Thousands took advantage of airlines putting on extra flights to make last-minute trips with some fans flying via Vienna, Amsterdam, Paris and Frankfurt – and even Ibiza
Fans were bolting for Berlin today to watch England’s biggest ever game abroad.
All were backing Gareth Southgate ’s team to beat Spain today and end 58 years of hurt. Supporters bellowed Football ’s Coming Home at the fanzone near the Brandenburg Gate. If it does it will be England’s first major tournament win since the 1966 World Cup at Wembley.
Across Berlin there were flags from towns and cities from Truro and Plymouth to Barrow and Ashington. There were four separate Burnley flags outside the Brandenburg Gate.
Thousands took advantage of airlines putting on extra flights to make last-minute trips. Ryanair said it sold out and Stansted was described as “totally rammed”. Some had to fly via Vienna, Amsterdam, Paris and Frankfurt – and even Ibiza – as planes filled up.
Julian Pottle, 52, wife Helen, 47, son Charlie, 17 and daughter Summer, 13, originally from north London, flew from Sydney. They paid £450 each, face value, for their final tickets six months ago.
“We’re in the neutral area – but quite close to the Spanish fans,” said Julian, a QPR fan.
“We can’t wait, we can definitely win it but I do think it’s time for Southgate to be brave.
“We love Harry Kane but think Ollie Watkins should start. He’s got so much more pace and we need that.”
They are among 50,000 England supporters, with 30,000 expected to be in the stadium.
Steve Prince, 47, from Worksop, Notts, flew to Warsaw where got a train to Berlin.
“I got my ticket months ago but I was only ever going to come if England got through,” he said. “Watching your country in a final abroad in Germany was something I dreamed about as a kid.”
One man took dedication to new levels by hitchhiking to Berlin.
Konrad Gajewski, 27, had already got from his home in Gloucester to Dover by today– and was trying to thumb a lift while holding a sign reading: “It’s coming home”.
Konrad said: “I just wanted to go and paint my face in a St George’s Cross and soak up the atmosphere with the fans.”
Fans forced to stay at home include marketing manager Jamie Nash – who is getting married today.
Nevertheless, Jamie, 33, from Northampton, will watch the action with bride Emma Clayson, 30, and guests.
“It’ll just add such an amazing atmosphere to the closure of our wedding,” he said.
“If England win, everyone’s going to remember the wedding and everyone’s going to remember where they were when England won the Euros.”
Adrian Salomon, 42, a magician from York, is watching at home with his Spanish wife Azahara, 42, and their son Tristan, seven.
He said: “It will be tense but fun between us.” Azahara, who is flying her lucky Spanish flag from their 2010 World Cup win, said: “We’ll do a little bit of Spanish tapas and English beer.”
Another expat, electrician Terry O’Connell, 39, is watching with son Brandan, 18, in Australia.
They originally flew to Germany for the earlier games but had to return.
“I’m gutted we won’t be in Berlin but we will be roaring the lads home,” said Terry, originally from Norton near Middlesbrough.