Lines of riot police guard Trafalgar Square as England fans take to the streets

Riot police last night descended on the capital’s West End after thousands of football fans took to the streets following England’s nail-biting defeat against Italy for the Euro 2020 Championship.

Scores of officers wearing riot gear and clutching shields were seen making their way along the streets of central London as large crowds attempted to push into the fan zone in Trafalgar Square without tickets. 

Elsewhere, riot police were seen arriving to London’s Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square after football supporters were seen clambering onto street lamps and setting off flares in front of hundreds of fans following the nation’s defeat.

The chaotic scenes come as England lost the Euro 2020 final on penalties to Italy, extending the Three Lions’ 55 years of hurt, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka missing from 12 yards like manager Gareth Southgate in 1996. 

Despite two saves by Jordan Pickford, England missed three consecutive penalties crowning Italy champions and breaking hearts in front of 60,000 fans at Wembley.  

As the chaos continued to unfold, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that they had made a total of 45 arrests while policing today’s Euro final.

In a statement they said: ‘We have made 45 arrests while policing today’s Euro2020 final. A number of officers remain on duty, helping fans leaving Wembley or central London. We are there to look out for your safety.’

However they denied reports that swirling around social media for 12 stabbings in the east of the capital, suggesting it was false information. 

The Met Police’s Barkenham and Dagenham Police team said on Twitter: ‘This information is incorrect. We were called at 6.31pm to reports of a group of people fighting in the area. Officers attended. No injuries were reported.’

It comes just hours after police launched an urgent bid to find the ticketless football fans who stormed through the security barriers and entered the Wembley Stadium just moments ahead of England’s nail-biting fight against Italy. 

 It is claimed that an Italian fan was pushed and kicked while on the ground during the incident – though other say the fan was English. 

Tonight, scenes from Trafalgar Square showed hundreds of football fans draped in the England flag stood near the National Gallery as riot police tried to disperse the restless crowds. 

Meanwhile others were seen being detained by officers as the scenes in central London descended into chaos.  

Following the game, hundreds of Italians were also seen celebrating in Piccadilly Circus, with some wearing ‘It’s coming Rome’ T-shirts. 

Others fans were in tears in the Trafalgar Square fan zone after the missed spot kicks by the England players.

Project manager Sonia Shah, 31, from North London said: ‘Penalties is an awful way to lose. Italy were better than us. But the team has lifted everyone after an awful year. And remember it’s the World Cup in just over a year. We’ll be back.” 

And accountant Jasmine Law, 41, from East London said: ‘It looked like football was coming home, but it didn’t quite. It’s so disappointing to miss out on penalties. Players who missed should not be criticised. But we had hung on for much of the game after scoring. At least we had such a great run to the final.’ 

Earlier today, police revealed that officers were at the scene in Trafalgar Square and were trying to disperse the large crowds converging on the capital. 

A statement from the force read:  ‘A large crowd of fans have gathered near to the fan zone in Trafalgar Square attempting to push in without tickets. There are no more tickets or seats available in the fan zone. We’re engaging with this crowd and telling them to disperse.’

In another statement the force said: ‘Streets around Piccadilly Circus & Leicester Square are busy with fans. We have officers on hand. We’d urge everyone to keep themselves safe and look out for each other. We’ve seen people jumping off street lamps or hoardings, this could easily end in injury. ‘ 

It came as dozens of fans were filmed trampling down the security cordon before running into the Club Wembley entrance, the closest point of entry from Wembley Way, as stewards and riot police desperately chased after them ahead of the national side’s biggest game for more than half a century earlier today.

The stampede of invaders draped with England flags were then seen rushing up the steps to the stands and barging their way through stunned security guards as hundreds of fans inside the stadium tried to stop them, with some even throwing punches at them.  

Footage later showed a massive surge of fans crushing their way through security barriers at Wembley and then running away from stewards as scenes descended into chaos. 

In other scenes, fans inside the stadium were seen trying to hold back the dozens of ticketless fans as they pushed past security and tried to make their way into the football ground.   

Following the chaotic scenes, the Metropolitan Police confirmed there had been a ‘breach of security’ at the stadium and said they were working with stadium officials to ‘identify those without tickets’.

A spokesperson for the force said: ‘Earlier this afternoon there was a breach of security at Wembley Stadium, which resulted in a small number of people getting into the stadium without a ticket.

‘Officers worked closely with security officials to prevent any further breaches. We will also support action by Wembley Stadium officials to identify those without tickets and eject them.’ 

A Wembley Stadium spokesperson added: ‘There was a breach of security and a small group of people got into the stadium. We are now working closely with stadium stewards and security to remove these people. Anyone inside the stadium without a ticket will be instantly ejected.’

It comes as England fans flocked to Wembley in their thousands to be part of one of the biggest nights in English football history tonight. 

At half time, there was a mix of optimism and nerves among the several thousand who cramped outside the main gates of Wembley Stadium.

Despite the rain, the ticketless supporters huddled together, watched by lines of police, singing and letting off flares.

Student Jemma Lord,18, of Hounslow, said: ‘I’ve never experienced anything like this. My dad, who is 56, was in tears all day as there is so much hope.’ 

Earlier today, England fans were sent into a frenzy as they clambered onto buses outside Wembley, packed out pubs and set off flares in King’s Cross and Leicester Square before the Three Lions fight Italy for the Euro 2020 Championship.  

In Piccadilly Circus, one fan was spotted leaping from the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain into a crowd of excited supporters and outside the Wembley Stadium others were spotted climbing onto traffic lights and poles.

Meanwhile drunken supporters thronged other parts of the capital, gathering en masse in Leicester Square and at several major railway stations, to revel in one of Britain’s biggest sporting occasions in decades.  

The heart of London was heaving from mid afternoon, with fans singing on London underground trains and thousands drinking and dancing outside Trafalgar Square. 

Accountant Greg Stinson, 39, from East London, said: ‘I was at Wembley for the semi and that was rocking, but it’s almost as good here with a quality atmosphere. I’m just hoping it doesn’t go to penalties.’

And Pharmacist Khai Nguyen, 34, draped in a St George’s flag, said: ‘Italy are tough but I think we can do it. Whatever happens, the team has lifted the whole country after Covid.’   

As the chaotic scenes began to unravel, British Transport Police – which patrols the country’s rail network – reported ‘multiple cases’ of flares being set off inside London stations.

‘We’re working with train operators to ensure the continuation of services & to ensure everyone can travel safely,’ the force said, adding: ‘these incidents are offences & will be investigated’.

The scenes came as a man was taken to hospital after he was struck by a bus on High Road, Wembley, at around 5.50pm, police said. 

As the chaos ensued, London’s Metropolitan Police and Mayor Sadiq Khan were also forced to take to Twitter to urge fans not to travel to Wembley without match tickets, with the force noting officers were ‘on hand engaging with crowds and to keep people safe’.     

Today, crowds of fans draped in England flags arrived outside Wembley, the Home of Football, several hours before kick-off. Some even climbed on top of a bus outside the grounds, while others outside King’s Cross station in the capital let off red and white smoke during the celebratory build-up. 

Although tickets quickly sold out, a category A seat became available at 2pm for around £810, and was snapped up almost immediately. MailOnline previously found tickets selling for tens of thousands of pounds on so-called ‘touting’ websites the day after the semi-final against Denmark. 

Ahead of the game, the Metropolitan Police urged fans not to come to London unless they have match tickets or somewhere booked to watch the game. 

The force said it will be deploying ‘a great many officers and specialist units to prevent crime and disorder and respond to any incidents right across London’.   

Ahead of the match, The Queen, Prince William and Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent the England team best wishes, while thousands of England supporters urged the side to ‘bring it home’.

In a video message on the official England football Twitter account, Southgate – who has been praised for his leadership of the team – said the fans’ support has given them a ‘huge lift’. 

He said: ‘We hope that you’ve enjoyed watching us play. I’m very grateful to all of the players and the incredible staff I’ve got with me, that we’ve been able to get to our first final for 55 years. But of course we know now we’ve got to deliver for you, so we’ll be doing everything we can. 

‘Your support and energy has given us a huge lift, and I know it will on Sunday.’

The Duke of Cambridge praised manager Southgate, captain Harry Kane and ‘every member of the England team on and off the pitch’ in a video message on his official Twitter account, as he said: ‘I can’t really believe this is happening’ and wished the squad ‘the very best of luck’.  

Prince  William, the President of the FA, said: ‘Gareth, Harry and to every member of the England team on and off the pitch, just want to wish you the very best of luck tonight. What a team performance it’s been, everyone in the squad has played their part. All the backroom team as well have been truly essentially. 

‘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.’  

England captain Harry Kane said his team hopes to do the nation proud in their bid for Euro 2020 glory. He told reporters at a press conference last night: ‘We want to go and bring the trophy home’ – adding: ‘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.’

The Queen also paid tribute to the ‘spirit, commitment and pride’ of the squad in a good luck message ahead of tonight’s final, while her grandson the Duke of Cambridge said it is ‘so exciting’ to get to this point.   

The Prime Minister told Southgate and the players they had ‘already made history’ by reaching the final, writing: ‘You have lifted the spirits of the whole country, and tomorrow we know you can lift that trophy too. We are not just hoping or praying. 

‘We believe in you, Gareth, and your incredible squad.’       

A number of schools have already said they will allow pupils to start later on Monday if they wish to and some employers are considering letting staff enjoy a celebratory – or consolatory – lie-in after what could be a very late night.  

The official England Twitter account posted this morning: ‘A matchday like no other’ – sparking a flurry of excited and anxious messages. One expectant fan wrote: ‘Massive day ahead, first final for @England in my lifetime. Wherever you’re watching it, whatever your plans are, enjoy! Proud of the squad and what they’ve done so far, but they can lift that trophy!’ 

Today, the atmosphere near the official fan zone in Trafalgar Square was lively ahead of the Euro 2020 final, with pubs packed and large crowds holding England flags and wearing shirts with Three Lions on the chest.

Fans without tickets for the fan zone were also gathered in the area, and some can be heard chanting and singing the national anthem.

Neil James, 32, from Horsham, Surrey, said: ‘I’m so fortunate to be here, I never thought I’d see anything like this in my lifetime. I can’t even comprehend the idea England could win something, I just want to drink and drink tonight, work tomorrow is on the back burner.

‘It’s all about tonight.’

Ross Belton, 22, from Crawley, said: ‘This is by far one of the biggest sporting days in my lifetime, I can’t think of anything that really comes close.

‘If I ever get married it’ll have to be a pretty special service to top the feeling I have right now!’

Another, named Paul, 42, an electrician from Camden, north London, said: ‘History can be made tonight, everyone has to make the most of it because we may never see it again. It’s like Christmas, if Christmas came around every 55 years, live in the moment and celebrate like mad if we win.’

One supporter said the country ‘needed’ an international tournament win. Paul Gunder, 44, from Basingstoke, said: ‘I’ve heard all the usual stories from my dad and grandad about England winning a major tournament in 1966.

‘Obviously as years go by you begin to think it’s never happening, but suddenly here we are, in a final.

‘I know some Italians and work with them, but today is our day, we’ve needed this as a country, the last year or so has been rough. I think we’ll win it by a goal.’

Friends Ellie Bass and Aimee McIntosh had gathered in the West End to savour the big game atmosphere.

Ellie , 21, from Portsmouth, said: ‘Im hoping for an England win. My mum has predicted 3-2 to England. She’s got a bit of a sixth sense and has been right about these things before and so I hope she is about this too.

‘I think it’s going to be a great game but my nerves are going to be shredded.’

Aimee, 25, from Streatham, South London, said: ‘I’m feeling very nervous but quietly confident, I think this has to be our time. England have exceeded all our expectations but they have to go one stage further and bring it home.

‘We’re going to watch it in a pub in Paddington but wanted to take in the atmosphere in the West End, it’s electric. We want to come back here afterwards – hopefully to celebrate.’

Matt Green, 21, travelled into London from his home in Hull especially to soak up the atmosphere as fans head to Wembley. He said: ‘It’s been brilliant, every where you look it’s England. People have got the St George’s flag and are having a ball – let’s hope it lasts.

‘I think England have got better the more they’ve gone through the tournament and think we’ll beat Italy 2-0. But they’re a good team and it’s going to be very difficult. To see England in the final is incredible- they just have to go and win it now!’

Drinking at the Leicester Arms in Soho, Rob Powell, 48, travelled from his home in Kenilworth, Warwickshire to watch the big game. He said: ‘There isn’t any where else I’d rather watch it, London is the centre of the footballing world today.

‘Everywhere you look, people have a football shirt on or are draped in the flag and the pubs are heaving. 

‘I don’t want to tempt fate by predicting a score but they’ll have to be at their best to beat Italy. But they’ve showed a lot of resilience so far and there’s no reason why they can’t win our first bit of silverware since ’66.’ 

Ahead of the game, Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham insisted England’s ‘band of brothers’ remain calm ahead of the final.

‘The mood in the camp is very calm. They are aware of what a fantastic opportunity this is, they are aware of the excitement throughout the country, but the mood in the camp is calm and they are looking forward to it,’ Bullingham told The Andrew Marr Show on BBC One.

‘I think one of the things that Gareth (Southgate) has managed to do, along with the support team, is build a really strong environment, there’s a fantastic ‘band of brothers’ feeling and togetherness, but there is also a really strong resilience there and they are really supportive of each other.

‘He (Southgate) is genuinely calm, he’s one of the calmest people in the country. He is so well prepared and he has a good support team around him. He is in a good place.’ 

Former England right-back Gary Neville, who along with Southgate experienced semi-final heartbreak as a player at Euro 96, stressed that today was ‘not a day to be nervous’.

Discussing how the players would be feeling on Sunday morning compared to his own experiences with the national team, Neville told Sky Sports News: ‘If you think about 1996 and Gareth’s abuse he received after missing that penalty, (David) Beckham in ’98 and then my brother (Phil Neville) in 2000, it was a very pressurised situation with England because you weren’t performing at a level and there was a different way in which they approached it from a media point as well.

‘These lads haven’t got that cynicism, they haven’t got that pain and dismay embedded within themselves, so I suspect that now they must be feeling on top of the world this morning, excited.

‘I know there are a lot of fans nervous up and down the country but this isn’t a day to be nervous. I don’t feel nervous at all. It’s a moment and a day that this country’s been waiting for such a long time. I think the pressure moment was actually against Scotland or against Germany in the second round. 

‘We’ve gone past those things with this team, so this team have proven they can jump hurdles that none have done before in the last 55 years, and I suspect that they’ll be feeling really comfortable.’ 

Former England boss Terry Venables, who led the Three Lions to the last four of the Euros 25 years ago, wrote an open letter to Southgate in The Sun.

Mr Venables said: ‘I will be with you in spirit on that touchline. I knew exactly how, and what you were feeling as those incredible days which brought the country together back in ’96 came flooding back to me, feelings which cannot be fully appreciated unless you are standing on that spot.

‘As you know, sport teaches us so many lessons about life and the saying, ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ is so true. Having watched all of the games, I have to say that your team are a credit to you as mine were to me, and I know that to achieve a connection like that is a luxury many managers could never accomplish. 

‘Enjoy every moment of your day on Sunday, knowing that our wonderful country are all behind you and your team cheering you on, willing you the success which you all deserve.’ 

In her written message, the Queen recalled presenting the Jules Rimet trophy to Bobby Moore after England beat then West Germany in the World Cup – almost six decades ago.

She said: ‘Fifty-five years ago I was fortunate to present the World Cup to Bobby Moore and saw what it meant to the players, management and support staff to reach and win the final of a major international football tournament.

‘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.’