It’s coming home! David Baddiel and Frank Skinner join the Lightning Seeds for special performance of Three Lions before Euros final – after UEFA banned them from playing at Wembley
- The 229 club in London became a sea of England flags when David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and Lightning Seeds took to the stage to perform Three Lions
- Fans were visibly emotional as the song played ahead of the Euro's final tonight
- Find out the latest Euro 2020 news including fixtures, live action and results here
A London venue became a sea of England flags last night when David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and Lightning Seeds took to the stage to perform their song Three Lions.
The special gig was put on for England fans ahead of the Euro 2020 final as part of the National Lottery's Revive Live campaign at 229 club in London.
Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick for England as the team won the 1966 World Cup Final introduced comedians Skinner and Baddiel onto the stage, decorated with England flags and flashing lights, to the delight of the crowd.
Football fans were delighted when the Three Lions song was performed at the gig
Fans became visibly emotional as the infamous tune began, with England chants continuing after the song was done and the audience breaking out into a rendition of Sweet Caroline.
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People danced on chairs and tables as security gave up on attempts to remove them.
Fans described the concert as amazing and emotional.
Camilla Daza, 27, from New York, said: I'm not even British but I felt emotional. After the year that you've had it was really nice to see everyone come together behind something really positive.'
David Smith, 51, from Grimsby said that the night was his 'Woodstock moment'.
David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and Lightning Seeds performed the tune at a special gig for England fans ahead of the Euro final against Italy on Sunday evening
The two comedians came to the stage to a huge roar of applause from the crowd
The venue became a sea of England flags as fans celebrated ahead of match day
The crowds were captured loudly singing along to 90s classics including Oasis' Wonderwall, Under The Bridge by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Reason by Hoobastank
'It was absolutely amazing and surreal,' he said. 'I started crying, I was so emotional. To see Sir Geoff Hurst introduce the best song ever.
'This is our moment, we've waited so long for this. This is our time.'
The crowds were captured loudly singing along to 90s classics including Oasis' Wonderwall, Under The Bridge by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Reason by Hoobastank.
It comes after UEFA reportedly stopped the duo from singing Three Lions before the Euro 2020 final as it is too 'partisan' and 'unfair' on the Italians.
While appearing on the TV show The Last Leg, Skinner shared his frustrations with UEFA's decision.
He reminded viewers that Andrea Bocelli sang Nessun Dormua at the opening ceremony - which saw Italy kick-off the tournament against Turkey.
But, that didn't stop the pair from taking to the stage last night.
Ben McDonald, 19, from Hampshire said: 'You can definitely feel something building up.'
Kate Genery, 35, from Tunbridge Wells said: 'I'm feeling very pumped for the whole tournament. I'm riding on that wave.
'You can sense a real buzz in London today, it's like something is about to pop.'
Across the country, celebrations are already kicking off as fans clamber onto buses outside Wembley, pack out pubs and set off flares in King's Cross and Leicester Square before this evening's match against Italy.
Supporters sporting the team's red and white and singing Football's Coming Home and Sweet Caroline crammed into pubs as an estimated 35 million people tune in to watch the once-in-a-generation clash on TV while 60,000 spectators cheer on Gareth Southgate's men later today.
Crowds of fans draped in England flags arrived outside Wembley, the Home of Football, several hours before kick-off.
Fans became visibly emotional as the infamous tune began, with England chants continuing after the song was done
Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick for England as the team won the 1966 World Cup Final introduced comedians Skinner and Baddiel onto the stage
Some even climbed on top of a bus outside the grounds, while others outside King's Cross station in the capital let off red and white smoke during the celebratory build-up.
Although tickets quickly sold out, a category A seat became available at 2pm for around £810, and was snapped up almost immediately.
MailOnline previously found tickets selling for tens of thousands of pounds on so-called 'touting' websites the day after the semi-final against Denmark.
England captain Harry Kane said his team hopes to do the nation proud in their bid for Euro 2020 glory.
People danced on chairs and tables as security gave up on attempts to remove them
He told reporters at a press conference last night: 'We want to go and bring the trophy home' - adding: 'We know how much it means to the English fans all over the country so we're proud to be representing them and hopefully we can do them proud again.'
