A SUPERMARKET chain has announced it is to close early so its staff can watch England in the final of Euro 2020.

Co-operative branches belonging to the Southern Co-op group, including stores in Brighton and Hove, will be closing at 7.45pm on Sunday.

In a statement on social media, the Co-op said it wanted to make sure its employees had time to make it home to watch the Three Lions take on Italy at Wembley Stadium.

The post on Facebook read: “It’s coming home… so we’re going home at 7.45pm on Sunday, July 11.

“Our colleagues deserve some time off to watch the final so we’re closing all our stores early.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Southern Co-op operates 34 stores in Sussex, including one in Brighton and three in Hove.

Simon Eastwood, Chief Operating Officer for Retail at Southern Co-op, said: "The excitement has been building over the last few weeks in our stores and across the nation.

"So many of us are going to be glued to our screens on Sunday so it was only right for us to close our doors a few hours early and let our colleagues join in if they want to.”

England will return to Wembley Stadium to face Italy in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday evening at 8pm.

Fans will be watching in pubs, on the streets and at home, as well as at Wembley Stadium.

About 60,000 fans will be admitted to Wembley for the game – 75 per cent of the stadium's capacity.