England fans react as they watch the UEFA Euro 2020 Group D football match between England and Croatia at Wembley Stadium in London on June 13, 2021. (LAURENCE GRIFFITHS / POOL / AFP)

Wembley will be allowed to host up to 45,000 fans for the semi-finals and final of the European Championship as the stadium was granted an exemption from a delay in the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, British media reported on Monday.

England began their campaign with a 1-0 win against Croatia, with the official attendance recorded at 18,497

The reports said the three big matches of the tournament will form part of the government’s “Events Research Programme” that gives them flexibility to have the rules on public gatherings to be suspended.

On Monday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson delayed his plans to lift COVID-19 lockdown restrictions by a month, amid rising cases of the delta variant.

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Fans entering the stadium must have to show proof of a negative COVID test or carry a vaccine passport showing they have been protected against the novel coronavirus.

England’s group stage matches are also part of this programme, with current limitations allowing 22,500 fans into the stadium.

On Sunday, England began their campaign with a 1-0 win against Croatia, with the official attendance recorded at 18,497.