ENGLAND will head for Buckingham Palace on a victory parade if they win the Euros on Sunday, the Standard can exclusively reveal.
Preparations are at an advanced stage for Gareth Southgate’s squad to be honoured by the King and the royal family if they defeat Spain and claim the trophy for the first time.
A massive open-top bus parade would take the team from Guildhall, in the City of London, to the palace via Trafalgar Square on Tuesday, it is understood.
Up to a million fans could line the streets if England land their first trophy since 1966.
Two days of celebrations would begin on Monday with the team lined up to meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer — who is expected to attend the final in Berlin on Sunday — at Downing Street.
A royal reception, likely to be headed by Prince William, president of the Football Association, has also been pencilled in for Monday. Tuesday would be a massive public celebration, starting with a reception at Guildhall — the historic home of the City of London Corporation and Lord Mayor of London — before the parade via Trafalgar Square and The Mall to the palace.
There would not be a parade if Spain — the favourites — defeat England.
A victory royal event would have echoes of the England rugby team winning the World Cup in 2003, when they went to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen.
This story is from the July 11, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 11, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss
Is this government full of amateurs?
Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown
At home with...Earl of East
The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.
Market merrymaking
Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Festive favourites
Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.