ENGLAND fans have jokingly vowed to turn Benidorm into a battleground as they flock to the popular island for Euros final.
The Three Lions’ supporters who have been priced out of grabbing tickets to Germany are now racing to Spain instead.
England has progressed to the final stage of Euros 2024 yesterday after a phenomenal last-minute goal from Watkins.
But as up to 50,000 fans scramble to make it to Berlin ahead of Sunday’s match, flights have swiftly soared up in price.
EasyJet and Ryanair flights from UK airports to Berlin between Thursday and Sunday are already sold out.
The remaining EasyJet flights going from Gatwick to Berlin in the next few days are priced at a whopping £918.
However, sharp-witted England fans who want to watch the game in a more serene setting have devised a new strategy.
England supporters are planning to head to Benidorm to turn the final match night into a “derby”.
Hundreds of England supporters are expected to spill on the streets of the resort despite Spain’s draconian alcohol regulations.
EasyJet is currently offering flights to the well-known Suntrap for as little as £179.
Fans took to social media to share their enthusiasm about “retaking” Benidorm after the final whistle, should England win.
One person wrote on X, former Twitter: “England vs. Spain. The winner keeps Benidorm.”
Another said: “Benidorm will look like the last days of Rome on Sunday.”
One man joked: “A sensible country would airlift British citizens out of Benidorm before Sunday.
“Either result guarantees a reasonable amount of rioting.”
Someone else wrote: “Battle of Benidorm on Sunday.”
England have played Spain 27 times in total - here is a look at every result...
Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain.
Fans unable to travel to Germany have increasingly turned their attention to the hotspot popular amongst British holidaymakers.
Videos of England supporters dancing on the streets of Benidorm have gone viral online following matches throughout the tournament.
However, some celebrations have been less peaceful with a raging driver going on a punching rampage attacking rowdy England fans last week.
And yesterday hordes of policemen – in a protective gear and equipped with shields – could be seen surrounding the areas where England fans gathered.
One video posted online showed the throng of cops and police cars fill the streets in a bid to prevent brawls between fans.
One person wrote on X: “Witnessed first hand exactly what happened.
“Police were parked in side streets, as soon as final whistle went white helmets on, shields came out, blue lights switched on, and they drove into the crowds of supporters leaving the bars!
“Everyone was in good spirits up to that point!”
Meanwhile, after casting their ballots, members of the England Supporters Travel Club now endure a torturous wait to find out if they are chosen later today.
A few hundred gold dust tickets are due to go on sale on the UEFA website this week, with the FA having just 10,000 tickets to sell.
Many expect the 40,000 fans from Wednesday’s game in Dortmund to be after tickets once more as well 10,000 extras looking to be part of history.
However, even for those who do obtain legal tickets, Berlin has been ramping up hotel rates and flight tickets.
Accommodation prices in Berlin have rocketed with a one-night stay at a Holiday Inn in the German capital costing £345 on Sunday night.
British Airways is also charging £782 to fly from Heathrow to Berlin on Saturday night.
Fans desperate to watch England potentially get their hands on international silverware for the first time since 1966 will also be forced to stump up enough cash for re-sale tickets.
Ticket prices for Sunday’s final flew up on the re-sale market with the best seat selling for an incredible £78,000-a-pair as others hit £32,852-a-pair.
England overcame the Dutch in the semi-final at the Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday in a monumental game for Southgate’s side.
The Dutch had started the match the better of the two as Simons gave them the lead in the 7th minute.
Harry Kane levelled the match 11 minutes later from the spot after he won a controversial penalty.
And it was Watkins who was the hero as he fired in the winner in the final moments of the match.
The winning goal sent fans, players and coaching staff into wild celebrations.
Even England’s Dutch coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was swept up in the moment before realising it came against his native country.
Pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright went wild in the ITV studio while Roy Keane remained his composed self.
England will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
The Spanish reached the final by dumping out France in the first semi-final 2-1.
Randal Kolo Muani had given the French the lead before goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo sent Spain through.
