The colours of red and white took centre stage in Kiev as Roy Hodgson’s Barmy Army swept into town ahead of the team’s unexpected but crucial quarter-final tie against Italy, The Telegraph reported.

Around 6,000 England fans are expected at tonight’s game, hopeful that the team can continue its winning ways and secure a mouth-watering semi-final against the old footballing foe, Germany, in Warsaw on Thursday.

Many of those who had travelled to Ukraine for England’s three group stage games simply postponed their return home in order to attend tonight’s match.

But they were joined by thousands of other supporters who boarded extra flights from the UK to the Ukrainian capital, eager to join in the Euro 2012 football carnival.

Some supporters wore fancy dress, including crusader outfits, despite the scorching temperatures, while others queued to have their faces painted by enterprising locals.