The Queen hails inspirational England rugby heroes as tension builds ahead of World Cup final

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THE Queen has hailed England’s “inspirational” rugby stars ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup final in Japan.

Thousands of Red Rose fans have started arriving in Tokyo for the hotly anticipated match as excitement builds among millions who will also take in the event back home.

Excitement is building as thousands of fans descend on Tokyo

Supporters will start getting in the mood from as early as 7am  hoping England can put one over South Africa in the 9am kick-off in Japan

Supporters will start getting in the mood from as early as 7am

Ticket prices were spiralling over 15,000 with reports 50,000 was paid for a VIP package

Ticket prices were spiralling over 15,000 with reports 50,000 was paid for a VIP package

Hordes of rugby supporters will enjoy a boozy breakfast as thousands of pubs open early to show the final in what could be an historic day for the English.

In a special written message, HRH said: “Your performances during the tournament have delighted supporters, and inspired many people throughout the country.

“I send my congratulations to the England team, management and support staff on reaching the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final, together with my very best wishes for a memorable and successful match.

“Elizabeth R.”

Rugby fan Prince Harry will deliver the message to England ace Owen Farrell and his fellow stars ahead of the match at the 72,300 capacity International Stadium in Yokohama.

Harry has already sent a number of messages of support to the team, giving them his backing through their campaign.

He also sent a note of good luck with a photo of his son Archie in a Red Rose jersey to the team.

Flanker Sam Underhill said: “As a group we’ve had a couple of messages from Prince Harry.

“He sent us a nice message of support, which was nice to receive.

“He showed his little lad in an England shirt, so that was a nice touch. I’m still waiting on my personal message!”

Lifelong Rugby fan Harry at England v Australia match during the Rugby World Cup 2015 at Twickenham
The Queen praised England’s rugby stars as ‘inspirational’

Supporters will start getting in the mood from as early as 7am on Saturday hoping England can put one over South Africa in the 9am kick-off in Japan.

Ticket prices were spiralling over 15,000 with reports 50,000 was paid for a VIP package.

And even England’s World Cup heroes will pay more than 200,000 between them to take up their full allocation for tickets for Saturday’s dream final.

The players have been given a free pair of tickets and can buy eight more, but World Rugby have slapped an 800 price tag on them.

That means Owen Farrell and Co are likely to have splashed out a whopping 6,400 each to have their nearest and dearest watching them in the 72,300 capacity International Stadium in Yokohama.

England Second-row George Kruis said: “Most of the lads have got family or friends or partners heading out.

“Its been a good distraction. Its nice to get some balance having been away for so long. Its why most people would have started playing, being taken down to their local rugby club, parents or friends or playing with mates.

“Its why we all started playing and you get a bit of a sense of the bigger picture, what its all about and what it means to your friends, family and loved ones.”

Winning the tournament will land them a bonus of 6.8million between them – working out at 219,817-a-man.

The World Cup winners will get 325k from the tournament organisers, which would help the RFU pay their players’ bonuses if needed.

Eddie Jones‘ squad have already pocketed 13,656 for each group game – including the cancelled game against France because of Typhoon Hagibis.

Qualifying for the quarter-finals was worth 512,100, or 16,519 per player and winning the semi-final in sensational style against New Zealand meant they cashed in with another 41,298 each.

Tom Curry’s twin brother and fellow Sale Sharks star Ben is out to watch, as is Wasps winger Marcus Watson, brother of Anthony.

George Ford’s dad, Mike, the Leicester Tigers coach, is also out instead of helping his Premiership side take on Gloucester tomorrow.

Fans have paid over the odds to take in the final with some VIP packages reportedly going for an eye-watering 50,000.

Retired financier Ian Woods, 58, from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leics, was among those who flew out after managing to land a ticket online.

He said: I dont want to say how much I paid but I just knew I had to be here. Its been fantastic.

Rob McEwen, 41, and pals rapidly planned their trip after seeingEnglands 19-7 semi-final win over New Zealandat a pub in Surbiton, South West London.

He said: Next thing I knew my friend Pete had sent a message that were booked. It came to 2,500 each with flights, tickets and hotel all within two hours of the final whistle.

England coach Eddie Jonesnamed an unchanged team for the final.

He said: South Africa are going to come at us, and were going to come at them harder.

England fans celebrate their victory over New Zealand in the semi-final in Japan
Supporters have been taking in the tournament in anticipation for English glory tomorrow
Fans get in the mood for the big day

Owen Farrell could have to fork out 800 for wife Georgie to watch

Fly-half George Ford, second left, with his family including fellow rugby star Joe, centre, and dad Mike, faces a hefty bill for tickets

It was not cheap for George Kruis, second right, or his teammates if they wanted to pay for friends and family to be in the stadium for the final