Euro 2024 final: Kent fans with ‘split loyalties’ as England take on Spain in the European Championships

As Gareth Southgate’s men prepare to take on Spain tonight many will be hoping the Three Lions can banish the demons of Euro 2020 and bring the trophy home.

Bars both here and in the Spanish resorts where many British holidaymakers will be are sure to be rammed to the rafters for the match which kicks off at 8pm.

But while thousands prepare to head to pubs and beer gardens up and down the county to cheer on England, those from Kent living in Spain or with a Spanish spouse will understandably have split loyalties when it comes to the big showdown.

So who will they be roaring on to victory?

Lee Parry will be one of the only people donning an England shirt in Valencia tonight.

The boss of Export Spain travels back and forth between the UK and the Iberian peninsula regularly on business.

His company is based in the Spanish coastal city but he comes back to Rochester every two weeks, where the rest of his family lives, for business which involves selling Spanish foods and beverages to the UK market.

Lee had moved out to Spain with his family when he was 10-years-old so he was schooled there, speaks the language and feels integrated into their society.

His family have since moved back to the UK but Lee has remained in Valencia with his Spanish partner.

But while the 28-year-old has laid down roots abroad he is hoping for an England victory - although he predicts Spain, deserved finalists after six straight victories, will likely come out on top.

He said: “Although I want England to win I think Spain will beat us 2-1 in extra time.

“I’ll be the only person out of 5,000 in an England shirt while watching the game on big screens which are being put up at Cullera beach.

“I’ll be with my Spanish friends who will be supporting their