'IT'S coming home' - that's the verdict of the great and the good from Bradford ahead of England's Euro 2020 semi-final tomorrow, with a team built on Yorkshire grit.
Some of Bradford's MPs and councillors are confident of England reaching, and winning the Euro 2020 final.
But first Gareth Southgate's side need to beat a Denmark team motivated after their star midfielder Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest in their opening game of the tournament.
England have also shone in the Euros so far, not conceding a goal in any of their five tournament matches.
Fans across the country are believing England can win the nation's first football tournament for 55 years after they thrashed Ukraine 4-0 in Rome on Saturday.
Southgate's England has a strong Yorkshire-born spine through defenders Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire and Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
There is a Bradford connection to the squad through goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who made 33 appearances for the Bantams during a loan spell in the 2014-15 season.
England have been backed for further success in the semi-finals by a host of Bradford district dignitaries.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Shabir Hussain, said: "The country is looking forward to it.
It's very exciting. People want a good win for England. All our prayers are with the team
"People might support different teams here in Bradford, but they are all united when it comes to England.
"I hope we can go through."
Bradford Council leader, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, said: "Good luck to the England team for the semi-final on Wednesday – the Bradford district and the whole country is behind you.
"Like everyone else I was thrilled by the team’s performance on Saturday, so fingers crossed for another great result on Wednesday night.
"It’s been such an uplifting tournament for everyone after the year we’ve had. They are doing us proud as a nation. Come on England!”
Bradford West MP Naz Shah said: "We're bringing it home, football is coming home.
It's exciting and exhilarating, especially after the long year of Covid stress that people have been going through
"It gives us a lift. My kids have been singing 'Football's Coming Home'. Sport has a way of bringing people together.
"From the penalty shoot-outs in World Cups that I remember England losing, we've moved way from that now."
Bradford South MP Judith Cummins said: "Fingers crossed we can win on Wednesday.
"I really think it is great after the time we have had. It is great that the country can celebrate and come together."
Shipley MP Philip Davies is in confident mood and feels that England can go all of the way.
He said: "I genuinely feel think we are going to win this tournament.
"The fact that both the semi-final and final are at Wembley means that everything is in our favour.
"I'm absolutely positive that we're going to win it.
"We're the best team left in the tournament."
Cllr Richard Dunbar (Lab, Thornton and Allerton) said: "I'm confident that we have the team spirit and technical ability in our squad.
"The momentum is with us. I expect England to beat Denmark 2-0 in normal time.
"One of the good things about this England team has been their drive and passion on equality.
"They are one of the few teams in the tournament to take a knee before matches and Harry Kane has worn a rainbow coloured armband for one of the games and other players have worn rainbow laces to support minoritised communities."
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