It’s England men’s biggest footballing date since the 1966 World Cup final, but Covid-19 means that watching Sunday night’s Euro 2020 showdown with Italy will come with safety caveats.
Here are some tips on reducing the risk of turning it into a night to remember for all the wrong reasons.
… if you’re staying at home
While the England manager has switched between a 3-4-3 and a 4-3-3 team formation, public health experts are encouraging people at home to check the lay-out of their furniture indoors.
“Think about the formation of your furniture to make extra space and making sure there is flow for fresh air,” says Jonathan Gribbin, Public Health Director for Nottinghamshire county council.
If friends are coming over and will be indoors, remember that Covid-19 restrictions in relation to private homes in England allow you to meet in a group of six or a larger group of any size from up to two households (including their support bubbles).
For hosts, perhaps offer refreshments other than those bowls of finger food, and remember to wash hands in between handling and preparing food.
… if you’re going to the pub
Responsible management will have ensured that furniture has been adequately spaced, but remember the guidance again on groups.
While up to six people from six households – or two households of any size – can meet in a pub in England, 30 can get together in a pub garden. Different groups should not mix. If not sitting down, social distancing should be followed and face coverings worn.
Seek out pubs that are following guidance from industry bodies, such as placing television screens in order to minimise congestion.
The guidance also suggests keeping the volume low, using a ticketing system and ensuring that measures are in place at the door to control entry.
… if you’re going to Wembley Stadium
For the approximately 60,000 ticket holders who will be admitted to stadium – which will be at 75% capacity – those aged 11 or over will need to show proof that they have been fully vaccinated 14 days before a game or a negative coronavirus test.
The former can be demonstrated using the NHS app, while proof of a negative test should be on the basis of lateral flow test from the previous 48 hours.
Face coverings must be worn on entry to the stadium and in all indoor areas and can be taken off only when seated in view of the pitch.
A Uefa “what to bring” checklist reminds fans bringing their own hand sanitiser that the bottle shouldn’t be larger than 50ml.
… if you’re going to a fan zone
While many councils have been on the receiving end of anger for not creating designated public zones with big screens, an official Uefa fan zone is located at Trafalgar Square, with 500 tickets allocated by a ballot.
No proof of a Covid-19 test is required to enter but 2m social distancing should be observed and fans have to check in via the NHS test and trace app.
Those attending fan zones such as Preston’s – for which tickets have sold out – will be required to provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test.
IT’S A GOAL!! … can you hug?
“Personal judgment” should be observed in England when it comes to deciding whether or not to hug people, who should only be friends or family, according to government guidance. Although physical contact remains linked to transmitting the virus.
Hugging – perhaps in the event of an Italian goal or two – is also allowed in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, although Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has advised those doing so to be “careful and cautious.”