Euro 2020: Mural of Southgate, Kane and Sterling painted before Wembley final

John BrayBBC News, West Midlands
News imageJames Bennett Harry Kane, Gareth Southgate and Raheem SterlingJames Bennett
Harry Kane, Gareth Southgate and Raheem Sterling are on the verge of immortality with England fans

A giant mural has been painted as a tribute to Gareth Southgate, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling ahead of England's Euro 2020 final on Sunday.

The creation by street artist N4T4 (Nathan Parker) has appeared on a wall in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, which is the venue for a major urban arts festival in August.

One of the festival organisers, James Bennett, is trying to promote Nuneaton as a street art destination in the West Midlands.

He draws his inspiration from the colourful streets found 25 miles away in the Birmingham district of Digbeth.

News imageJames Bennett N4T4 working on the muralJames Bennett
Artist N4T4 (Nathan Parker) spent Friday creating his artwork in Nuneaton

James was approached by homeowners Paul and Katie Williams, who wanted an England mural for their wall as the nation is gripped by England's progress through Euro 2020.

He contacted N4T4, and local people spent Friday watching the artist at work, and also giving donations for a local defibrillator appeal.

News imageJames Bennett Bystanders admire the workJames Bennett
Throughout Friday, crowds of onlookers gathered in Nuneaton to watch the work progress

James said: "We were hoping that people would come down and see it, and take photos by it, and that's exactly what's happened.

"It's a beautiful piece and it has been lovely to see people taking selfies by it, and getting excited about the match."

News imageJames Bennett Harry Kane and Gareth SouthgateJames Bennett
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane were first in line, with the image of Raheem Sterling finished on Friday evening

He added: "It's a dream come true for me. Can't believe England have got there and to get Nath to do this is so special - a lovely piece of artwork and I'm buzzing that it's in Nuneaton."

News imageJames Bennett Crowds watch the mural being createdJames Bennett
Money was raised during Friday for a local defibrillator appeal

The one-day Urban Art Festival on Saturday 14 August takes place at the Griff and Coton Sports Club, near the town's George Eliot Hospital, and NHS and other key workers are being invited along to the event which is set to attract 30 street artists.

News imageJames Bennett Gareth SouthgateJames Bennett
The finished image of Gareth Southgate, who hopes to lead England to a first final victory since 1966
News imageJames Bennett Harry KaneJames Bennett
The finished image of captain Harry Kane, who scored the semi final goal that booked England's ticket to the Euro 2020 final
News imageJames Bennett Raheem SterlingJames Bennett
The finished image of Raheem Sterling who will hope to unlock Italian defences on Sunday evening with his electric pace
News imageBBC Presentational grey line

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