Euro 2024 final: Romford businesses get behind England

From just a quick look at the town centre it's clear the anticipation is building, with flags everywhere and England merch on sale at the market.

Perhaps the most excited, however, are the business owners at Romford Shopping Hall. 

Andy Brace and Phillip Bell are ready for the final (Image: Charlotte Anderson)

The Recorder visited some of the 35 businesses to ask them for their thoughts, feelings and score predictions ahead of the game against Spain on Sunday.

Andy Brace, owner of Worldwide Signings, said he can only "hope and pray" that it will be "tears of joy" after the match.

Isabella Pino is having a big Euros get together with her friends on Sunday (Image: Charlotte Anderson)

He added: "I think Gareth Southgate deserves the success because of all the criticism [he's faced] recently."

Others, like Phillip Bell from Bow Bells Café, says Southgate has been "lucky" up until this point.  

The team at the Tea Pot Café have plenty of England flags (Image: Charlotte Anderson)

Isabella Pino, owner of the Italian vintage shop Modernariato, told us she is celebrating the Euros final with a big get-together with friends.

READ MORE: Tea Pot Café, Romford: 'Best of British' eatery with Royal themed menu

Score predictions poured in from Romford residents, traders outside in the market - and even from dedicated postie David Cabezas.

Postie David Cabezas predicted a 2-1 win for England (Image: Charlotte Anderson)

He was set on a 2-1 win to England, but said that whatever happens you have "gotta love it". 

Jeffrey Dartford, a market trader behind an England memorabilia stall, is confident we will take home the Euros trophy, with a score guess of 3-0 to England and Harry Kane scoring the first goal.

Terry and Judy Childs from Collier Row are 'optimistic' about the final (Image: Charlotte Anderson)

Romford residents and those visiting the town centre from further afield in east London were just as hopeful ahead of the final.

Terry and Judy Childs predicted an "optimistic" 2-1 win to England, and said they would be watching football 'come home' from their home in Collier Row.

Marion Willis doesn't like any distractions during her Euros viewing (Image: Charlotte Anderson)

Marion Willis, from Dagenham, let the Recorder in on her Euros ritual.

She said: "I've been watching football since I was six years old.

Jeffrey Dartford predicts a 3-0 win for England (Image: Charlotte Anderson)

"I don't go with any groups, I sit on my own because I don't want any distractions."

There is so much support for the England boys in Romford - and this is just a small snapshot of it.

A boy and his nan joined in with the Euros fun (Image: Charlotte Anderson)

Ultimately, as one staff member from the Tea Pot Café summed up, the town - and the nation as a whole - is both "nervous and excited" at the same time.