Euro 2020 and Covid: How can I watch the final?

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Woman watches England semi final at Croydon Box ParkImage source, Getty Images

England return to Wembley Stadium to face Italy in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday evening at 20:00 BST.

Thousands of fans will be in the stands, and special arrangements are in place for watching in the pub.

How late can pubs and bars open?

Almost 24 million people watched England's semi-final. Sunday could rival the record 32 million who watched England win the World Cup in 1966.

Pubs will be allowed to stay open until 23:15 BST for the final. It means licensing laws are being relaxed by 45 minutes, in case of extra time and penalties.

Image source, Getty Images

But England's restrictions are not due to be lifted until 19 July, so Covid restrictions still apply.

Up to six people from six households, external (or two households of any size) can meet in a pub, or 30 in a pub garden. Groups must not mix.

Pubs have been given guidance by industry bodies, external in order to ensure Covid-safety, including:

  • Placing TV screens so they don't cause congestion

  • Keeping volume low

  • Considering ticket systems for customers

Researchers have warned a faster rise in Covid cases among men could be due to watching football in groups.

Who can go to the final?

About 60,000 fans will be at Wembley - 75% of the stadium's capacity.

Ticket-holders aged 11 or over need to prove they are fully vaccinated via the NHS app, external, with both doses received at least 14 days beforehand. Those not fully vaccinated can use proof of a negative lateral flow test from the previous 48 hours.

Fans need to wear face coverings in indoor areas of the stadium, but can remove them when they reach their seats, external.

Image source, Getty Images

Some have criticised the decision to allow large crowds, external, given high Covid rates.

But London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was confident "people aren't taking the virus with them to the stadium", external.

Allowing crowds at Wembley is part of the government's Events Research Programme, external into Covid transmission at large events.

Other events included are Wimbledon, which has had Centre Court at full capacity. The British Grand Prix will host up to 140,000 spectators at Silverstone on 18 July.

An initial report found "no substantial outbreaks" from the test events, although it is hard to prove because many people were not taking accurate PCR tests afterwards, external.

Can I hug my mates when there's a goal?

Social distancing guidelines should be followed and face coverings worn in pubs when not sitting down.

In England, people can use "personal judgement", external about whether to hug close friends or family.

Can I invite friends to my place?

If you're inside, you should keep rooms well-ventilated, maintain social distancing and wash your hands regularly.

Up to six people from multiple houses in England (or two households of any size) can gather inside - up to 30 outdoors.

How can I watch in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Social distancing guidance and rules on gatherings differ across the UK:

  • In Scotland, it depends where you are, external. You should maintain social distancing in public places, but you do not need to physically distance from friends in private homes

  • In Wales, the government recommends not hugging people you don't live with, unless they're in your extended household, external. Up to six people from six households can meet outdoors

  • In Northern Ireland, people are asked to be "cautious and careful" about hugging. Up to six people from two households can meet indoors

What about fan zones?

The official Uefa fan zone, external in England is at Trafalgar Square in London.

The ballot for tickets to the area is now closed.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Fans have been gathering in London's Trafalgar Square to cheer on England

Social distancing must be followed. No proof of test or quarantine is required, but fans need to check in via the NHS Test and Trace app.

There are also special areas for fans to watch matches in other cities including Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow.

How can I follow the action?

Both the BBC and ITV are broadcasting the final.

It will also available be on Radio 5 Live, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Euro 2020 on the BBC