The English are underdogs – Germany have won the title eight times, as well as 21 of the 27 meetings between the two teams. But England won the last time the sides played each other in February – and since Sarina Wiegman took over as manager in September, they have played 19 games and won 17 of them. Speaking late last night, Wiegman said that – despite the pressure – there is a sense of calm within her team. He added: “When you get to a final, then you’re one of the best teams in the tournament. I think we also have a very good team and we are not afraid of anyone. “I think it’s been really calm around the team – I think it’s worked really well. So once we got back to the hotel where we’re staying and we did the training again, we did the recovery there and the things we need to do to get ready.” When asked if the women could win and make up for the men’s Euro defeat to Italy last year, he said: “I don’t think we should compare men and women – it’s only one England. “I don’t think there’s a difference.” Regarding the German team, he said: “I think at some point it can be a bit physical – Germany can play very direct, physical and direct. That’s what we expect.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 3:36 England coach Sarina Wigman: “We are not afraid of anyone” A record crowd is expected Around 90,000 fans are expected at Wembley tonight – a record for a Euro final. The previous record was set in 1964 in the men’s final as 79,115 fans watched Spain host the Soviet Union. Last year’s men’s final between England and Italy at Wembley was attended by 67,000, although the crowd was smaller due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An RAF flypast is planned just before today’s 5pm kick-off, led by a three-woman C-130 Hercules, escorted by two Typhoon fighter jets. Hercules captain Flight Lieutenant Lauren, who has been with the RAF for 12 years, said: “I have flown all over the world with the RAF but this will be one of the most memorable. “It’s been inspiring to watch the Lionesses progress and I’ll be cheering them on once I land at RAF Brize Norton.” Read more: How Sarina Wiegman’s ruthless European style changed England’s fortunes Lionesses set for ‘fairy tale’ final against Germany, says captain Leah Williamson Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:00 The fans will be our twelfth man… Woman. Dime!’ “A summer with fantastic memories” Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent a letter to the England team, wishing them luck. He told them: “Your passion for the game, your perseverance in difficult times and above all your amazing talent on the pitch has already created a summer of fantastic memories for millions of us. “You can see it in the sold-out stadiums, the packed fan zones, the little kids dancing wildly to Sweet Caroline and the record-breaking viewing figures almost as extensively as Sweden’s semi-final defence. “With every pride are the lionesses who hunt relentlessly as a team and bring their prize back home – and I’m sure that will be the case with Germany as well.” And Mr Johnson wrote that – regardless of the result – “the stadiums, playgrounds and parks of this country will be filled like never before with girls and women who know beyond a shadow of a doubt that football is not just for boys, it really is for everyone.” His message ended: “That’s down to you and what you’ve already achieved. And so, when the referee blows the whistle tonight, I hope you’ll be as proud of yourself as England are of you.” Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer told the players: “As a parent, I know how vital it is to see strong, successful role models in sport. “What you and your team have achieved this summer will not just be celebrated as a great moment for English football, but as one that encouraged and inspired young women like my own daughter.” Sir Keir watched the Lionesses’ semi-final win over Sweden on Tuesday and said it will “live long in the memory”. He added: “He’s coming home!”
