‘Really good’ to see people out, Wembley retailers react to Euro 2020 uplift

In the hours after Harry Kane sent England to their first-ever European Championship final with a dramatic extra-time victory over Denmark, thousands spilled out of Wembley Stadium onto the surrounding streets to carry on the party.

People hugged, people drank, people sang songs by Baddiel and Skinner, Atomic Kitten, and Neil Diamond.

There were scenes of celebration and the impact of the pandemic that has dominated all aspects of life for months was far from people’s minds.

“Nobody was thinking about Covid – people were out celebrating and it was amazing to see so many people on the streets,” said Abdul Omar, who runs Angus Burger on Wembley Park Drive near the iconic Wembley Way.

“You really noticed the difference – 20,000 was good, then 40,000, now 60,000. It’s been great for us and for the area.”

Omar explained there were “the usual issues” of some people “looking for trouble” but suggested this was not from fans attending the match.

Dalir Gulaei of Stadium Supermarket, close to Wembley Stadium, said it was “really good” to see people out and about after almost 18 months of restrictions.

He noted there are still many people who make an effort to wear masks, sanitise regularly, and observe social distancing where possible but that attitudes are changing.

“Some people take precautions, but lots of others don’t,” he said, referring to what he had witnessed during match days.

“You see people in their 40s and 50s and lots of them are wearing masks but for teenagers, not so much. And now people are out enjoying themselves – particularly with England doing so well – and things are much better than last year.”

The Football Association has been keen to stress the importance of keeping fans as safe as possible throughout the tournament.

Those attending matches are still meant to wear a face mask, unless they are exempt, in covered parts of the stadium. It is also necessary to provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours of kick off or proof of full vaccination at least 14 days before the event.

These measures will remain in place on Sunday. But for fans, residents and businesses at Wembley, along with millions of others across the country, they will not occupy too many of their thoughts.

These will be focused on Gareth Southgate’s team as they bid to become the first England side to win the Euros and end 55 years of hurt.