UEFA producer Fareham backs England’s success ahead of quarter-final

Most of us will be watching the game from the pub or the comfort of our sofas – but Dan Almond, born and raised in Fareham, will be at the pitch for the game.

The 53-year-old has been an independent producer for 20 years and is currently working with UEFA during the tournament.

He was able to watch the first game of Euro 2020 when Italy beat Turkey 3-0, and that game will be the second he watches this tournament.

“For me, Pompey always comes before England,” Dan said.

“But I’m happy to see our team win tomorrow night, I hope. I am truly privileged to be in this position and to be paid to do something that I love.

“The Stadio Olimpico won’t be near full capacity – probably only about a third – but the atmosphere will still be absolutely amazing.”

After moving to Italy five years ago, Dan and his wife Prue also run a bed and breakfast in Ambrogio, called Via Bruno Rossi 23.

He said: “It’s my third Euro now – I also covered the 2012 and 2016 competitions.

“I’ve done so many things for UEFA here. I’m working on a feature film called Host City, where we talk to English and Ukrainian fans – and I’ve been touring with the Italian national team.

“We also worked on the opening ceremony, so I had the chance to meet Francesco Totti and Alessandro Nesta.”

When not following Portsmouth FC, Dan is a fan of SPAL, a Serie B team based in the Emilia Romagna region.

Dan believes that if England can beat Ukraine, they can beat the Czech Republic or Denmark in the semi-finals.

But when asked if he thought it was “coming home,” the independent producer was a little more cautious.

He said: “To be honest my money is on Belgium to win it all.

“But I live in Italy and grew up in England, so if any of these teams win, I’ll be happy too.”

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