Streets across country cleaned after EURO 2020 final defeat

But while some people were licking their wounds, others were tasked with sweeping the streets, as widespread littering took place across the country. 

In Southampton, local Christian charity Street Pastors were some of the first to help with the clean up shortly after the final whistle.

Just saw some Street Pastors cleaning up broken glass. Really have to respect them for what they do @dailyecho #Southampton pic.twitter.com/dxiIsx4Okt

— Tom_DailyEcho (@TDailyecho) July 11, 2021

By 9am this morning (July 12) the streets left little evidence of the night before, apart from a slight alteration to some street art commissioned by Southampton City Council ahead of the clash.

A spokesperson for Southampton City Council confirmed that street cleaners had been out "making their rounds as usual."

The level of littering was much worse in other areas of the country, particularly in the capital, with fans on social media sharing images of the mess. 

This is #LeicesterSquare now before the #EnglandvsItaly game later.

I’m watching the game at home because I’m of both heritages so feel safer there - but when I see this, I certainly don’t feel proud to be English.#footballscominghome - maybe, but do we deserve it? pic.twitter.com/TcxkDyaD5N

— KDR (@kanedanielricca) July 11, 2021

Research by waste collection experts BusinessWaste.co.uk has estimated that the clean up after the final will cost the country  ‘millions.’

Mark Hall, Communications Director at BusinessWaste.co.uk said: “It’s understandable that people wanted to have a few drinks, but the cost of cleaning these areas can really stretch waste management budgets and has a real knock-on effect for local authorities.”

“As a nation, we were all looking forward to watching England play in the final. However, it won’t just be fans waking up with a hangover today - companies, waste collection teams and local councils will also have a costly environmental hangover to deal with.”