England fans were limbering up on the beach in Benidorm today ahead of the nation’s historical European Cup final with Spain.
Supporters young and old were practising their moves – from celebration cheers, to marching briskly along the beachfront, to racing each other in mobility scooters, and keeping the ball in the air.
Followers of the Three Lions predicted a tight match, with many nail-biting moments, but with an ultimate England victory.
Among them were Charisse Gennings, 31, a NHS worker from London, who was keeping herself cool by paddling in the sea.
She said: ‘I can’t wait! It’s going to be a tough match but I’m sure England can do it.’
A bar in Benidorm is decorated with English flags ahead of the Euro 2024 final on Sunday
A Saint George’s Cross hangs in the Queens’ Arms in Benidorm as Brits gather – one of whom is wearing nothing but gold shorts
An advertisement in Benidorm’s Western Saloon for a screening of the much-anticipated final
A group of 18-year-old lads from Cornwall were practising their skills by keeping ball the in air – in case any of them were called upon to as a last-minute substitute.
Student Sam Eccleston said: ‘We’re all really up for it.
‘We all love football and we’re here ready for if the call up comes!
‘England are going to smash it, I’m sure.
‘Come On England!’
Retired engineer George Hoare, 78, Gloucester was wearing his union flag shorts in support of the England team.
He said: ‘I wish the lads every success.’
Meanwhile lines were being drawn in the sand last night for the forthcoming ‘battle of Benidorm’ with England fans pledging to take over the resort if the national team beat Spain in the Euros final.
Bare chested supporters donned cowboy hats to sing the praises of Gareth Southgate’s men as they weaved their way down the town’s notorious strip in the early hours of this morning.
Others watched scantily-dressed cage dancers perform in some of the many English bars that will broadcast the match live to England’s adoring fans.
However, the anticipation became too much for a few holiday-makers with fans holding their heads in their hands while they considered the huge task the England team face against Spain.
Holidaymakers enjoy a drink underneath a row of Spanish and English flags which have already been set up for the final
A woman in a bridal veil watches on as her friend is helped up by two men
A shirtless man takes a kip on the streets of Benidorm
One Brit makes a phone call while on a night out in the Spanish city
A man falls asleep at the table of a late-night restaurant in Benidorm
A tourist uses his mobility scooter to navigate the streets of Benidorm
With his shirt tucked into his black shorts, a British tourist stands shirtless in the middle of the road
Revellers stand outside Cafe Benidorm with drinks in hand
Tourists speak to paramedics next to an ambulance in Benidorm
Spanish emergency services arrive to deal with cases of excessive alcohol drinking
Spanish police make a tour of the Carrer Gerona strip in Benidorm
Two men hug each other as they enjoy their night out in the Spanish city
One man looks worse for wear as he holds his head in his hands outside a comedy club in Benidorm
And it all become too much for others, with one man falling asleep at the table of one late-night restaurant and two others crashing out on the pavement.
Spanish police made regular tours of the Carrer Gerona strip with paramedics called out more than once to deal with cases of excessive alcohol drinking and other casualties.
Prostitutes were also on hand to save the souls of the love-lost and world-weary.