Prince William has led well wishes to the England team as they countdown to their historic Euro 2020 final against Italy at Wembley on Sunday.

The Duke of Cambridge, who is also president of the FA, said: “I can’t really believe this is happening. So exciting and I just wish you the very best of luck.

“You bring out the very best of England and we are all behind you. The whole country is behind you. So, bring it home.”

His grandmother sent a personal message to manager Gareth Southgate on Saturday, recalling her experiences watching England being crowned world champions in 1966.

The Queen wrote: “I want to send my congratulations and that of my family to you all on reaching the final of the European Championships, and send my good wishes for tomorrow with the hope that history will record not only your success but also the spirit, commitment and pride with which you have conducted yourselves.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote a similar letter to the team yesterday evening, telling them they have “lifted the spirits of the whole country” amid the coronavirus crisis.

“Tomorrow we know you can lift that trophy too,” he wrote.

Mr Johnson told Southgate and the squad they have “already made history”.

“For most people in this country, it is the first time this has happened in all their lives,” the PM wrote.

“You have forged a band of brothers whose energy and tenacity and teamwork – and sheer flair – seem to shine in everything you do.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the players have been “as fearless as the three lions on our crest” and thanked them for being “role models, not just to a generation of young people, but to an entire nation”.

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Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey joined the politicians congratulating England on their achievements so far, saying he was “counting down the minutes until kick-off”.

Describing this year’s squad, he said: “They have embodied an inclusive, inspiring, forward-looking England that so many people who have never sat through a football match feel connected to and proud of.”

It came after Southgate broke with the usual tradition of keeping out of politics, by applauding his players’ stance on racism, diversity and inclusion in an open letter entitled ‘Dear England’.

In an interview earlier this weekend, the Three Lions manager invoked England’s wartime spirit and urged fans to be proud of the nation’s “incredible influence on the world” ahead of Sunday’s game.

At the final press conference before the game on Saturday, captain Harry Kane revealed Tom Cruise had called the squad to wish them good luck.

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Some 6,800 miles away from Wembley, 20 scientists working at research stations in Antartica sent the players their best wishes.

They managed to brave the sub-zero temperatures and parade the England flag outside the station.

Diving officer Mike Lindsell, stationed at Rothera Research Station, said: “Best of luck England – we know you can do it. And we’ll be cheering you on all the way. It needs to come home before we do!”

Due to their remote location, the scientists will have to listen to the match via a phone link connected to a radio in the UK.

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