The nation expects! England fans pour into Gelsenkirchen and into UK pubs ahead of the Three Lions first Euro 2024 match TODAY after Gareth Southgate urged his players to seize the moment and make history By Andy Dolan In Dusseldorf and Rob Hyde In Gelsenkirchen and Sam Lawley Published: 02:13 BST, 16 June 2024 | Updated: 02:24 BST, 16 June 2024 e-mail View comments Gareth Southgate issued a rallying cry on behalf of the nation last night as he urged his England players to seize the moment when they begin their quest for Euro 2024 football glory. As 40,000 fans in red and white descended on Germany, where tournament favourites England take on Serbia today, expectations both in the host nation and at home were reaching fever pitch. Stay-at-home fans will down an estimated 30 million pints in pubs and in their houses, with an audience of around 17 million expected to settle down and watch the game on BBC One at 8pm.
England are seeking their first victory in a men's tournament since winning the World Cup in 1966. In the last Euros three years ago they were runners-up to Italy , losing on penalties at Wembley. Manager Southgate said of his young side: 'There is opportunity for people to make a name for themselves.
This is a moment in time for them.' England fans pictured holding flags and chanting outside a pub in Gelsenkirchen Three Lions packed out a pub in the German city ahead of their opening match against Serbia Two England fans pictured with painted faces and pints at a p.
