BBC Information in Geneva

A way of anticipation and pleasure was constructing exterior the Stade de Geneve because the semi-final between England and Italy was about to start.
Supporters streaming by means of the gates wore curly pink and white wigs, whereas others carried England flags or wore them round their shoulders. A bunch of youngsters with Union Jack face paint carried an indication with the phrase “pizza” crossed out and changed with “fish and chips”.
Every so often, a burst of Three Lions or Candy Caroline could possibly be heard from loudspeakers, or an almighty roar would erupt from those that had already taken their seats inside.
“Is it coming dwelling?” I requested England followers who had no time to cease and discuss as they rushed to hitch the queue to get in.
“After all,” some yelled again, whereas others merely replied “Ingerland”. I took that to imply sure.
Earlier, about 5km (3 miles) away in central Geneva I stood exterior a pub with massive crowds of England followers. I’ve by no means been to Geneva earlier than however I think about such a sight on a sizzling, sunny Tuesday afternoon, if at any time actually, just isn’t the norm.
I arrived to excited chants of “come on England”, accompanied by a drum, adopted by trumpet music and shouts of “Sarina” in homage to England supervisor Sarina Wiegman.
I first met Lisa and Jen, who had been in Geneva since Thursday after having spent 4 days climbing within the Alps.
“Down right here it is a bit busier, as you may think about, however we’re actually having fun with it,” mentioned Lisa, who turns 50 subsequent week and could also be celebrating the milestone on the identical day that England play within the ultimate in the event that they beat Italy.
“Fingers crossed eh,” she says.
Each girls have been amongst these fortunate sufficient to have tickets to the semi-final and mentioned they have been very excited to assist the crew.
“I am most likely going to be get fairly emotional,” she mentioned.
‘Emotional rollercoaster’
Additionally trying ahead to watching the semi-final match on the stadium have been Kerry, Chrissy and Charlotte, who had all met because of the match.
“Everybody’s actually pleasant, so you may type of simply discuss to anybody,” mentioned Chrissy.
“It has been extra emotional than I used to be anticipating. Final week’s recreation [the quarter-final] actually took it out of us,” she added.
Chrissy was not alone in feeling that the nail-biting quarter-final match in opposition to Sweden was laborious for the nerves. Different England followers I spoke to additionally described it as an “emotional rollercoaster” however they have been thrilled the Lionesses got here out on prime.
Charlotte mentioned she developed an actual love of the game when she attended the Euro 2022 ultimate, when England beat Germany.
“I am simply actually excited to type of undergo these feelings once more and this time be actually keen about it,” she mentioned.
Additionally assembly for the primary time on the Euros have been Manish, who lives within the Swiss metropolis of Bern however helps England, and Stephen, who’s British and mentioned he thought Switzerland was an excellent location for the match.
“It is an incredible place. Nice nation, nice individuals, nice hospitality, it has been fantastic.”
