It's the Final countdown

England fans prepare for a date with history, and the Spanish, amid wild scenes around country

- JEREMY ARMSTRONG

HUNDREDS of miles from Dortmund but still right behind the Three Lions, millions of fans roared England into the history books last night.

At homes and in fan parks around the country, supporters watched as Gareth Southgate's side bounced back against Netherlands to reach their first-ever tournament final on foreign soil.

Spain, in the final in Berlin on Sunday, will be a tougher task for Southgate's men. But the die-hard fans singing in the rain back home could not care less.

Hundreds were soaked by the persistent drizzle in the Time

Square fanzone in Newcastle - and by the flying beers as Harry Kane's first-half equaliser went in.

And by the time Ollie Watkins fired in the 90th-minute winner, few fans even noticed the weather.

"Rain doesn't stop the Geordies," said Leah Warren, of Blyth, Northumberland, a Newcastle Utd season ticket holder for 23 years.

"We're always getting soaked at St. James Park. England were so much better tonight, much more intensity and positivity. Fingers crossed for Sunday and Spain." Steve Hardy, 65, said: "What a way to win. I cannot believe it. That never happens to England!