this is bbc news. i'm mishal husain live at wembley, where the stadium gates are just opening ahead of the final match of the european championship. cheering. this has been a long time coming for england's men. the match against italy is their first major final for more than half a century. we need it this year. after the time we've had, we need some of this. we need excitement. we need to be behind our country, don't we? we are now three hours from kick—off, and thousands of fans have been here through the day in support of gareth southgate�*s team. he had this message for them. we'll be doing everything we can.

your support and energy has given us a huge lift, and i know it will on sunday. # football's coming home # it's coming home...# across england, fans are hoping football is coming home tonight. i think we can officially say... 0h, can we? yeah. go on, should we say it together? all right. both: it's coming home. 0h, we've said it now. i'm lukwesa burak with our other main stories. the uk's vaccine minister says the government is confident that plans to lift a range of covid restrictions will go ahead onjuly the 19th in england, but he also said masks are still expected to be worn indoors. and at wimbledon, advantage djokovic — matteo berrettini took the first set before novak djokovic bounced back to take the second and third.

lift—off for branson — the billionaire virgin galactic founder has flown to the edge of space on the company's first ever passenger flight before gliding back to earth safely. hello from wembley. with three hours to go before kick—off in the euro 2020 final, and there is an extraordinary atmosphere here. tens of thousands of england fans will be in the stadium where the gates are just opening to let them in. many others have come here without tickets wanting to be part of this moment.

and it is a moment that has been a very long time coming for an england men's team — 55 years since the world cup final, also here at wembley. this time it is italy who england face. they are four—time world cup—winners. in the next half hour, we're expecting the england players to leave their hotel a few miles away from here and arrive soon after 6pm for the immense test of this finale to the european championship. here's our first report this hour from sports correspondent natalie pirks. come on, england! it's football's christmas eve. some fans are already at wembley, like kids impatient to unwrap their biggest present, but who can blame them? 55 years is a long time to wait.

we need it this year, after the time we've had, we need some of this, we need excitement, to be behind our country. southgate'sjust managed| to find something that has brought togetherness, - and theyjust seem as if they can do it this time. 55 years, not in my lifetime have i seen anything like this. this was our moment to represent our time _ the near misses and the tournaments that haven't gone so well weren't so important for this team. over the last four years, they've knocked down so many barriers, so their resilience and experience as a team have really prepared them well for this moment. this team has taken the public along for the ride. when they left their base in staffordshire yesterday and when they arrived in london, the players were reminded just what this means to the nation. but let's not forget about italy, a team unbeaten in three years. they were pushed very close in their semifinal by spain, but went through on penalties. england have never beaten them in a major tournament.

the players, though, have been a picture of calm, holed up inside their team hotel this morning. | it wouldn't be surprised if many| of them will be off social media. they'll be limiting and staying away i from that so they don't get too . hyped up about the whole situation. it's that balance of being focused, but also being relaxed. _ fans hope the team can keep their head while all around them are losing theirs. there really is no other story in town today, and the players have had messages from the queen, the prime minister, a facetime call from tom cruise and the duke of cambridge. i can't really believe this is happening. so exciting. and just wish you the very best of luck. you bring out the very best of england, and the whole country is behind you, so bring it home. when the final whistle blows at wembley tonight, the waiting could be over. for too long, history has weighed them down. the golden generation's

expected to emulate what sir alf ramsey did in 1966. but this class of 2021 under gareth southgate has never been closer to sporting immortality. it is a day of expectation and hope, and earlier, the england manager had this message for fans. hi there. just wanted to take the time to say thank you to everybody for the incredible support we've received throughout this tournament. we hope that we've represented you in the right way. we hope that you've enjoyed watching us play. i'm very grateful to all of the players and the incredible staff i've got with me that we've been able to get to our first final for 55 years, but of course we know now we've got to deliver for you. so, we'll be doing everything we can. your support and energy has given us a huge lift, and i know it will on sunday.

a last message from gareth southgate in the final build up toward the euro 2020 final. the england squad is due to leave their hotel in hertfordshire within the next half hour. from there, our correspondent alex howelljoins us. we will shortly see them set off on that journey towards the we will shortly see them set off on thatjourney towards the stadium. yes, i'm outside the team hotel here in hartford _ yes, i'm outside the team hotel here in hartford sure, in their is under 30 minutes— in hartford sure, in their is under 30 minutes until the players are ready— 30 minutes until the players are ready to — 30 minutes until the players are ready to get on the bus to travel to wemblex — ready to get on the bus to travel to wembley. the atmosphere i'm sure you can hear_ wembley. the atmosphere i'm sure you can hear is_ wembley. the atmosphere i'm sure you can hear is complete change in the last half_ can hear is complete change in the last half an — can hear is complete change in the last half an hour of a quiet relaxed one to _ last half an hour of a quiet relaxed one to one — last half an hour of a quiet relaxed one to one of anticipation. there is hundreds— one to one of anticipation. there is hundreds of— one to one of anticipation. there is hundreds of fans here gather to cheer— hundreds of fans here gather to cheer the — hundreds of fans here gather to cheer the players off on their way to wembley stadium and cheer their heroes— to wembley stadium and cheer their heroes to _ to wembley stadium and cheer their heroes to the stadium. we have actually— heroes to the stadium. we have actually seen quite a few of the players —

actually seen quite a few of the players behind me walking past an open door— players behind me walking past an open door and we believe there has been _ open door and we believe there has been a _ open door and we believe there has been a meeting or they are just preparing — been a meeting or they are just preparing to leave. we have seen john stones, harry kane, jordan pickford — john stones, harry kane, jordan pickford and calvin phillips. phillips— pickford and calvin phillips. phillips even waved to the fans to show— phillips even waved to the fans to show how— phillips even waved to the fans to show how relaxed the atmosphere is in the _ show how relaxed the atmosphere is in the camp. and also chris powell, one of— in the camp. and also chris powell, one of the — in the camp. and also chris powell, one of the first team coaches with gareth _ one of the first team coaches with gareth southgate, has been out here chatting _ gareth southgate, has been out here chatting to _ gareth southgate, has been out here chatting to the fans. so whatever it is here _ chatting to the fans. so whatever it is here with — chatting to the fans. so whatever it is here with tension and nerves everybody— is here with tension and nerves everybody else is feeling, they are not feeling it inside the england canrp _ not feeling it inside the england camp. when they arrived here yesterday _ camp. when they arrived here yesterday after their final training session— yesterday after their final training session from st george's, there is said to _ session from st george's, there is said to be — session from st george's, there is said to be shocked at the atmosphere they received. today, they know what is coming _ they received. today, they know what is coming and they will not be shocked — is coming and they will not be shocked any more. and i'm sure when the players _ shocked any more. and i'm sure when the players and gareth southgate get to wembley stadium, they will be ready— to wembley stadium, they will be ready to _ to wembley stadium, they will be ready to put on a show.— to wembley stadium, they will be ready to put on a show. alex, thank ou ve ready to put on a show. alex, thank you very much _ ready to put on a show. alex, thank you very much indeed. _ ready to put on a show. alex, thank you very much indeed. they - ready to put on a show. alex, thank you very much indeed. they are - ready to put on a show. alex, thank you very much indeed. they are at i you very much indeed. they are at the hotel from the hotel from which the hotel from the hotel from which the england team or emerge as they make their way to wembley stadium ahead of kick off in the match

against italy. ashleyjohn—baptiste is down below me amid the scrum of supporters. those who are just outside the stadium gates now. what is it like down there? i can see what it looks like from up here.— down there? i can see what it looks like from up here. yeah, well, there is a sea of— like from up here. yeah, well, there is a sea of fans. _ like from up here. yeah, well, there is a sea of fans. thousands - like from up here. yeah, well, there is a sea of fans. thousands of- like from up here. yeah, well, there is a sea of fans. thousands of fans l is a sea of fans. thousands of fans who are _ is a sea of fans. thousands of fans who are already— is a sea of fans. thousands of fans who are already here. _ is a sea of fans. thousands of fans who are already here. the - is a sea of fans. thousands of fans who are already here. the energyl is a sea of fans. thousands of fans. who are already here. the energy is electric _ who are already here. the energy is electric i_ who are already here. the energy is electric. i have _ who are already here. the energy is electric. i have two _ who are already here. the energy is electric. i have two fans _ who are already here. the energy is electric. i have two fans to - who are already here. the energy is electric. i have two fans to and - who are already here. the energy is electric. i have two fans to and soni electric. i have two fans to and son from _ electric. i have two fans to and son from sunderland. _ electric. i have two fans to and son from sunderland. now— electric. i have two fans to and son from sunderland. now dad - electric. i have two fans to and son from sunderland. now dad here, . from sunderland. now dad here, sergio. _ from sunderland. now dad here, sergio. is— from sunderland. now dad here, sergio. is half— from sunderland. now dad here, sergio, is half english— from sunderland. now dad here, sergio, is half english and - from sunderland. now dad here, sergio, is half english and half. sergio, is half english and half itatian — sergio, is half english and half italian. tell— sergio, is half english and half italian. tell me _ sergio, is half english and half italian. tell me about - sergio, is half english and half italian. tell me about your. sergio, is half english and half- italian. tell me about your dilemma. my dad _ italian. tell me about your dilemma. my dad toid — italian. tell me about your dilemma. my dad told me _ italian. tell me about your dilemma. my dad told me we _ italian. tell me about your dilemma. my dad told me we had _ italian. tell me about your dilemma. my dad told me we had better- italian. tell me about your dilemma. i my dad told me we had better support in the late but it is england all the way. we are supporting england, are we not? ., the way. we are supporting england, are we not?— the way. we are supporting england, are we not?_ you | are we not? come on, england! you have come — are we not? come on, england! you have come all— are we not? come on, england! you have come all the _ are we not? come on, england! you have come all the way _ are we not? come on, england! you have come all the way from - have come all the way from sunderland. _ have come all the way from sunderland. what - have come all the way from sunderland. what does - have come all the way from sunderland. what does it. have come all the way from - sunderland. what does it mean to be here and _ sunderland. what does it mean to be here and why— sunderland. what does it mean to be here and why come _ sunderland. what does it mean to be here and why come here _ sunderland. what does it mean to be here and why come here for- sunderland. what does it mean to be here and why come here for the - sunderland. what does it mean to be| here and why come here for the game tonight— here and why come here for the game tonight with _ here and why come here for the game tonight with matt— here and why come here for the game tonight with matt a _ tonight with matt a

once—in—a—lifetime tonight with matt a _ once—in—a—lifetime opportunity and with a _ once—in—a—lifetime opportunity and with a chance — once—in—a—lifetime opportunity and with a chance of _ once—in—a—lifetime opportunity and with a chance of getting _ once—in—a—lifetime opportunity and with a chance of getting tickets - with a chance of getting tickets came _ with a chance of getting tickets came along, _ with a chance of getting tickets came along, we _ with a chance of getting tickets came along, we grabbed - with a chance of getting tickets came along, we grabbed theml with a chance of getting tickets - came along, we grabbed them with both hands — came along, we grabbed them with both hands— came along, we grabbed them with both hands. , ., , both hands. never in my lifetime has a busy much — both hands. never in my lifetime has a busy much excitement _ both hands. never in my lifetime has a busy much excitement and - both hands. never in my lifetime has a busy much excitement and i - both hands. never in my lifetime has a busy much excitement and i reallyl a busy much excitement and i really think england has a good chance of winning today. i really do, and i hope they do. jordan pickford, jordan henderson, some sunderland lads coming as well. tail: jordan henderson, some sunderland lads coming as well.— lads coming as well. talk to me about the _ lads coming as well. talk to me about the dilemma _ lads coming as well. talk to me about the dilemma you - lads coming as well. talk to me about the dilemma you have . lads coming as well. talk to me i about the dilemma you have been facing _ about the dilemma you have been facing as— about the dilemma you have been facing as someone _ about the dilemma you have been facing as someone who _ about the dilemma you have been facing as someone who is - about the dilemma you have been facing as someone who is both- about the dilemma you have been l facing as someone who is both have engiish _ facing as someone who is both have engiish and — facing as someone who is both have english and half _ facing as someone who is both have english and half italian. _ facing as someone who is both have english and half italian. tier? - english and half italian. very tric to english and half italian. very tricky to be _ english and half italian. very tricky to be fair. _ english and half italian. very tricky to be fair. everybody l english and half italian.“ tricky to be fair. everybody has been ripping me all week saying who are you going to support? but there was never any doubt for me, especially being here at england wembley stadium with half of england it looks like. find wembley stadium with half of england it looks like. �* ., wembley stadium with half of england it looks like. . ., .., wembley stadium with half of england it looks like. . ., .. , it looks like. and tonight can be could be saying _ it looks like. and tonight can be could be saying england - it looks like. and tonight can be could be saying england take i it looks like. and tonight can be | could be saying england take the cup. could be saying england take the cup what — could be saying england take the cup. what does— could be saying england take the cup. what does that _ could be saying england take the cup. what does that mean - could be saying england take the cup. what does that mean to - could be saying england take the i cup. what does that mean to you? could be saying england take the - cup. what does that mean to you? it means cup. what does that mean to you? means quite a lot because as my cup. what does that mean to you?- means quite a lot because as my dad says it _ means quite a lot because as my dad says it is _ means quite a lot because as my dad says it is a _ means quite a lot because as my dad says it is a once—in—a—lifetime experience _ says it is a once—in—a—lifetime experience. i am says it is a once—in—a—lifetime experience. lam never going says it is a once—in—a—lifetime experience. i am never going to forget _ experience. i am never going to forget it — experience. i am never going to foruet it. ., ,. experience. i am never going to foruet it. ., y., , , experience. i am never going to foruet it. ., , , ., forget it. could you guys have ever imauined forget it. could you guys have ever imagined from _ forget it. could you guys have ever imagined from the _ forget it. could you guys have ever imagined from the start _ forget it. could you guys have ever imagined from the start that - forget it. could you guys have ever l imagined from the start that england could make _ imagined from the start that england could make it— imagined from the start that england could make it to _ imagined from the start that england could make it to the _ imagined from the start that england could make it to the final? _ imagined from the start that england could make it to the final? i- imagined from the start that england could make it to the final? i had- imagined from the start that england could make it to the final?— could make it to the final? i had a funny feeling- _

could make it to the final? i had a funny feeling. did _ could make it to the final? i had a funny feeling. did you? _ could make it to the final? i had a funny feeling. did you? why - could make it to the final? i had a funny feeling. did you? why not? | funny feeling. did you? why not? the are funny feeling. did you? why not? they are in _ funny feeling. did you? why not? they are in peak _ funny feeling. did you? why not? they are in peak form _ funny feeling. did you? why not? they are in peak form and - funny feeling. did you? why not? they are in peak form and i - funny feeling. did you? why not? they are in peak form and i think| funny feeling. did you? why not? i they are in peak form and i think is they are in peakform and i think is the best what they've ever had for a very long time. you the best what they've ever had for a very long time-— the best what they've ever had for a very long time. you were going to be in the stadium. _ very long time. you were going to be in the stadium. if _ very long time. you were going to be in the stadium. if england _ very long time. you were going to be in the stadium. if england do - very long time. you were going to be in the stadium. if england do when, l in the stadium. if england do when, how witt— in the stadium. if england do when, how will you — in the stadium. if england do when, how will you celebrate? _ in the stadium. if england do when, how will you celebrate? we - in the stadium. if england do when, how will you celebrate?— how will you celebrate? we will be “uminu how will you celebrate? we will be jumping up — how will you celebrate? we will be jumping up and — how will you celebrate? we will be jumping up and down, _ how will you celebrate? we will be jumping up and down, what - how will you celebrate? we will be jumping up and down, what we? i how will you celebrate? we will be - jumping up and down, what we? could be the biggest fun and we will actually go crazy. for be the biggest fun and we will actually go crazy.— actually go crazy. for you, i imagine _ actually go crazy. for you, i imagine even _ actually go crazy. for you, i imagine even though - actually go crazy. for you, i imagine even though you i actually go crazy. for you, i l imagine even though you can actually go crazy. for you, i _ imagine even though you can remember this for— imagine even though you can remember this for the _ imagine even though you can remember this for the rest— imagine even though you can remember this for the rest of— imagine even though you can remember this for the rest of your _ imagine even though you can remember this for the rest of your life, _ imagine even though you can remember this for the rest of your life, i— this for the rest of your life, i imagine? _ this for the rest of your life, i imagine?— this for the rest of your life, i imauine? ., , ., imagine? last time this whole thing ha--ened imagine? last time this whole thing happened was _ imagine? last time this whole thing happened was 55 — imagine? last time this whole thing happened was 55 years _ imagine? last time this whole thing happened was 55 years ago, - imagine? last time this whole thing happened was 55 years ago, and - imagine? last time this whole thing | happened was 55 years ago, and now i'm happened was 55 years ago, and now i'm here _ happened was 55 years ago, and now i'm here to— happened was 55 years ago, and now i'm here to experience it.— i'm here to experience it. look, en'o i'm here to experience it. look, enjoy the _ i'm here to experience it. look, enjoy the match, _ i'm here to experience it. look, enjoy the match, guys. - i'm here to experience it. look, enjoy the match, guys. enjoyedj i'm here to experience it. look, - enjoy the match, guys. enjoyed the final with _ enjoy the match, guys. enjoyed the final withjust— enjoy the match, guys. enjoyed the final withjust a _ enjoy the match, guys. enjoyed the final with just a slice _ enjoy the match, guys. enjoyed the final with just a slice of _ enjoy the match, guys. enjoyed the final with just a slice of the - final with just a slice of the excitement— final with just a slice of the excitement fans _ final with just a slice of the excitement fans are - final with just a slice of the | excitement fans are feeling final with just a slice of the - excitement fans are feeling for tonight's— excitement fans are feeling for tonight's final. _ excitement fans are feeling for tonight's final.— excitement fans are feeling for toniuht's final. �* . . , . ~' tonight's final. actually, thank you very much- — tonight's final. actually, thank you very much. there'll _ tonight's final. actually, thank you very much. there'll be _ tonight's final. actually, thank you very much. there'll be more - tonight's final. actually, thank you very much. there'll be more than l very much. there'll be more than 60,000 england fans into the stadium and the gates are open enough of the fans lucky enough to have to gets are starting to make their way

inside and there are many others who have just inside and there are many others who havejust appear to be part inside and there are many others who have just appear to be part of the experience of being at wembley stadium on this day. there are about 6000 italy fans who will also be inside it. with me now is former england midfielder darren anderton. he played an important part in the euro �*96 england team that reached the semifinals. welcome. we keep being told by the fa how calm atmosphere in the england camp is, but what would you say to us about what goes through a player's mind in the final hours before unimportant match like this one? . ., , before unimportant match like this one? . ., ., one? excitement was about that the 'll be one? excitement was about that they'll be looking _ one? excitement was about that they'll be looking at _ one? excitement was about that they'll be looking at their - one? excitement was about that they'll be looking at their watch | they'll be looking at their watch wanting to get on the bus to do that journey. i think thatjourney is something that they will be glad they did yesterday because they won't be shocked by it because that is incredible, the whole route will be lined with english fans. it will be lined with english fans. it will be un—unbelievable 30 minute journey

to the stadium for them. they will be very nervous, very tense, very excited and just want the game to start. they want to get in the stadium, get changed, get out there and take the atmosphere in. it is a once—in—a—lifetime opportunity to play in this game at home at wembley stadium. you don't want nerves get the better of you. they are going to be there. it’s the better of you. they are going to be there. �* , . the better of you. they are going to be there. 3 . , the better of you. they are going to be there. 3 . i... , the better of you. they are going to bethere. �*, . , , , ., be there. it's a very complex set of emotions trying — be there. it's a very complex set of emotions trying to _ be there. it's a very complex set of emotions trying to keep _ be there. it's a very complex set of emotions trying to keep the - be there. it's a very complex set of emotions trying to keep the right i emotions trying to keep the right balance between all of them because you need all that adrenaline but you also need to keep a lid on all of that, especially faced with the frenzy that they will see as they approach wembley stadium and indeed outside their hotel as well. exactly, and i think they have got the manager in gareth it will keep them calm with what is about to come. gareth was on that bus i was on in 1996 on the base of the stadium and we could not believe the support we can see for our own eyes on the streets and on bridges and

everywhere. so a moment to enjoy it, a moment to be proud but once you get out onto that pitch, and that whistle goes, it is another game of football but again you have got to him and does not matter how you do it. you know you are playing against one of the world's best in italy. they champions on many occasions and played it so many big games. so they know it's going to be a tough game. they are not going to get carried away thinking thejob they are not going to get carried away thinking the job is done. they know there is a job that needs to be done to date, and that will be at. they will enjoy the pre—match but once the game starts, it is down to business. ., ., , , ., ., business. knowing him as you do, what do you _ business. knowing him as you do, what do you make _ business. knowing him as you do, what do you make of _ business. knowing him as you do, what do you make of the - business. knowing him as you do, what do you make of the way - business. knowing him as you do, what do you make of the way that| business. knowing him as you do, i what do you make of the way that he has led the team and conducted himself and the whole team and i don'tjust mean the sport but everything, the kind of tone they have tried to strike, what they have tried to and given to the country and all sorts of different ways to this tournament?— and all sorts of different ways to this tournament? �* , ., ., ., ., this tournament? he's a good man. he is a treat this tournament? he's a good man. he is a great man. — this tournament? he's a good man. he is a great man, and _ this tournament? he's a good man. he is a great man, and a _ this tournament? he's a good man. he

is a great man, and a wonderful - is a great man, and a wonderful human being and he is more thanjust an england manager. i'm sure the players really look up to him, really respect him because of the way he treats them. and that's what you want as a player, someone that you want as a player, someone that you obviously look up to, who has got a calming influence on all the young lads, they are all doing the bestjob in the world are now playing for england and windley stadium in this incredible tournament, this incrediblejourney tournament, this incredible journey and tournament, this incrediblejourney and gareth if the main man come of the main reason for all of this. i'm sure as an xt may i'm very proud of what he has achieved and what he is doing but it is just not about the football side, doing but it is just not about the footballside, it's doing but it is just not about the football side, it's the way he conducts himself with everything that comes with being england manager. that comes with being england manauer. . that comes with being england manauer. ,, ., ., , ., manager. seeing all of this at the stadium today, _ manager. seeing all of this at the stadium today, how _ manager. seeing all of this at the stadium today, how much - manager. seeing all of this at the stadium today, how much do - manager. seeing all of this at the stadium today, how much do you| manager. seeing all of this at the - stadium today, how much do you wish you were here? filth. stadium today, how much do you wish you were here?— you were here? oh, my god, is a nightmare- _ you were here? oh, my god, is a nightmare- i— you were here? oh, my god, is a nightmare. i love _ you were here? oh, my god, is a nightmare. i love being - you were here? oh, my god, is a nightmare. i love being out - you were here? oh, my god, is a nightmare. i love being out here| you were here? oh, my god, is a i nightmare. i love being out here in california but today i wish i was there so much. it's going to be a great occasion. cannot wait to watch it. i have already got goose bumps

looking about it, to be honest. so, come on, england, let's do it. thank ou ve come on, england, let's do it. thank you very much- _ for the last 25 years, there's one song that has come to represent the passion of england fans and their love for the sport and their team — three lions. not the one we are hearing right now but it has been heard to the afternoon and the date here. it was the soundtrack for euro '96. its creators — david baddiel, frank skinner and the lightning seeds — have been perfoming the song today in central london. let's take a listen. # it's coming home # it's coming # football's coming home # everyone seems to know the score # they've seen it all before # they just know # they're so sure # that england's going to throw it away

# going to blow it away # but i know they can play # cos i remember # three lions on the shirt # and jules rimet still gleaming # 55 years of hurt # never stopped me dreaming it is ringing in all our ears here at wembley and across england with not less than three hours to go before kick off at that match. look out for the pictures we should see in the next half—hour of the england team getting on the bus from their hotel and starting to make their way here for this big moment, the bees moment we have had in football for decades for england's man and we will have more coverage for you as we get to the kick—off point. back to you. studio: thank you very much and yes we have coordinated our wardrobe today. thank you.

the government says people will still be "expected" to wear masks in many indoor spaces and on public transport after covid restrictions in england are lifted. the prime minister is due to confirm tomorrow whether most of england's lockdown rules will end on the 19th ofjuly, including the legal requirement to wear masks. the vaccines minister, nadhim zahawi, says the government wants to stress the need for "both a personal responsibility and a corporate responsibility" as restrictions are eased. here's our health correspondentjim reed. it's one of the most visible signs of the pandemic. in just over a week;s time, the legal requirement to wear a mask in england is set to end. speaking this morning, though, the vaccines minister said there would still be an expectation to mask up in some indoor spaces. the guidelines will be very clear on things like mask—wearing. there's an expectation

of people to wear masks indoors, in crowded places, on public transport. rather than government by diktat, what we're saying is we moved a step forward cautiously. in wales, scotland and northern ireland, the legal need to wear a mask in some indoor venues will remain for the moment. in england, laboursaid making the requirement voluntary in eight days�*s time would be a mistake. we think more could be done to make sure public spaces are properly ventilated, and of course as we've said all the way through this crisis, people who need to go home to self—isolate need, if they're on low incomes, to be financially supported to do that. it comes as infections continue to rise across much of the country. more people are mixing, and there are signs the football has led to a spike in cases among young men. though in scotland, that trend is now starting to reverse. ministers have said the number of daily infections across the uk could hit 100,000 by august. vaccines will keep the vast

majority out of hospital, but some are warning there could still be real disruption to nhs services. they would be younger, i less severe, shorter stays. so, the actual numbers in hospital would still be well below - the second wave peak, - even if we did hit that 100,000 a day, but of course, it's very disruptive i having covid cases, - and there would of course be a lot of bad outcomes. but i guess the judgment is that it's better we do it— now than in the winter. at a news conference tomorrow, borisjohnson will confirm plans to lift most remaining restrictions in england. it's clear now that the message will be one of caution rather than celebration as ministers and scientists try to navigate out of this pandemic. jim reed, bbc news. the billionaire businessman richard branson has reached the edge of space on board the virgin galactic�*s first fully—crewed flight. the launch from new mexico in the us was delayed slightly by the weather.

the virgin galactic climbed to a height of around 55 miles above the earth. our science correspondent jonathan amos has been following this closely. so, a successful mission? yeah, it was picture perfect actually. they took off slightly later than planned because they wanted the best weather window above new mexico in the us commitment when they got going, everything seemed to go according to plan. the carrier aircraft carried this vehicle, unity to a high of about 15 km, 16,000 feet or something like that, and let it go. the vehicle dropped, waited a minute or so, it go. the vehicle dropped, waited a minute orso, and it go. the vehicle dropped, waited a minute or so, and then it fired its engine and climbed skyward going high up above the earth. the

official or should i say unofficial at this moment because it has not been officially confirmed is 85 km altitude, 53 miles. in the us government classifies the edge of space as being 50 miles, 80 km. and before today, only 580 individuals have been above that mark, so sir richard can count himself as an astronaut from now on, a commercial astronaut from now on, a commercial astronaut because this vehicle really is what he is going to use because selling flights above the earth starting next year. so he has got something like 600 individuals already who have put down deposits. they are going to have to pay something in the region of 200— to $50,000 for the same ride that he experienced today. quite a bit of money but the hope is that that price will come down in time. there have been estimates _ price will come down in time. there have been estimates and _ price will come down in time. there have been estimates and how- price will come down in time. there have been estimates and how much space tourism is worth, but in terms

of the other operators in the sector, who are we talking about? welcome this is what is called a suborbital flight, welcome this is what is called a suborbitalflight, see welcome this is what is called a suborbital flight, see sort of go above the atmosphere any fall straight back down. and really the competitor here to richard branson is a check called jeff bezos. you will know him as the founder of amazon dot—coms. he is the wealthiest man on the planet one week in the next week it is elon musk, who also has space tourism designs as well for so the difference with him if he wants us and people orbital, so stay up for a few days because your vehicle has sufficient altitude and velocity to stay up that long. but we are also seeing other ventures coming forward. if you go back to the to thousands, the russian space agency was letting people go up to the space station and stay there for a fortnight. they are going to resume those flights. we've also got commercial companies. there is one

in the us called axiom which is started by a former programme manager at nasa from the international space station. they are building their own... jonathan, t in: to are building their own... jonathan, trying to jump _ are building their own... jonathan, trying to jump in — are building their own... jonathan, trying to jump in very _ are building their own... jonathan, trying to jump in very quickly. - trying to jump in very quickly. sorry, fantastic hearing what you were saying but we are just starting to watch some of the england squad come out of their hotel in watford in hertfordshire. some of the kit is being brought out of the team itself just around the corner and they will be heading out eventually before they make their way to wembley stadium. so we will keep an eye on that. do you remember that their arrival at the grove hotel in watford was too cheering and applause and the next shot will be of them leaving and heading to their appointment with italy. but there is another report at an important event

taking place. the action at wimbledon is well under way. earlier, britain's gordon reid narrowly missed out on a second men's wheelchair singles title, losing to belgium'sjoachim gerard. the men's singles final is now underway on centre court, with defending champion novak djokovic taking on matteo berrettini. our correspondent chetan pathak is at wimbledon. it is looking even better for novak djokovic— it is looking even better for novak djokovic now than when ijoined you an hour— djokovic now than when ijoined you an hour ago — djokovic now than when ijoined you an hourago. he is djokovic now than when ijoined you an hour ago. he is ever closer to the history— an hour ago. he is ever closer to the history books. he is looking set to draw— the history books. he is looking set to draw level with roger federer and rafaet— to draw level with roger federer and rafael and _ to draw level with roger federer and rafael and a dog on 20 grand slam wins~ _ rafael and a dog on 20 grand slam wins~ it— rafael and a dog on 20 grand slam wins it is— rafael and a dog on 20 grand slam wins it is an— rafael and a dog on 20 grand slam wins. it is an astonishing achievement if you can pull it off and bear— achievement if you can pull it off and bear in — achievement if you can pull it off and bear in mind if he does it today, — and bear in mind if he does it today, he _ and bear in mind if he does it today, he has done it from a set down _ today, he has done it from a set down. berrettini playing in his first— down. berrettini playing in his first grand slam final and this is the 30th— first grand slam final and this is the 30th for djokovic. some of the playing _ the 30th for djokovic. some of the playing has been extraordinary as he

already— playing has been extraordinary as he already had a chorus of its coming home _ already had a chorus of its coming home on— already had a chorus of its coming home on centre court as well. the italy manager tweeted at berrettini before _ italy manager tweeted at berrettini before this match saying our hearts are with _ before this match saying our hearts are with you at weldon and at wembley stadium. berrettini has done himself— wembley stadium. berrettini has done himself proud here, playing really well and _ himself proud here, playing really well and against any other player perhaps— well and against any other player perhaps this will be a lot closer. he threw— perhaps this will be a lot closer. he threw a _ perhaps this will be a lot closer. he threw a person on the tie—breaker and saved _ he threw a person on the tie—breaker and saved a _ he threw a person on the tie—breaker and saved a set point early in the match _ and saved a set point early in the match but — and saved a set point early in the match. but djokovic is ever more dangerous— match. but djokovic is ever more dangerous than when he is fighting back from — dangerous than when he is fighting back from a set down. he won the second _ back from a set down. he won the second 6-4 — back from a set down. he won the second 6—4 one third six have been for any— second 6—4 one third six have been for any can— second 6—4 one third six have been for any can see the moment where we are positioned at four three in that fourth _ are positioned at four three in that fourth set — are positioned at four three in that fourth set and djokovic is a game away— fourth set and djokovic is a game away now— fourth set and djokovic is a game away now from what would be his sixth _ away now from what would be his sixth wimbledon title. a few moments a-o sixth wimbledon title. a few moments ago he _ sixth wimbledon title. a few moments ago he was _ sixth wimbledon title. a few moments ago he was telling the crowd come on we can— ago he was telling the crowd come on we can get— ago he was telling the crowd come on we can get behind me now. they sensed _ we can get behind me now. they sensed that they are witnessing on centre _ sensed that they are witnessing on centre court something very special that djokovic will draw level with

roger _ that djokovic will draw level with roger federer and nadal. astonishing to think— roger federer and nadal. astonishing to think each of those three men will have — to think each of those three men will have 20 grand slam is if propels— will have 20 grand slam is if propels to this as possibly the greatest — propels to this as possibly the greatest player that has ever been, if he wins _ greatest player that has ever been, if he wins the us of that which follows — if he wins the us of that which follows this in new york in august and then— follows this in new york in august and then wins in tokyo at the oiympics_ and then wins in tokyo at the olympics he could achieve a golden slam which no man has ever achieved. he is— slam which no man has ever achieved. he is playing _ slam which no man has ever achieved. he is playing sensationally in this set and _ he is playing sensationally in this set and is — he is playing sensationally in this set and is on the brink of something very special— set and is on the brink of something very special at the moment indeed. you can— very special at the moment indeed. you can watch it live on bbc one. just a _ you can watch it live on bbc one. just a moment as it is a huge bit for berrettini to get to the finals. it is in that big changing of the guard — it is in that big changing of the guard at— it is in that big changing of the guard at the willden finals. we lost roger— guard at the willden finals. we lost roger federer quite astonishingly in straight _ roger federer quite astonishingly in straight sets with 6—0 at the third. and he _ straight sets with 6—0 at the third. and he married it will to be here but a _ and he married it will to be here but a former champion who felt before — but a former champion who felt before the business and and other players _ before the business and and other players like the initiative of all

of also — players like the initiative of all of also do well but berrettini is the name _ of also do well but berrettini is the name. he wanted queens and had 11 the name. he wanted queens and had it wins _ the name. he wanted queens and had it wins in _ the name. he wanted queens and had it wins in a _ the name. he wanted queens and had “wins in a row on grass. no doubt he has _ “wins in a row on grass. no doubt he has announced himself of this world _ he has announced himself of this world i'm — he has announced himself of this world. i'm a two years ago he was blown _ world. i'm a two years ago he was blown away— world. i'm a two years ago he was blown away in 74 minutes by roger federer— blown away in 74 minutes by roger federer in — blown away in 74 minutes by roger federer in the fourth round and he says that _ federer in the fourth round and he says that really helped him focus. he got— says that really helped him focus. he got outside of his mind and thinking — he got outside of his mind and thinking i_ he got outside of his mind and thinking i played my idol now and have _ thinking i played my idol now and have to _ thinking i played my idol now and have to get serious if i'm going to complete — have to get serious if i'm going to complete the top, i have to bring my a game _ complete the top, i have to bring my a game against these better players and he _ a game against these better players and he has — a game against these better players and he has today against a get rich but it— and he has today against a get rich but it is— and he has today against a get rich but it is testament to djokovic that he will— but it is testament to djokovic that he will audibly go down as the greatest — he will audibly go down as the greatest but you don'tjust have to bring _ greatest but you don'tjust have to bring your— greatest but you don'tjust have to bring your a greatest but you don'tjust have to bring youra game, greatest but you don'tjust have to bring your a game, go even further and be— bring your a game, go even further and be perfect. berrettini has not been _ and be perfect. berrettini has not been perfect today there have been quite a _ been perfect today there have been quite a few areas especially at the net. quite a few areas especially at the net this — quite a few areas especially at the net. this costume and is not easy to beat know _ net. this costume and is not easy to beat know that the division is getting — beat know that the division is getting that lesson at the moment on centre _ getting that lesson at the moment on centre court. we getting that lesson at the moment on centre court-— centre court. we can 'ust see ictures centre court. we can 'ust see pictures oft centre court. we can 'ust see pictures of the h centre court. we can 'ust see pictures of the fans _ centre court. we can just see pictures of the fans in - centre court. we can just see pictures of the fans in the - centre court. we can just see - pictures of the fans in the stands there. how has doubled and dealt with the covid—19 restrictions that were placed on them and how have fans responded to those and they had

made their way? i fans responded to those and they had made their way?— made their way? i think organisers will be happy _ made their way? i think organisers will be happy here. _ made their way? i think organisers will be happy here. in _ made their way? i think organisers will be happy here. in terms - made their way? i think organisers will be happy here. in terms of- will be happy here. in terms of players. — will be happy here. in terms of players, we had two positive tests before _ players, we had two positive tests before the — players, we had two positive tests before the chevyjust began and nonsense — before the chevyjust began and nonsense and that's a really big positive — nonsense and that's a really big positive for everybody here. the fans have — positive for everybody here. the fans have followed those rules and particularly its been strange seeing those _ particularly its been strange seeing those snaked out cues opposite the field here _ those snaked out cues opposite the field here at wimbledon that people have had _ field here at wimbledon that people have had to of course get their tickets — have had to of course get their tickets online and follow the strict covid-19 _ tickets online and follow the strict covid—19 protocols. in the early days _ covid—19 protocols. in the early days at — covid—19 protocols. in the early days at the 2% it felt a little bit empty— days at the 2% it felt a little bit empty and we are not used to seeing wilden— empty and we are not used to seeing wilden like _ empty and we are not used to seeing wilden like this recall the numbers have nudged up. we are at 100% at centre _ have nudged up. we are at 100% at centre court— have nudged up. we are at 100% at centre court and 15,000 since quarterfinal step and over 12,000 on court _ quarterfinal step and over 12,000 on court number one. it has felt the busiest _ court number one. it has felt the busiest today especially on the hill to the _ busiest today especially on the hill to the right of me who are transfixed to the tennis. we have one-way— transfixed to the tennis. we have one—way systems where you wear your mask— one—way systems where you wear your mask as _ one—way systems where you wear your mask as you _ one—way systems where you wear your mask as you move around and you can take them _ mask as you move around and you can take them up— mask as you move around and you can take them up off of people have embraced those rules. they are grateful— embraced those rules. they are grateful that we have had wimbledon

this year— grateful that we have had wimbledon this year and as i say that, novak djokovic— this year and as i say that, novak djokovic now stands on the brink. he has got _ djokovic now stands on the brink. he has got championship points on the berrettini _ has got championship points on the berrettini surface that one moment this if— berrettini surface that one moment this if for— berrettini surface that one moment this if for berrettini to stay in these — this if for berrettini to stay in these championships. djokovic is perhaps— these championships. djokovic is perhapsjust now seconds these championships. djokovic is perhaps just now seconds away from getting _ perhaps just now seconds away from getting this done and what a moment for berrettini. serve has held pretty— for berrettini. serve has held pretty well in this match but djokovic _ pretty well in this match but djokovic puts a backhand in and cross _ djokovic puts a backhand in and cross core — djokovic puts a backhand in and cross core and this time berrettini comes— cross core and this time berrettini comes to — cross core and this time berrettini comes to the net and does win. there is a huge _ comes to the net and does win. there is a huge cheer and i like all the other— is a huge cheer and i like all the other grand slams, he is a get behind — other grand slams, he is a get behind the underdog. at the us open they love _ behind the underdog. at the us open they love a _ behind the underdog. at the us open they love a serial winner and micro -- the _ they love a serial winner and micro -- the vitch— they love a serial winner and micro —— the vitch would get a better response — —— the vitch would get a better response here but pretty much everyone — response here but pretty much everyone here wants to see five sets and see _ everyone here wants to see five sets and see how — everyone here wants to see five sets and see how far berrettini can go. berrettini — and see how far berrettini can go. berrettini jerking it out a bit more but we _ berrettini jerking it out a bit more but we feel like we are edging closer— but we feel like we are edging closer to — but we feel like we are edging closer to the inevitable and edging closer— closer to the inevitable and edging closer to _ closer to the inevitable and edging closer to innovative its winning his first -- _ closer to innovative its winning his first -- sixth — closer to innovative its winning his first —— sixth wimbledon and 20th grand _ first —— sixth wimbledon and 20th grand slam. we

first -- sixth wimbledon and 20th grand slam-— first -- sixth wimbledon and 20th grand slam. ~ ., , , .. , grand slam. we would depend because this is it.