FOOTBALL fans across Furness are getting behind England as Gareth Southgate's team is just one game away from making history.
Millions across the nation will tune in to watch England play Spain in the Olympiastadion, Berlin, on Sunday at 8pm.
It is the first final the men's team will play on foreign soil and a chance to win the second major tournament in history.
New MP Michelle Scrogham said 'it's coming home' and predicted a 3-0 England win. She said the tournament had provided a boost for businesses in the area.
"When the weather's been how it has been this will be a welcome boost for trade," she said.
MP Scrogham said she went into The Strawberry on Abbey Road to watch a group game when Labour was out campaigning before the General Election. She hoped she could get out to a pub in Furness to watch the final, although admitted that she had been given a busy schedule since she was elected last week.
She said despite people questioning England's performance in the earlier stages of the tournament, she has 'always been incredibly proud' of the squad.
Lynda Henderson, the landlady of the Ambrose Hotel on Duke Street, said tables were already fully booked ahead of the game.
"There's been a lot more coming in since the tournament started," she said. The mid-week games have especially helped trade.
Dave Windsor is the landlord of The Newton Arms in Dalton and The Robin Hood in Barrow. He also said the Euros have been good for trade.
"I think everybody gets behind England don't they?," he said. He predicted a 2-1 England win.
Lynda Johnson, the Furness branch chair for the Campaign for Real Ale, said there had been 'great excitement' which has been building and gaining momentum around football in the area.
"It's always been the case that some pubs are known for their football viewing and they will major on the games gearing up to serve their customers," she said.
"The mood is buoyant and celebratory. Pubs have always been a part of people's lives at times of celebration for things like christenings, engagements, birthdays. People have always liked to come together to watch as it adds atmosphere."
For those not old enough to go to pubs, there has still been much excitement over England's campaign in the Euros. Croftlands Junior School in Ulverston opened its doors for children to watch the England vs. Netherlands semi final in the school hall.
Teacher Laura Anderton said over 50 children turned up to watch and the atmosphere was 'electric.'
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here