ENGLAND fans are counting down the hours until the Euro 2020 final against Italy — the most important match in the country's football history since winning the World Cup final in 1966

A number of Isle of Wight schools have entred into the spirit of the occasion by allowing patriotic pupils to turn up a little later than normal for their lessons on Monday morning— especially if it goes down to the dreaded penalty shoot-out.

Whatever the outcome, most young fans may struggle to get off to sleep — either from the buzz of seeing England emerge victorious, or sad and disappointed by their loss.

Godshill Primary School was the first to take the unusual step of granting permission for its youngsters to recover from a late night by agreeing to start by 10am on Monday, when registration closes, although the school will open at the normal time.  

WATCH: Cowes Primary School celebrate England making the Euro 2020 final

Quickly following suit was Wroxall Primary School, which is allowing pupils to arrive as late as 10.30am.

Other primary schools allowing children to come in late are Yarmouth, Arreton St Georges, Cowes, Oakfield, Northwood, Wootton, Shalfleet and Newport schools Nine Acres and Barton.

WATCH: Northwood Primary School celebrate England making the Euro 2020 final

In her weekly newsletter, Maria Herbert, the headteacher of Arreton St George's Primary School, wrote: "Football fever has gripped the school this week with a lot of tired, but happy children and staff on Thursday.

"Fingers crossed it will be the same on Monday. It would be the perfect start to Transition Week. School will be open as normal on Monday, but I am happy for children to arrive a little late if they have been up watching the football on Sunday.

"It's coming home!"

Northwood Prmary School headteacher, Sarah Hussey, echoed those sentiments.

She said: "As Sunday is such a special day for the nation, we have decided to follow the lead of other schools up and down the country and allow a later start on Monday morning.

"School will be open at the normal time for everyone — but if your child has stayed up to watch the England final (which is fine with us) they do have the option to stay in bed and be in by 10.30am.

"We understand that many of you will have to go to work and that is why we will still be open as normal — and so will Breakfast Club.

"It is 55 years since England reached a major football final, so it is an ideal opportunity for the children to watch it together, talk about the importance of resilience — and possibly disappointment (we hope not) — and use it as an opportunity to discuss the personal journeys some of the players have been on and why ‘taking the knee’ is so important to them. It is a huge learning opportunity."

WATCH: Barton Primary School youngsters celebrate England making the Euro final

Wootton Primary School headteacher, Jane Wilford, is allowing youngsters to arrive for registration by 10am.

"I am sure many children will be staying up late on Sunday to watch the football final," she said. 

"As this is such an incredible achievement for the England squad, I am able to extend the registration time on Monday so children can come to school a little later if they need a lie in — but still attend school.

"Staff will be in school as usual, but if you want to use this option, children will be allowed to arrive by 10am. Unfortunately the reception children will need to be on time as they have their exciting visit to Dinosaur Isle."

If your school is letting its children come into school late on Monday, let us know and we will include it. Let us know by emailing us to: editor@iwcp.co.uk