Queen sends England team 'good wishes' ahead of Euro 2020 final - here's what she said

The Queen has paid tribute to the “spirit, commitment and pride” of the England football team in a good luck message ahead of the Euro 2020 final.

In a note to manager Gareth Southgate, the monarch sent her “good wishes” for Sunday’s match against Italy at Wembley Stadium.

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At a glance: 5 key points

- In her written message to the team, the Queen recalled presenting the Jules Rimet trophy to Bobby Moore almost six decades ago

- Victory would mark the men’s football team’s first major tournament win since the 1966 World Cup success, also at Wembley

- Support has swelled in recent days across an expectant nation – with the players even receiving a call from Hollywood star Tom Cruise

- Fans lined the road and waved flags as they waved the team bus off on Saturday from the England training complex

- Across London’s transport network there will be good luck messages on digital display, with well wishes visible at Tube stations, the DLR and London Overground as well as at bus stops and on road traffic alert signs

What’s been said

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.”

Background

As the country readies itself for the chance to be crowned champions of Europe, it is predicted England fans will buy millions of pints and withdraw hundreds of million of pounds in cash – and some are even changing the names of their streets to show their backing for the Three Lions.

Over the weekend, an estimated £750 million is expected to be withdrawn from cash machines – an increase of 12% compared with the same period a year earlier, according to ATM network Link.

The British Beer & Pub Association predicts England fans will buy 7.1 million pints on Sunday.