Ballot opens for O2 screening of England's Euro final

Will Gareth Southgate's team bring football home on Sunday?

England's match against Spain in the Euro 2024 final will be screened at The O2 in London, with free tickets available through a ballot.

A total of 15,000 tickets have been made available for the event at the Greenwich arena, organised by the London mayor.

Fans can apply via a ballot open from 10:00 BST on Thursday, 11 July to 09:00 BST on Friday, 12 July.

City Hall did not comment on why the event was being held in a commercial venue rather than an open, public area, and said the cost to the taxpayer would be "published in due course".

City Hall says the screening at The O2 will be shown on "a huge 16m screen", and says doors open at 18:00 BST for "pre-match entertainment".

Fans are allowed to apply for up to four tickets each and will find out by midday on Friday if they have been successful.

'Welcome economic boost'

The event is open to under 18s but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Organisers say fans are welcome to wear an England shirt but no other football shirts will be allowed.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the game would be shown all over London's pubs, bars and community venues, not just at The O2, and would bring "a welcome economic boost".

The Shard has been lit up with the cross of St George to cheer England on through to Sunday's final

The mayor said: “I am so proud of what this team have achieved in reaching another major final.

"I’m delighted that we can now invite 15,000 England fans to The O2 on Sunday night for what we all hope will be a night of great drama and celebration."

Steve Sayer, senior vice president and general manager at The O2, said: “It’s going to be an incredible atmosphere with up to 15,000 fans in the arena, and hopefully a memorable night of celebrations. It’s coming home!”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan at the fan zone in central London at the last Uefa Euro competition in 2021

England's games have been shown across the capital, and have even interrupted theatre performances and concerts.

During England's game against Switzerland, actor James Cordon delayed the start of his play The Constituent, at London's Old Vic theatre, so the cast and audience could watch the penalty shootout.

During the semi-final match against the Netherlands The Killers interrupted the end of their concert at the 02 to bring fans the end of the game, and the winning goal, before launching into their hit song "Mr Brightside".

Following England's win, the team at London's tallest building, The Shard, announced it would be lit up with the England flag for England's final match against Spain on Sunday.