England fans face nervous wait as Lionesses take on Germany in extra time showdown at Euro final

July 31, 2022

JUBILANT England fans roared as the Lionesses went into the lead at the Euro final tonight – before groaning with disappointment when Germany equalised minutes later.

The women’s team are taking on their rivals in a historic clash at Wembley. The score is now 1-1 after Ella Toone’s fantastic second-half goal was followed quickly by Lina Magull’s equaliser, and the game is now in extra time.

Football fans at Shoreditch Boxpark erupted as Ella Toone's ball hit the back of the net — Football fans at Shoreditch Boxpark erupted as Ella Toone’s ball hit the back of the netCredit: Ray Collins

But there was disappointment moments later when Germany equalisedCredit: Reuters

The Lionesses were the first to scoreCredit: Getty

Supporters in London's Trafalgar Square roared with joy — Supporters in London’s Trafalgar Square roared with joyCredit: AFP

A busy Boxpark Croydon erupted as Toone tapped the ball inCredit: Reuters

One girl leapt in the air with joy as crowds cheeredCredit: Reuters

Fans around the country have packed out pubs and bars to enjoy the actionCredit: Reuters

Prince William is cheering on our girls at tonight's game — Prince William is cheering on our girls at tonight’s gameCredit: BBC

He sent good wishes to the team before the game began tonightCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

One supporter gripped her head as she watched the the nail-biting matchCredit: AFP

One fan seemed to sense a goal in the offing as she screamed in triumph in the seconds before Ella scoredCredit: Mike Ruane/ Story Picture Agency

Supporters have flocked to Wembley to soak up the atmosphere

Fans draped in flags are watching history unfold tonightCredit: Reuters

Thousands are watching the game at the designated fan zone in Trafalgar SquareCredit: Getty

One fan watching the match at Boxpark was seen with her hands over her head as the tension roseCredit: Ray Collins

The Lionesses are playing in front of a landmark Wembley crowdCredit: Getty

In total, 87,192 fans are watching the match at Wembley – making it the biggest-ever crowd in a football Euro tournament.

Supporters also started flocking to boozers early this afternoon to cheer on the team, who are on the brink of making women’s football history.

Those who couldn’t get a ticket but still wanted to be near the action have flocked to Boxpark in Wembley, which is full to the rafters of fans.

Wembley Way erupted in a sea of red and white earlier tonight as fans in face paint and flags made their way up to the stadium.

The Lionesses heartbreakingly lost out to Germany in the final of Euro 2009 with a crushing 6-2 defeat.

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But a stunning tournament has seen the England team soar through to the final and catapulted women’s football to new heights.

Under Wembley’s famous arch, they will be hoping to bring football home with a first major trophy for the women’s team.

The victory would also be the first football honour for the nation since the men’s 1966 World Cup win.

The nail-biting match kicked off at 5pm – with around 90,000 fans piling in to watch the action.

It’s predicted Brits will spend £46.1million in boozers today with 8.7million pints downed.

Around 7,000 people have headed to London’s Trafalgar Square to watch the action at the designated fan park.

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An all-women RAF crew performed a fly-past above Wembley at 4.57pm, immediately after the national anthems were played.

The final is expected to be the most-watched telly event of the year with a record-breaking 19.5 million viewers.

The heroic Lionesses have inspired a generation of girls with their incredible campaign to the Euro 2022 final.

Back-heeling heroine Alessia Russo and teammates, Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Millie Bright have become household names thanks to their stunning campaign.

The FA now expects 120,000 more girls to be playing the sport by 2024 due to England’s success.

Princess Charlotte led support for the team today in a heartwarming message with dad Prince William.

She said: “Good luck, I hope you win. Bye”

Brits across the country are glued to their TV screens tonight for the big gameCredit: Reuters

The game is in extra time - with fans bracing for more action — The game is in extra time – with fans bracing for more actionCredit: Mike Ruane/ Story Picture Agency

A fan raises a pint at Newcastle's Central Park — A fan raises a pint at Newcastle’s Central ParkCredit: NNP

Supporters sing and wave flags in Box ParkCredit: Reuters

The incredible tournament has united the nationCredit: Reuters

One young fan took her seat dressed as a lionCredit: Rex

A win tonight would be the first major trophy for the women's team — A win tonight would be the first major trophy for the women’s teamCredit: Reuters

Crowds are already belting out chants of 'It's Coming Home' — Crowds are already belting out chants of ‘It’s Coming Home’Credit: Reuters

The Lionesses have inspired young girls and womenCredit: Getty

Boris Johnson is watching the game with his two young children tonight

Tory leadership hopeful Rishi Sunak joined supporters at the Bishop's Mill pub in Salisbury tonight — Tory leadership hopeful Rishi Sunak joined supporters at the Bishop’s Mill pub in Salisbury tonightCredit: Getty

William – the FA President – added: “We both want to wish the Lionesses the best of luck for tonight.

“You’ve done amazingly well in the competition and we’re routing for you all the way.”

Boris Johnson shared a photo of himself watching the game with his children Wilf and Romy. He tweeted: “We are all gripped here watching the Lionesses! Come on England!”

David Beckham was among England stars past and present wishing the women luck today.

He shared a photo of daughter Harper smashing a ball into the back of the net as he wished the women luck.

The youngster says: “Let’s go girls and bring that cup home.”

Beckham added: “Thank you for inspiring my daughter and thank you for inspiring the whole country.”

England captain also Harry Kane shared his support today, saying: “Hi Lionesses, I just wanted to wish you all the best for today’s game against Germany.

“It’s going to be an incredible experience, incredible atmosphere at Wembley.

“I can’t wait to be there myself, so I’m wishing you all the best.

“Good luck, go get that win, the whole country’s behind you.

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“Really looking forward to it, so all the best.”

Wayne Rooney also tweeted his support, saying: “Wishing the
@Lionesses the best of luck today. It’s been an unbelievable effort so far and just one last game to go. Enjoy the occasion. Come on England #Lionesses”.