MEN, women and children – and their dogs – from across the region, have come together to cheer England ahead of their historic game against Italy on Sunday.

Richard Holden MP for North West Durham,, said “After 55 years of hurt since the World Cup Final of 66’ and 16 months of public sacrifice, the England team have given the nation their deserved chance of national jubilation.

“This team under Gareth Southgate, who should be knighted if they win, have the best chance of any in bringing it home.

“I will be in the pub on Sunday, holding my breath, biting my nails and cheering them on all the way.

“My gut feeling tells me, this our best chance since 66’ of it coming home.”

The message from North Durham MP Kavan Jones was simple: “Good luck England from Kevan Jones MP – and my dog Biff!”

Neil Maddison, former Middlesbrough and Darlington midfielder and BBC Radio Tees Sport expert summariser, said: “So far it’s been a real joy to watch. I think they’ve been professional and they’ve got better as the tournament has gone on.

“The game the other night was just incredible and we find ourselves in a final now.

“All I would say is go and grasp that moment. Go and enjoy it. Go and get the result that this country desperately needs and do us all proud.

Jeff Stelling, Sky Sports presenter and Hartlepool club president added: “What a summer this could be.

“Firstly, and of course most importantly, Pools winning the National League play-off final and secondly England winning the Euros!

“Like Dave Challinor and his boys, Gareth and his squad have done us proud.

Duncan Watmore, Middlesbrough and former Sunderland striker, said: “You see the whole country how it unites everyone - all my friends and family, everyone I know.

“I was very very nervous, then obviously absolutely buzzing. What a feeling, the first final in 55 years, it’s amazing.

“It’s coming home - that seems to be all anyone is talking about and it’s brilliant.”

Councillor Watts Stelling, chairman of Durham County Council, said: “The entire nation is excited for Sunday’s big game at Wembley and kick-off can’t come soon enough.

“The team has done us proud in reaching the final and to concede only one goal in six games is magnificent.

“Best of luck to Gareth Southgate and the players. It will be tough to beat Italy, who are a fantastic side in their own right.

“The whole of County Durham is behind you and we know you can do it.”

Darlington mayor Cyndi Hughes said: “Sending greetings to England Fans everywhere! Hoping and praying that it’s really coming home to us at long last.

Darlington MP Peter Gibson added: “Counting down to Sunday, looking forward to seeing England bring it home. What a thrill that England will be playing under the Wembley Arch which was built in Darlington.”

Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison said: “Best of luck to the whole England team. The whole country is behind you. Let’s bring it home!”

Alex Cunningham MP for Stockton North said: “We have an exciting evening ahead of us on Sunday as England take to the field against Italy in the final. I’ve been extremely impressed by the work of our former Boro manager Gareth Southgate – not just around football but also race and equality. I am sure he and the team will do the country proud.”

Simon Clarke, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: “For the first time in my lifetime - and for anybody born after 1966 for that matter – England are in a major competition final. That in itself is an achievement. Italy will be formidable opponents but it’s equally clear this England team can beat anyone on our day.

“The national team under Gareth Southgate have brought the entire country together and I know they will make us proud this Sunday. Whatever happens, football has come home.”

Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar, said: “Sunday is a moment in history for the English game. No matter what happens, this is our first final in 55 years and I think that’s largely down to leadership of the class act that is Gareth Southgate.

“Under him, England have gone from strength to strength, playing together as a team again, in a way we haven’t seen in a long time.

“All across the country, the crosses of St George are going up in windows, on cars and lampposts.

“Southgate was already a legend on Teesside – come this Sunday he and the rest of the team can become national heroes. We’re all right behind you. Bring it home lads.”

Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough, said: “I wish Gareth Southgate and the whole team the best of luck for Sunday. Their path through to the final has been a welcome positive given what the country is going through at present.

“Like many people, I will be glued to the match on Sunday - C’mon England!”

Temporary Chief Inspector Mark Pitt, of Cleveland Police, said: “Whilst the upcoming final fixture on Sunday is set to be an exciting event for a lot of people, we would ask those who are out enjoying themselves to stick to their limits and would remind them that Covid regulations are still in place.

“We’d like to thank our local licensees for their support and their efforts to stick to the guidelines. A lot of people have enjoyed the atmosphere in the local pubs and we don’t want that to be spoilt by a minority of people who may get involved in violence or cause distress to others.

“Please drink responsibly and ensure that there are plans in place to get home after the game. Or if people are staying at home then enjoy the match and please make sure that you stick to your limits.”