COVID-19: Londoners who get first vaccine jab can win Euro 2020 final tickets, says mayor Sadiq Khan
England could be playing their biggest game since 1966 at the weekend - and people who get a first coronavirus vaccine are being offered the chance to win tickets to the Wembley final.
Tuesday 6 July 2021 06:00, UK
Londoners are being offered the chance to win tickets to the Euro 2020 final if they sign up for their first COVID jab.
The city's mayor, Sadiq Khan, is putting up one pair of tickets for Sunday's final at Wembley, as well as 50 pairs for the fan zone in Trafalgar Square.
England are hot favourites to book their place in the match when they meet Denmark in Wednesday's semi-final.
Tickets to the match are currently extremely hard to come by, with demand predictably "through the roof".
To be eligible, people need to show proof they have been to a walk-in vaccination centre for their first dose, or have booked an appointment.
Those who post on social media about having or booking a vaccine will be entered twice, said a statement from the mayor's office.
The online draw begins on Wednesday, with full details on the mayor's social media.
It follows similar schemes to boost vaccine uptake in cities such as Toronto and New York.
"It's really important we continue to boost the number of young people coming forward to be vaccinated," said Mr Khan.
He stressed walk-in vaccination centres were available "regardless of immigration status and GP registration".
Mr Khan said the draw was a "golden opportunity" to be in the stadium on what could be "an amazing day for our nation" and that the winner would be able to bring one guest.
As England gear up for the electricity of 60,000 fans at Wembley, Spain and Italy go head to head at 8pm tonight in the other semi-final. However, COVID restrictions mean most fans won't be able travel from those countries.
Both teams have been impressive, particularly Italy - who knocked out the world's top-ranked side Belgium in their last match.
The Three Lions' meanwhile can use the "hurt" from their World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia as extra motivation, defender Harry Maguire has said.
The Manchester United star - who scored against Ukraine in the quarters - was part of the team beaten three years in Russia.
He told a news conference on Monday: "The motivation is there. It's the semi-final of the European Championship. Losing the semi-final at the World Cup hurt a lot.
"So we need to make sure when it comes on Wednesday night we get a positive feeling rather than the one we got against Croatia."
Maguire believes manager Gareth Southgate's squad have improved markedly since their 2018 World Cup exit.
"I think we're in a lot better place than we were," he said.
Southgate himself also stands just two games away from what would be a massive moment for the country - and a fairytale chapter in his own career, after his infamous penalty miss in the same tournament and same stadium 25 years ago.