FOOTBALL fever has gripped the nation for the last month and on Sunday it comes to its head with England aiming to end over half a century of hurt by collecting their first European Championships.
Bradfordians of all ages will come together to will Gareth Southgate’s stars on against Italy. We spoke to a few senior figures from the city to see how they are coping with the pre-match nerves.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Shabir Hussain has full faith that England can create history.
He said: “It’s great to see people from across the whole of the district from all our many communities getting behind the England team.
"On behalf of the district I’d like to send my congratulations to the England men’s football team on getting to the final of Euro 2020.
"I wish them the best of luck for Sunday. Come on England. It’s coming home and we know we can do it.”
Bradford South MP Judith Cummins is pleased to see how the players have become such good role models on and off the pitch, adding: "I am so proud of our team. They are a great example to us all, both on and off the field."
Another MP, Bradford East's Imran Hussain, feels football has worked it magic by bringing all the communities in Bradford together.
He said: “Reaching the first major men’s football final in over 50 years is a fantastic accomplishment by an England team made up of so many players and coaching staff who represent the very best of England both on and off the pitch, and regardless of the result on Sunday night, they’ve so much to be proud of and celebrate.
“As we nervously count down the hours until kick-off, the sheer excitement that this final is generating across Bradford is indescribable, and the power of football to bring people from all walks of life and backgrounds together is inescapable, and I cannot wait until 8pm to cheer on England as they bring football home.”
Leader of Bradford Council Susan Hinchcliffe is hopeful England can get over the line on Sunday.
She said: “We’re all keeping our fingers crossed for Sunday and are wishing the team the best of luck.
"The team getting to the final has been a great boost for everyone. We’ll all be cheering them on this Sunday.”
Shipley MP Philip Davies feels the semi-final win over Denmark provided a "feel good factor" and hopes everyone can gain "a sporting memory of a lifetime" at the weekend.
He said: "The semi-final result was wonderful - and provided a much needed feel good factor for the whole country.
"To come from behind to win shows a fantastic team spirit and I am sure that I was not the only one who thought the semi-final curse was going to strike again when Denmark scored the opening goal.
"I am sure we are all rooting for England on Sunday when hopefully they can go all the way and lift the trophy which will provide the country with a sporting memory of a lifetime."
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