'You can do it!' England's World Cup 1966 hero Sir Geoff Hurst wishes Three Lions 'good luck' ahead of quarter-final clash with Ukraine
One of England's 1966 World Cup heroes has sent the current team a message of encouragement ahead of their quarter-final match today.
The Three Lions are set to take on Ukraine at 8pm this evening in Rome as they look to earn this place in the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
And Sir Geoff Hurst, 79, who scored a hattrick in the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany, has issued a message on social media rallying Gareth Southgate's squad.
Sir Geoff Hurst, 79, who scored a hattrick in the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany, has issued a message on social media rallying Gareth Southgate's squad
The legendary footballer took to Twitter earlier today to tweet his support for Gareth Southgate's men ahead of their Euro 2020 quarter-final match
Taking to Twitter earlier today, the legendary footballer wrote: 'Come on England. You can do it. Good luck tonight.'
Sir Geoff was instrumental in England's only World Cup victory, back in 1966, after scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Argentina in the quarter finals.
He also set up one of Bobby Charlton's two goals in a 2-1 win over Portugal, before scoring a hat-trick at Wembley in the final to seal England's first and only major trophy.
He was the first player ever to score a hattrick in a world cup final - a feat which has only been matched by one other since, Carlie Lloyd for the US team against Japan at the 2015 Women's World Cup.
Sir Geoff's rallying cry came as England fans from across the world have descended on Rome and vowed to cheer the national side to victory in their clash against Ukraine. Pictured: England fans in Rome today, hours before the game against Ukraine
Sir Geoff (second-from-right) was the first player ever to score a hattrick in a world cup final - a feat which has only been matched by one other since, Carlie Lloyd for the US team against Japan at the 2015 Women's World Cup
Sir Geoff's rallying cry came as England fans from across the world have descended on Rome and vowed to cheer the national side to victory in their clash against Ukraine.
Expat supporters from Dubai, Switzerland, Spain, Prague and France were among the first arrivals in the historic city today.
More than 300 flew from the UAE - paying £700 for a return ticket - with a further 200 expected to arrive before the evening kick off.
And even German fans in Rome said they will be cheering on England after they were swayed by the passionate support they saw at Wembley when their team was defeated.
England fans are photographed in the Piazza del Popolo today, before the Euros clash against Ukraine in the highly-anticipated quarter final
It comes as fans back home prepare to pack out pubs and beer gardens for tonight's quarter final clash - as the Three Lions bid to make their first Euro semi final for 25 years.
The national side will take on Andriy Shevchenko's men at the Stadio Olympico in Rome, but Italy remains on the UK's amber list and supporters have been urged not to travel.
Regulations in Italy also mean they needed to have spent five days in quarantine and have had a negative post-isolation Covid test to be allowed into the stadium.
That means those backing Gareth Southgate's men in their first away game of the tournament will either be those who call Italy their new home, or who have travelled from another European country to attend the game.
Supporters enjoy a drink outside a pub hours before the start of the Euro 2020 championship quarter final showdown with Ukraine
Italian police are set to bring in check points at the Olympic Stadium to intercept and arrest any England fans who slip into the country from the UK.
Expat fans were warned to carry proof of their address or face being arrested and fined £386 if they are found to have breached the quarantine rules.
Plain clothed Italian police will wander among the crowds arriving for the match in Rome later today to carry out spot checks and ask for ID papers.
Border police will be focusing on five flights arriving at Rome's Leonardo da Vinici airport from London and one flight from Birmingham.
A spokesman for the police said they had not intercepted a single fan attempting to breach the strict quarantine rules imposed to keep out the Delta variant. 'Controls will be tightened ahead of the match,' said a spokesman.
Two England fans, with the cross of St George painted on one of their fingernails, hold up drinks as they gather in Rome ahead of the national team's match against Ukraine
English fans trying to watch the Three Lions take on Ukraine in Italy tonight will have to show proof of quarantine or residency
England fans hopeful of watching the Three Lions in action in the Euro 2020 quarter finals tonight are being told they must provide valid proof of quarantine or residency.
Those travelling to watch England play Ukraine in the Stadio Olimpico in Rome tonight are being quizzed by Italian authorities ahead of the match.
It comes as the Italian Embassy confirmed those who have been in Britian in the past fortnight will not be allowed into Rome's Stadio Olympico - even if they have a ticket.
It was also revealed that tournament's governing body, UEFA, had cancelled approximately 50 tickets sold to British addresses before it was known the game would be played in the Italian capital.
Italy is requiring all British visitors to quarantine for five days upon arrival to the country, effectively barring some supporters from watching the Three Lions take on Ukraine tonight.