Millions of England fans are already nervous wrecks today as they get ready for the match of their lives.
The country will come to a complete standstill tonight as 30million people tune in to watch Harry Kane’s heroes take on Croatia in the World Cup semi-final.
Anxious fans are wearing their England shirts to work or school, some are even wearing their lucky socks, pants or bras – often unwashed since the Sweden game – in the hope it will bring the team good fortune later.
Today has also been branded ‘Waistcoat Wednesday’ by fans wearing one in an ode to England manager Gareth Southgate.
Millions are expected to knock off work early to get home in time for the 7pm kick-off tonight but the rush could cause chaos on the roads and railways up and down the country.
Arron Besser tweeted: ‘Biggest game in 28 years. Incredibly nervous and excited but whatever happens I am so proud of this England team so come on let’s do it and get to the final!!’.
Alison Carr wrote: ‘The day is here….. the day England have waited ten thousand, two hundred and thirty four days for. That’s how long it’s been since England last played a World Cup semi final’.
While the majority of supporters will watch the game at home, pubs are are expected to sell at least 18million pints tonight as people watch on big screens.
Another 10,000 England fans will descend on Moscow hoping to get into the sold-out Luzhniki Stadium and are willing to pay £500-plus for a ticket having paid £3,000 or more on flights to be there.
If the team win it will spark complete pandemonium up and down the land even before they play in the World Cup final against France on Sunday – the first since 1966.
England fans are gathering in Moscow for the big game with Croatia as millions at home face an anxious wait for the biggest game for 28 years
Workers at Hills Salvage and Recycling in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, which sits in the flight path for both Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon airports, created the huge flag from 176 red and white cars to cheer the team on
The scaffolding on the outside of this building in Brighton has been turned into a giant England flag as World Cup fever sweeps the country
This van in Lancashire has ‘It’s Coming Home’ scrawled on its roof as people get revved up for the game
Gareth Southgate believes his heroes have the power to unite England by securing a place in the World Cup final.
And last night 1990 hero Paul Gascoigne, who famously cried during the Turin semi-final defeat to West Germany, has sent a message to the team.
He told the Mirror: ‘Come on, boys, bring this cup home. You have nothing to fear. To conquer fear, you have to face it. It is OK to cry when you win, then you have achieved something’.
Former England manager Sir Bobby Robson would have been ‘thrilled’ by the progress of the current side at the 2018 World Cup, his widow has said.
Lady Elsie Robson also claimed that the former manager would be willing Gareth Southgate and his team to win the tournament ‘with every fibre of his being’.
Sir Geoff Hurst is ‘convinced’ England will emulate the success of his 1966 team by lifting this year’s World Cup.
The striker – who remains the only man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final – thinks a 2018 win would bring wilder celebrations – because the tournament is ‘1,000 times bigger’ than it was 52 years ago.
Sir Geoff said: ‘Bearing in mind the last two tournaments were an absolute disaster, if I said before the tournament that we were going to win it I would have been looked upon as being deranged.
‘But now you ask me today – and we can win it, it’s as simple as that’.
Delighted England fans in Red Square last night but back home many are anxious about the match
Among those to get into the spirit of #waistcoatwednesday were Good Morning Britain presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid (pictured)
Gladstone, the resident Chief Mouser of HM Treasury at Whitehall, sports a tweed waistcoat in support of England tonight
Fans admit they are crippled by nerves and trying, sometimes unsuccessfully, to get out of work early for the big game
British Airways’ last flight from London to Moscow contained a special message for England while one worker dances with excitement – a scene replicated across the country today
1966 hero Sir Geoff Hurst believes the World Cup is ‘coming home’
Sir Geoff Hurst is ‘convinced’ England will emulate the success of his 1966 team by lifting this year’s World Cup.
The striker – who remains the only man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final – said the players have the chance to become immortal.
And he thinks a 2018 win would bring wilder celebrations – because the tournament is ‘1,000 times bigger’ than it was 52 years ago.
Sir Geoff said: ‘Bearing in mind the last two tournaments were an absolute disaster, if I said before the tournament that we were going to win it I would have been looked upon as being deranged.
‘But now you ask me today – and we can win it, it’s as simple as that.
‘I am absolutely convinced it will happen, the interest throughout the country with photographs and videos of people celebrating is like nothing before.
‘The advice I would give the England team going into the semi-finals is continue to do whatever it is you are doing. They have a great opportunity to make a mark for themselves and their profession.
‘When you win a World Cup it does put you in a different category to everybody else – because there are only 11 players in this country who have won it and it will change their football careers and their lives.’
Ahead of this evening’s semi-final against Croatia, Southgate urged everyone to put differences to one side to cheer his side into what would be a first World Cup final in 52 years.
‘Our country has had a long time of suffering in terms of football, the enthusiasm the supporters have for these players, not only because of the way they’ve played but how they’ve conducted themselves (has been great),’ said the England boss.
‘Our country has been through some difficult moments recently in terms of its unity, but sport can unite. Football can unite. We can feel the energy and support from home, and that’s a privilege.’
Midfielder Jordan Henderson added: ‘It’s a special feeling to know people back home and here are enjoying the experience as much as we are. All the celebrations inspire us as players to bring the nation together and put smiles on people’s faces. That’s the biggest thing so far. We want to continue doing everybody proud.’
Southgate is set to name an unchanged side for the third consecutive game.
His youthful side have become one of the stories of the tournament, reaching the semi-finals with a fresh and stylish philosophy that bodes well for the future.
And no matter what happens tonight, Southgate insists their World Cup run is merely the beginning of what he believes will be a fruitful legacy.
‘I’ve been involved in all the plans through the age groups,’ added Southgate.
‘To have seen our younger teams have success is hugely rewarding. We know our academies are producing technically good players.
‘We made a lot of changes with the national teams but lots of changes that helped us to be successful. We believe we have to continue doing that, constantly evolve and improve. This team, the same. The experiences of the last few weeks, the milestones they’ve hit, are a great reference point moving forward.
‘We have players in this squad who will take us forward and others coming through the age groups with belief they can win but also expectations that we should be in latter stages more regularly.’
Many have turned to the black market to try to get tickets for England’s first semi-final in 28 years.
Last night ticket touts were operating outside the Fifa ticketing centre near Dobryninskaya Metro station as England fans arrived in Moscow trying to find tickets.
In desperation, some fans walked around Red Square wearing placards pleading for entry to the match.
Up to 10,000 England fans are trying to get to Russia for the biggest World Cup for a generation
England’s win over Sweden in Samara on Saturday put the team one game away from the final
Boss Gareth Southgate puts his arm around star striker Harry Kane after beating Sweden and the nation will watch them with excitement and trepidation tonight
Patrick James, 26, from Welling, Kent, arrived in Moscow on Monday.
Within hours he had turned to a World Cup Facebook page which saw those keen to get rid of tickets offering them to the highest bidders.
He said: ‘Basically, I went on the site and within an hour I had about 15 people – a lot of them Russians – offering category one and two tickets which cost between £200 and £330 for the semi-final for twice that amount.
‘In the end I have agreed a £500 price with a guy I am going to meet four hours before the kick-off near the stadium.
‘He is a Russian fan and obviously disappointed his team went out of the competition. But for me this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I don’t want to miss it.’
Another England fan, who gave his name only as George from Doncaster, was haggling with touts and individual fans selling tickets to try and get one below face value.
He said he had three friends coming who would also need tickets. He was offered category one tickets for $900 (£678) and category two tickets for $650 (£490) by a tout called Frank, who said he had seven tickets for sale and could not drop his prices because they were set by his ‘boss’.
Mark Roberts, of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: ‘We’re estimating eight to 10,000 [England fans].’
Asked how many might be ticketless, he said: ‘It’s difficult to judge, we know from the ticket sales we can probably reasonably expect through official channels about half that number to get tickets. Hopefully they can enjoy the atmosphere in the fan fest.’
Back home England’s 40,000 pubs will be packed. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) predicts ten million extra pints will be served during the match, delivering a boost to the national economy of up to £30million.
‘It’s fantastic news for both English football and the Great British pub,’ BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said.
As in previous games, thousands of fans will watch the game on big screens across the country including in Hyde Park, London and venues in Manchester, Bristol and Liverpool.
Last night a spokesman for media analysts Kantar Media said: ‘There will be an increased audience due to patriotism and pride. Children will be allowed to stay up late, with whole families gathered around TVs for a national event.’
A spokesman for the Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board (BARB) added: ‘Previous tournaments have shown the size of TV audiences England games can achieve. Evenings are prime time. Average audience ratings are for TV sets only and do not include big screens and pubs.’
It’s #WaistcoatWednesday! Thousands of England fans wear Southgate’s trademark outfit to work after Marks & Spencer RUNS OUT of cult fashion item ahead of World Cup semi-final
Nervous football fans across England are embracing ‘Waistcoat Wednesday’ this morning ahead of the national side’s momentous game against Croatia.
Everyone from officer workers to morning television presenters are donning sleeveless vests in anticipation of England’s first World Cup semi-final since 1990.
Celebrities such as Hugh Grant have tweeted to reveal that they are taking part, as have TV stars including Andrew Marr and Jeremy Vine.
The waistcoat has become a cult fashion item in England thanks to popular manager Gareth Southgate, who dons an M&S branded version on the sidelines of each game.
Gladstone, the resident Chief Mouser of HM Treasury at Whitehall, sports a tweed waistcoat in support of England tonight
Everyone from officer workers to morning television presenters, and even farmers (pictured), are donning sleeveless vests in anticipation of England’s first World Cup semi-final since 1990
People’s pets are also getting involved in #waistcoatwednesday today, as the whole nation gears up for an exciting day of sport
British Airways staff get in the mood by donning waistcoats at check-in desks at Heathrow airport this morning
In fact the garment has proven to be such a hit that fans are struggling to get their hands on one, with stores up and down the nation selling out amid huge demand.
Even the Moscow branch of M&S has run out of nearly all sizes in Southgate’s waistcoat, which the retailer sells at £65.
England will face off against Croatia in Moscow at 7pm tonight, after sailing through their quarter-final clash with Sweden with a 2-0 win.
Among those to get into the spirit of #waistcoatwednesday were Good Morning Britain presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid.
The pair were even joined by all of the show’s crew members in donning a waistcoat, with Piers opting for a vest sporting a giant St George’s flag.
Piers said: ‘Southgate has got everyone wearing waistcoats. This is it! Come on Gareth! Come on Harry! We can do this.
‘Gareth Southgate has changed so much about this England team. He has done something really remarkable, these guys have become genuine role models. They have been such a credit to the country.’
Susanna added: ‘He such a hero. He melts everyone’s heart.’
Radio DJ Tony Blackburn (pictured) dons a waistcoat ahead of his stint on KMFM this morning
The waistcoat has become a cult fashion item in England thanks to popular manager Gareth Southgate, who dons an M&S branded version on the sidelines of each game
During the broadcast, the presenters cut to Lorraine Kelly ahead of her ITV morning show, and she too was wearing a waistcoat.
The Scottish TV presenter was grilled by Morgan over who she would be supporting in the game.
Kelly said: ‘I want to see an England-France final, that’ll be amazing.’
Asked who she would be supporting in that hypothetical game, Kelly said she would be rooting for England.
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole also shared his support for the England football team.
Nervous football fans across England are embracing ‘Waistcoat Wednesday’ this morning ahead of the national side’s momentous game against Croatia
The New Zealand dancer, who has lived in England for years with wife Zoe Hobbs, shared pictures of himself wearing a variety of waistcoats on Instagram.
He wrote: ‘COME ON ENGLAND!
Southgate became an unlikely style icon after donning the tailored navy waistcoat during all of England’s games, and M&S reported an initial 35 per cent spike in sales.
After discovering the item was only available in one size in his local branch of the store, an anxious Joshua Giles tweeted: ‘Doubt I can pull off this look in an XL.’
M&S soon replied, writing: ‘It’s been restocked in some of the sizes now Joshua. Hope you can pick one up!’
Southgate’s signature style has even inspired a charity drive, which is aiming to use the match to help raise funds for the blood cancer charity Bloodwise.
Unfashionable for decades, suddenly waistcoats are selling out thanks to Gareth Southgate… so here’s the tricks to get them right, whatever your gender
As England’s footballers lined up for their penalty shoot-out against Colombia last Tuesday, the temperature inside Moscow’s Spartak Stadium was a balmy 20 degrees.
Watching at home and perspiring like wildebeest, there was something so reassuring about the team’s unflappable manager Gareth Southgate, who remained on the touchline a Zen-like figure of calm.
His blue shirt remained devoid of any flecks of damp. His tie was affixed in a neat Windsor knot.
Trend setter: Gareth Southgate, Manager of England
Most of all though, it was that waistcoat which, in this tensest of situations, remained resolutely fastened.
That, my friends, is what I call style.
Waistcoats have had a rough ride over the last few years. They are to men what the beret is to women. Hard to pull off, oh so easy to ridicule.
But Gareth’s waistcoat is leading a resurgence. M&S, who provided the England team kit, say they’ve nearly run out of the £65 garment such has been the demand – and their other styles have seen huge spikes in sales.
Even the Moscow branch of M&S has run out of most sizes of the waistcoat.
And now there’s ‘Waistcoat Wednesday’ – a huge social media movement urging both sexes to wear waistcoats in support of England during the semi-final against Croatia. Hugh Grant has tweeted he’s taking part, as have presenters Andrew Marr and Jeremy Vine.
Why the waistcoat resurgence? It helps Gareth wears one properly – well-fitting (never baggy) and with the bottom button unfastened (don’t ask why, you just do).
But perhaps people feel they also in some way reflect this likeable young England side: They’re bold, innovative, endearing – a hark back to more genteel, civilised era.
So chaps, get rootling around your wardrobe to find that cast-off you wore several years ago to your mate’s wedding.
Now fasten it up – doesn’t that snug sensation around your front make you feel more muscular, more, dare I say it, manly?
Thanks to Gareth, waistcoats are cool and ripe for a comeback.
Bring ’em home, boys.