face and has worked in PR and in social action projects, working as a specialist in Ukrainian foreign relations.

Poolside beauty! Inna's impressive CV shows she's much more than just a pretty face and has worked in PR and in social action projects, working as a specialist in Ukrainian foreign relations

Poolside beauty! Inna's impressive CV shows she's much more than just a pretty face and has worked in PR and in social action projects, working as a specialist in Ukrainian foreign relations

Family time! The model shows off the love for her family online, posing with her husband and three sons

Family time! The model shows off the love for her family online, posing with her husband and three sons

FASHION INFLUENCER AND  MOTHER-OF-ONE

Roksana Malinovska, wife of set-piece specialised Ruslan Malinovskyi, often shared gorgeous photos from glamorous destinations across the world.

The new mother, who boasts 32,000 followers, often posts her love for her life in Italy (where her husband plays for Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio). 

She is often see posing in stunning Dolce-inspired dresses across the best spots in Bergamo, while also stripping off to a bikini and posing on white sand beaches in the Maldives and Dominican Republic. 

Roksana Malinovska, wife of set-piece specialised Ruslan Malinovskyi, often shared gorgeous photos from glamorous destinations across the world

Roksana Malinovska, wife of set-piece specialised Ruslan Malinovskyi, often shared gorgeous photos from glamorous destinations across the world

The new mother, who boasts 32,000 followers, often posts her love for her life in Italy (where her husband plays for Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio).

The new mother, who boasts 32,000 followers, often posts her love for her life in Italy (where her husband plays for Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio).

She is often see posing in stunning Dolce-inspired dresses across the best spots in Bergamo, while also stripping off to a bikini and posing on white sand beaches in the Maldives and Dominican Republic. She is seen with her husband and daughter

She is often see posing in stunning Dolce-inspired dresses across the best spots in Bergamo, while also stripping off to a bikini and posing on white sand beaches in the Maldives and Dominican Republic. She is seen with her husband and daughter

BRUSSELS-BASED MODEL AND YUMMY MUMMY 

Tania Makarenko, model wife of Makarenko Yevhenii, is another WAG with an enviable social media feed showing her stunning in her work as a model, while enjoying the perks of visiting destinations across the globe. 

The model recently showed off her very long legs on a boat in Amsterdam - where Ukraine played their group stage games.

But the mum-of-one also shows off her sweet home life with her young son in Brussels, with photos showing the family at children's parties as well as Europe's most glamorous bars.  

Tania Makarenko, model wife of Makarenko Yevhenii, is another WAG with an enviable social media feed showing her stunning in her work as a model, while enjoying the perks of visiting destinations across the globe.

Tania Makarenko, model wife of Makarenko Yevhenii, is another WAG with an enviable social media feed showing her stunning in her work as a model, while enjoying the perks of visiting destinations across the globe.

The model recently showed off her very long legs on a boat in Amsterdam - where Ukraine played their group stage games.

The model recently showed off her very long legs on a boat in Amsterdam - where Ukraine played their group stage games.

STUNNING MODEL AND TRAVEL LOVER 

Christina, the wife of Roman Yaremchuk, may soon be spotted on British shores with West Ham, Arsenal and Newcastle all reportedly interested in the Ghent player.

And she'd no doubt fit in with British WAGs as she has a clear lover for posing up a storm and travelling to exclusive destinations across the world.

Clearly friendly with the rest of the squad, she often post pictures with the rest of the team's wives and even shared a snap from  Zinchenko wedding last year.

The wife of Roman Yaremchuk, may soon be spotted on British shores with West Ham, Arsenal and Newcastle all reportedly interested in the Ghent player.
The wife of Roman Yaremchuk, may soon be spotted on British shores with West Ham, Arsenal and Newcastle all reportedly interested in the Ghent player.

The wife of Roman Yaremchuk, may soon be spotted on British shores with West Ham, Arsenal and Newcastle all reportedly interested in the Ghent player.

Christina is clearly friendly with the rest of the squad, she often post pictures with the rest of the team's wives and even shared a snap from Zinchenko wedding last year

Christina is clearly friendly with the rest of the squad, she often post pictures with the rest of the team's wives and even shared a snap from Zinchenko wedding last year

Shewould no doubt fit in with British WAGs as she has a clear lover for posing up a storm and travelling to exclusive destinations across the world. Pictured recently in Amsterdam

Shewould no doubt fit in with British WAGs as she has a clear lover for posing up a storm and travelling to exclusive destinations across the world. Pictured recently in Amsterdam 

Too hot to handle! She's also shown off a gorgeous look in a helipad at an exclusive Dubai resort

Too hot to handle! She's also shown off a gorgeous look in a helipad at an exclusive Dubai resort

SUPPORTIVE MUM-OF-THREE 

Gorgeous mum-of-three Julia Krivtsova has been cheering her husband Sergey Kryvtsov at all of Ukraine's games.

Going all out, at one match she sported a flower crown with denim shorts and Ukraine shirt - of course with her husband's name on the back.

Elsewhere, she's shared adorable snaps of her three children supporting their father, writing that she has 'Goosebumps from start to finish' watching him and in another saying: 'We are proud of you and love you'

Gorgeous mum-of-three Julia Krivtsova has been cheering her husband Sergey Kryvtsov at all of Ukraine's games.

Gorgeous mum-of-three Julia Krivtsova has been cheering her husband Sergey Kryvtsov at all of Ukraine's games.

FOOD INFLUENCER

Margarita Stepanenk, the wife of midfielder Taras Stepanenko, has posted dozens of photos in a Ukraine shirt cheering her husband on.

And the mother-of-three also shares delicious recipes and food from her travel across the world, while also posing in glamorous destinations.

Margarita Stepanenk, the wife of midfielder Taras Stepanenko, has posted dozens of photos in a Ukraine shirt cheering her husband on

Margarita Stepanenk, the wife of midfielder Taras Stepanenko, has posted dozens of photos in a Ukraine shirt cheering her husband on


And the mother-of-three also shares delicious recipes and food from her travel across the world, while also posing in glamorous destinations

And the mother-of-three also shares delicious recipes and food from her travel across the world, while also posing in glamorous destinations

 

We are free to Rome! Ukrainian Ambassador taunts England supporters who are BANNED from travelling to Italy and boasts their fans will be able to fill Stadio Olympico for Saturday's Euros showdown - because country is on EU's green list

Can England fans travel to Rome for Euro 2020 quarter-final?  

England's 2-0 victory over Germany booked them a slot in the Euro 2020 quarter finals in Rome - but don't go booking yourself a city break just yet.

Italy's Covid-19 restrictions mean that most England fans will struggle to get to the showdown with Ukraine.

Here is what you need to know before jumping on a plane.

- I just want to be in Rome, can I book a flight?

Before you splash the cash, bear in mind you have to have proof of a negative coronavirus test taken in the 48 hours before you travel.

Upon arrival, UK passengers must fill in one the of the European Union's passenger locator forms, before hunkering down for five days of isolation.

Even if you touch down first thing on Wednesday, the earliest you will be out is Sunday - subject to a second Covid-19 test - meaning you will probably be watching the game from a hotel room.

- Are there any exceptions?

The only way you are likely to avoid the isolation requirement is if you are a member of transport crew, or can prove that you are in Italy for 'work, health or emergency'.

If you fall into any of those categories, you can enter Italy but must leave within five days.

Passengers transiting through the country are also exempt, as long as they have left Italy within 36 hours, as are EU officials, diplomats and international students returning to study.

- If things had been different, would the German fans have had the same trouble?

No. Germany is participating in the EU digital Covid-19 certificate scheme.

The scheme proves that the carrier has been vaccinated against the virus, or that they have returned a negative test in the 48 hours before travel.

As long as the traveller then fills out the EU passenger locator form, they would be free to enter Italy without five days of quarantine.

- What if I decide to flout the rules?

Breaking the rules could be pricey; anyone caught trying to end their five day quarantine period without proof of a negative test risks a 450 euros fine (£386), the Times reported.

Those who skip quarantine all together could face a much tougher penalty - last year, Italy introduced fines of 3,000 euros (£2,580) for anyone who even tried to travel between regions, let alone cross its borders.

- If I can get myself there, where can I get a ticket?

That could be tricky. The FA has said it will not be selling tickets for the match to the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC) - the official body of away support - due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Instead it is hoping to get as many as tickets to England expats in Italy to make sure the team isn't playing in front of silent stands on Saturday, the Guardian reported.

The statement said: 'Unfortunately, the FA will not be selling any tickets via the ESTC for this fixture given the travel restrictions in place across both countries, and as such are working with Uefa and the British embassy in Italy to facilitate as many ticket sales to English residents in Italy as possible.'

- What do I have to do on my way home?

Fans who overcome all obstacles to get themselves to Rome by Saturday will still have to self-isolate for 10 days upon return, as Italy is on the UK's amber list.

Returning travellers will have to book a Covid-19 test for day two and day eight of their quarantine before flying.

Passengers can also use the 'test to release' scheme where they pay for a private Covid-19 swab on day five of their quarantine - if the results on both day two and day five are negative, you can end your quarantine.

The Government website says people should not travel to amber list countries or territories.

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Ukraine's ambassador to the UK has taunted England supporters who are banned from travelling to Italy for the Euros clash on Saturday.

Vadym Prystaiko bragged his supporters could get into the country because they are in the 'green zone' and would be piling into the Stadio Olympico in Rome.

Meanwhile England fans with tickets to the match blasted quarantine rules that will stop them from going despite being double-jabbed or testing negative for Covid-19.

Supporters living in Britain can enter Italy but will be ordered to self-isolate for five days, meaning even if someone flew in this morning they would not be allowed out until Sunday - after the match is over.

The only way you are likely to avoid the isolation requirement is to prove that you are in Italy for 'work, health or an emergency'.

Mr Prystaiko told the BBC: 'Sorry to say but our people will find it easier travelling in. We are in the green zone for Europeans and we have so many Ukrainians to support them.'

In reference to his side's game against Sweden in Scotland last night, he said: 'I was actually surprised yesterday how many of us were here at the Glasgow stadium.

'We already have so many of them working and studying in Italy, numbers I believe is close to a million people. I don't believe all of them will come to Rome, but we will have significant numbers to support our football team.'

But in a blow for Ukrainians who went to the game at Hampden Park last night, they will not be able to make the Rome match due to Italy's five-day quarantine rule on travel from the UK.

Irate fans pointed out Uefa dignitaries will be given a quarantine exemption when they travel to London for the semi-finals and final next month.

The English Football Association will make it easy for the 30,000 or so Brits living in Italy post-Brexit to get tickets through the UK embassy in Rome.

And in a chink of hope the 70,000 seater Stadio Olimpico in Rome could still be packed with England fans, the 1.2million UK-born people living in the EU can head to The Eternal City for the match at 8pm on Saturday as long as they have not been to Britain over the past 14 days.

Conor Garratt wrote: 'I have tickets to the QF in Rome on Saturday night - you know, the one England will be in, once they beat Germany tomorrow. Won't be going, as Italy has put in a 5-day quarantine'.

Karl Dolling tweeted: 'Gutted that the government and all this covid b*****ks means I can't go to Rome on Saturday. Fingers crossed back to Wembley on Wednesday'.

Another fan called Warren said: 'I've got two tickets for England's QF in Rome on Saturday. I can't go because there's a 5 day mandatory quarantine for entering Italy from the UK. I am so f**king done with this s**t now'.

Nottslad66 tweeted: 'So England fans cannot travel to Rome but all the important vips can come to London with no quarantine how the f**k does that work'. 

The ban means that up to 30million are expected to watch the match with Ukraine at home or in pubs and bars across the country.

Travel guru Paul Charles said that England fans in the EU have a chance to support their team.

He told MailOnline: 'If you live in Europe, or are staying/holidaying in Europe, then as long as you haven't been in the UK in the 14 days before you arrive in Italy, then you can go to the stadium if you have a ticket'.

He added: 'Fans in England can go to Italy, but have to quarantine in their accommodation for 5 days. If they can stay near the stadium in Rome, perhaps with a balcony, they can soak up the atmosphere but not go into the stadium'.

Energy Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan urged people not to travel. She said: 'The ask is to watch from home and to cheer on the team as loud as we can.

'I think the challenge is can they hear us from Rome and I am sure we will take up that opportunity to be as supportive as we can of our amazing England team.'

Today the nation is in euphoric mood after beating the old enemy Germany for the first time in a knockout match since winning the World Cup in 1966. 

Prince William and Kate hailed England's 'incredible performance' as lucky royal mascot Prince George saw the Three Lions crush Germany 2-0 at his first international football match.

Gareth Southgate's squad are now preparing to take on Ukraine in the Euro 2020 quarter-final in Rome on Saturday - after an estimated 25 million fans across Britain watched Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane clinch the win in Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night. 

Last night's match marked England's first major victory over Germany since the 1966 World Cup final, ending 55 years of heartache for the Three Lions.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George joined 45,000 jubilant fans at Wembley Stadium to watch manager Southgate's fine-tuned side run rings around German captain Manuel Neuer's team in a superb display of resilience and perseverance.

After the match, the couple took to their official Twitter account to praise England's 'incredible performance'.

The England squad will now head to Rome to play Ukraine after the foreign team narrowly beat Sweden 1-0 in the last minute of extra time. The team and their coaches are exempt from a five-day quarantine, but other UK arrivals are not. 

Waves of rapturous applause filled Wembley Stadium as Manchester City's Sterling first slotted the ball home, breaking a 0-0 first-half deadlock. Kane swiftly followed up with a neat header - sending his thrilled teammates piling on their captain in celebration as chants of 'it's coming home' filled the stadium.

Young Prince George was seen watching the match close to his avid football fan father Prince William, with the pair wearing matching suits and England ties. The Duke of Cambridge dotingly explained every twist and turn of the nail-biting match to his son - who is named after the patron saint of England - as they beamed from their box.

Football Association president William threw his fists into the air as his wife Kate clapped demurely when the final whistle blew. 

In fan zones across the country - including in Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and London - overjoyed supporters were seen screaming as they celebrated.  

While the number of fans at Wembley on Tuesday night was still just over half of its normal 90,000 capacity, it marked the biggest crowd at an event seen since the pandemic began last year. 

The last time England beat out the Germans in the knockout phase of a major football tournament was when Bobby Moore lifted the World Cup in 1966. 

The match kicked off to a nail-biting start, with West Ham player Declan Rice handed a yellow card in the first ten minutes.

And, just seconds before the half time whistle was blown, England captain Harry Kane had the ball robbed from him with the Germany goal wide open after a brilliant run by Raheem Sterling.   

Vadym Prystaiko said supporters will fly into Italy for the match on Saturday because they are a 'green zone' travel country due to a lack of Covid cases there

Vadym Prystaiko said supporters will fly into Italy for the match on Saturday because they are a 'green zone' travel country due to a lack of Covid cases there

Ukrainian ambassador to the UK Mr Prystaiko told the BBC: 'Sorry to say but our people will find it easier travelling in. We are in the green zone for Europeans and we have so many Ukrainians to support them.' Pictured: Fans at the Ukraine/Austria match on June 21

Ukrainian ambassador to the UK Mr Prystaiko told the BBC: 'Sorry to say but our people will find it easier travelling in. We are in the green zone for Europeans and we have so many Ukrainians to support them.' Pictured: Fans at the Ukraine/Austria match on June 21

In reference to his side's game against Sweden in Scotland last night (pictured), he said: 'I was actually surprised yesterday how many of us were here at the Glasgow stadium'

In reference to his side's game against Sweden in Scotland last night (pictured), he said: 'I was actually surprised yesterday how many of us were here at the Glasgow stadium'

England fans cannot go to Rome for Euros quarter-final due to Covid rules - but an army of expats might step in

England fans with tickets to the quarter final with Ukraine in Rome today blasted quarantine rules that prevent them going despite being double-jabbed or testing negative for Covid-19
England fans with tickets to the quarter final with Ukraine in Rome today blasted quarantine rules that prevent them going despite being double-jabbed or testing negative for Covid-19

England fans with tickets to the quarter final with Ukraine in Rome today blasted quarantine rules that prevent them going despite being double-jabbed or testing negative for Covid-19

England fans with tickets to the quarter final with Ukraine in Rome today blasted quarantine rules that prevent them going despite being double-jabbed or testing negative for Covid-19

Prince George watched as England crushed Germany 2-0 at his first international football match - as an estimated 25 million fans tuned in to watch the Three Lions storm to a glorious victory (the team, celebrating) on the pitch

Prince George watched as England crushed Germany 2-0 at his first international football match - as an estimated 25 million fans tuned in to watch the Three Lions storm to a glorious victory (the team, celebrating) on the pitch

Prince George watched as England crushed Germany 2-0 at his first international football match - as Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane put the Three Lions into the Euro quarters finals

Prince George watched as England crushed Germany 2-0 at his first international football match - as Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane put the Three Lions into the Euro quarters finals 

And, in fan zones across the country - including in Manchester, Birmingham and London - overjoyed supporters were seen screaming as they celebrated

And, in fan zones across the country - including in Manchester, Birmingham and London - overjoyed supporters were seen screaming as they celebrated

England fans are seen cheering in rainy Trafalgar Square Fan Zone in London they celebrated their side's win in the Euro 2020 match against Germany

England fans are seen cheering in rainy Trafalgar Square Fan Zone in London they celebrated their side's win in the Euro 2020 match against Germany

An England fan waves an inflatable Spitfire ahead of the blockbuster match against Germany in the Euros at 5pm

An England fan waves an inflatable Spitfire ahead of the blockbuster match against Germany in the Euros at 5pm

The second half saw Germany step up their play, but they still proved no match for Southgate's side - with a fantastic save by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford from Chelsea's Kai Havertz. 

The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers when fan-favourite Jack Grealish replaced Bukayo Saka in the 68th minute, in a moved hoped to spark England's side into their first goal. 

England midfielder Declan Rice added: 'It's incredible. It is history. All the players were asked about the past games, but we created history.' It took 74 minutes for Sterling to score the first goal and send the country into rapture.

As Germany pressed for an equaliser and fans' nerves began fraying, captain Kane headed England into a 2-0 lead with five minutes to start pandemonium in the stands.

Summing up the mood of the nation, BBC commentator Guy Mowbray said: 'All around this famous stadium, it is fevered, frenzied excitement. This is one of the landmark football moments that don't come around too often.'

At the final whistle, the England players hugged each other as the significance of what they had achieved began to sink in.

After the match, Kane said: 'There isn't anything bigger than this when the expectation is on and we delivered, so we should be proud but we can't stop here. We have a vision of where we want to go and we can't stop now. Hopefully we'll be back here in the semi-finals and the final.' 

Jack Grealish took to Twitter to react after his team won. He wrote: 'England 2-0 Germany! What a day. Fans were UNBELIEVABLE.' 

As jubilant supporters celebrated - with thousands pouring out onto the streets in Three Lions jerseys - roads were left eerily deserted.

Millions tuned in to watch the highly anticipated game, with pubs and bars packed out with fans who stayed on to celebrate. 

After the match, England boss Southgate revealed he had told the players after the game that he must be the 'party-pooper'.

The win is a personal triumph for the manager, whose missed penalty in the semi-final of Euro 96 – also at Wembley – sent the Germans through. 

'It's a brilliant afternoon,' Southgate told BBC Sport. 'We talked about bringing enjoyment to the nation really and afternoons like this are what that's about.

'The players were absolutely immense, right the way through the team and the fans were as well. Only 40,000, but it's as good an atmosphere as I can remember at Wembley.

'We played extremely well. I think we deserved the win, but I've had to say to them (the players) straight away, look, 'I'm the party-pooper because if we don't capitalise on that on Saturday now, then it doesn't count for anything'.'

Southgate was full of praise for both his goalscorers Sterling and Kane.

'Raheem, well they both have to constantly, has to prove people wrong all the time and Raheem has been immense for us over three, four years,' Southgate said told the BBC.

'He knows we've got faith in him, we've got that trust in him and his performances have been electric, right from the start.

'For Harry it was a really important moment I think. When you're a centre-forward it doesn't matter what else you're doing in the game, you need those goals and I was pleased to see the second one go in I have to say.'

Southgate was asked if his side's win helped ease the memory of his penalty shoot-out miss in 1996.

The former England defender said: 'I'm just so pleased. I was looking at the big screen and I saw David Seaman up there, the teammates that played with me, I can't change that, so that's always going to hurt.

'But what's lovely is we've given people another day to remember and now we've got to go and do it in Rome.'

Prince William pointed out features of the pitch to his son, as the pair watched the game in identical suits and ties

Prince William pointed out features of the pitch to his son, as the pair watched the game in identical suits and ties

England football fans celebrate the opening goal in the England vs Germany game at the Luna Springs in Digbeth, Birmingham

England football fans celebrate the opening goal in the England vs Germany game at the Luna Springs in Digbeth, Birmingham

England fans celebrate during the UEFA Euro 2020 round of 16 match between England and Germany at the 4TheFans fan park in Manchester

England fans celebrate during the UEFA Euro 2020 round of 16 match between England and Germany at the 4TheFans fan park in Manchester

Fans watch the UEFA Euro 2020 round of 16 match between England and Germany at the Vinegar Yard pub in London

Fans watch the UEFA Euro 2020 round of 16 match between England and Germany at the Vinegar Yard pub in London

There were scenes of celebration as England fans cheered. The Three Lions took home a 2-0 win against Germany

There were scenes of celebration as England fans cheered. The Three Lions took home a 2-0 win against Germany

At the 4TheFans fan park in Manchester, fans screamed as they celebrated England's win while wearing football jerseys and draped in flags

At the 4TheFans fan park in Manchester, fans screamed as they celebrated England's win while wearing football jerseys and draped in flags 

Fans embrace each other as they cheer on England after their triumphant win in Wembley

Fans embrace each other as they cheer on England after their triumphant win in Wembley

One man is seen screaming as he cheers on his team at Boxpark in Croydon. Huge crowds gathered to watch

One man is seen screaming as he cheers on his team at Boxpark in Croydon. Huge crowds gathered to watch

Fans were over the moon with the win. Some are pictured hugging from inside their socially-distanced area at the 4TheFans Fan Park at Event City

Fans were over the moon with the win. Some are pictured hugging from inside their socially-distanced area at the 4TheFans Fan Park at Event City

Supporters are seen celebrating the first England goal at the 4TheFans Fan Park at Event City

Supporters are seen celebrating the first England goal at the 4TheFans Fan Park at Event City

Following the win, celebrities shared their delight on social media.

Piers Morgan tweeted: 'My God ... it really might be coming home.'

The former Good Morning Britain host also shared a picture from Gareth Southgate's penalty miss at Euro 96 at Wembley against Germany and contrasted it to a joyous snap of the England manager from Tuesday's match.

'Redemption,' he wrote.

David Baddiel and Frank Skinner - who famously sang England anthem Three Lions - were also at Wembley and belted out the song alongside the other joyous supporters.

After the game, Baddiel shared a beaming picture alongside Olympic hero Mo Farah and wrote: 'Might be coming home a bit faster with this lovely fellow on hand.'

A tweet from Ant and Dec's official account read: 'This ... is ... AMAZING!!! A.'

Former England captain Wayne Rooney wrote on Instagram: 'Get in. Come on @england. Well done lads.'

Former Spice Girl Geri Horner said: 'Come on England! Well done.'

Comedian John Bishop tweeted: 'Well that was satisfying ... '

Prime Minister Boris Johnson shared a picture showing him celebrating Kane's decisive goal.

He wrote: 'Well done England! We're all behind you - bring it home!'

Meanwhile, fans also shared their joy at England's triumph. Anthony Robinson, 34 - who lives in London and works in finance - watched the match with his mother Sue Bedding, 59, at the fan zone in Trafalgar Square.

Ms Bedding, an NHS worker, said she had come down from her home city of Nottingham so she could watch the match with her son.

Mr Robinson said: 'I feel ecstatic. You've got to be optimistic about things like this. In the first 15 to 20 minutes it didn't look like anything was going to happen, but the second half was brilliant.

'The atmosphere here was crazy. We're definitely pleased we came here to watch it. We were going to go to a pub to watch it but just thought, if England win it, to be here to watch it in Trafalgar Square is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's the next best thing to going to Wembley.

'The fact that we managed to win it in 90 minutes too and didn't have to go to penalties is incredible.'

Ms Bedding said: 'I'm made up, it's been an absolutely brilliant night. I remember the '96 match and I was completely gutted when we lost. So now I'm quite optimistic for the rest of the Euros.'

Following the Germany result, bookmakers Coral made England 2-1 favourites to win the tournament, cutting the Three Lions from 9-2. 

Earlier, Neuer's team joined England players in taking the knee before the fixture in a stand against racism.

The protest act has been mired in controversy throughout the tournament, with the FA fearing unhappy crowds would boo players. But any discontent from spectators was drowned out by loud cheering from both sides on Tuesday.

The teams' national anthems were a different story, with boos ringing out from the England-heavy crowd as Germany's anthem played.

Both England captain Kane and his German counterpart Neuer wore rainbow armbands in support of Pride month during the showdown. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is seen watching the England v Germany match along with his wife Carrie

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is seen watching the England v Germany match along with his wife Carrie

Fans are seen cheering in the stadium. It marks the biggest crowd seen since the pandemic began last year

Fans are seen cheering in the stadium. It marks the biggest crowd seen since the pandemic began last year

England football fans celebrate outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the match against Germany

England football fans celebrate outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the match against Germany

Jack Grealish was dropped in favour of Kieran Trippier in the only major change by England boss Southgate ahead of the game. 

Germany meanwhile made three alterations, with Chelsea's Timo Werner restored along with Leon Goretzka and Thomas Muller as Ilkay Gundogan, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane drop out of the side that drew 2-2 with Hungary. 

The Three Lions have been pragmatic but somewhat underwhelming en route to the knockout stages, claiming two wins and a draw from their three Group D encounters without conceding a goal.

They now renew their long-standing rivalry with Germany, who squeezed through Group F - or the 'group of death' - to set up the eagerly-anticipated fixture.  

Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer both urged employers to let their staff finish work early to watch the contest as football fans piled into pubs and thousands of supporters descended on Wembley and let off flares. 

Around 45,000 fans were allowed into Wembley to watch Southgate's squad battle the Germans for a place in the quarter-finals from 5pm, while millions more headed to their local - with some even hitting the boozers from as early as 7am this morning.

Three people were arrested at Wembley Stadium during Tuesday's match. Met Police confirmed one male was arrested for racially aggravated common assault, and two males were detained for fraud by false representation. 

England football fans celebrated outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the match. Drinks were sprayed into the air as supporters cheered

England football fans celebrated outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the match. Drinks were sprayed into the air as supporters cheered 

England supporters sing the national anthem before kick-off at the 4TheFans Fan Park at Event City in Manchester

England supporters sing the national anthem before kick-off at the 4TheFans Fan Park at Event City in Manchester

England supporters sing the national anthem with their hands on their hearts in Manchester ahead of the match

England supporters sing the national anthem with their hands on their hearts in Manchester ahead of the match 

The Prime Minister and Labour leader both called on bosses to let their staff finish early amid fears some will be stuck in the office at kick-off. 

Ahead of the match, Chancellor Rishi Sunak shared a photo of himself pulling on an England jersey with the caption: 'Bring it on.' 

With just over an hour to kick off Wembley Way was a riot of colour with flag waving fans patiently queuing to take their seats.

Long queues stretched from the entrances to the stadium as fans had to show proof of vaccination or a negative lateral flow tests. Fans had been told to leave extra time to get into the ground to avoid missing the 5pm kick off. 

Excitable fans let off red and white flares as they massed outside the stadium. With no alcohol allowed to be brought inside the stadium, thousands stood in Wembley Way drinking from cans and soaking up the atmosphere.

Two German supporters draped in their national flag were ignored as the fans were more interested in singing terrace songs, some referencing the war. But when a larger group walked past waving a black, yellow and red flag they were met boos and showered with beer prompting police to escort them to the ground.

An inflatable Spitfire was tossed among the crowd with one fan climbing up a tree to lead the chants. 

England fans cheered prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 match between England and Germany at Wembley stadium

England fans cheered prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 match between England and Germany at Wembley stadium

The match is one of the most anticipated in recent memory, with fan parks sold out and more than five million pints expected to be bought. Supporters got into the swing of things early this morning with a beer garden in Sheffield filled with fans clutching pints and wearing England shirts at 7am. 

Meanwhile the Kirby housing estate in London was also draped in dozens of England flags ahead of the game, in scenes mirrored across the nation.  

Others took to social media to reveal they will be taking a sick day to ensure they can watch the match, with some lucky supporters revealing they will even be allowed to finish early by sympathetic bosses - meaning they will join around 22 million English fans set to tune in.  

And one fan keen to join in on the fun wrote on Twitter: 'I've got a stomach ache on the morning that England face Germany. I think my boss would kill me if I phoned in sick today! But I'm feeling [sick]. Damnit! Come on England!'   

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