The return of a big screen at Ipswich Town FC for England's games during the European Championships remains unlikely - but the club will "continually review the situation".

Earlier in the year, the club were hopeful that it would be able to welcome supporters back to the Portman Road Fanzone for England's matches at the rescheduled tournament, which begins on Friday.

However, with the spread of the Delta variant — the coronavirus variant first identified in India — threatening to derail the planned route out of lockdown, it is now unlikely that the Fanzone will open.

Prime minister Boris Johnson will next week outline whether lockdown will come to an end as planned on June 21.

Plans to delay or scale down the total easing of restrictions on June 21 are reportedly being considered by ministers.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fans celebrate an England goal at Portman Road during the World Cup in 2018Fans celebrate an England goal at Portman Road during the World Cup in 2018 (Image: Archant)

The Fanzone was a huge hit during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with thousands of supporters gathering on the Portman Road artificial practice pitch to watch the Three Lions in action during the tournament.

In the delayed Euro 2020 starting on Friday, England will play Croatia on June 13 at 2pm, Scotland on June 18 at 8pm, and the Czech Republic on June 22, also at 8pm.

A spokesman for Ipswich Town said: “At this stage, the Fanzone will be closed, however, the club will continually review the situation.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Ed Sheeran has announced a live gig on TikTok from Portman Road on June 25. Photo: PAEd Sheeran has announced a live gig on TikTok from Portman Road on June 25. Photo: PA (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Meanwhile, one person who will be at Portman Road this summer is Ed Sheeran after the Suffolk pop superstar announced he will be performing a live show at the club's ground.

The singer-songwriter, who is the club's new shirt sponsor, will perform a virtual concert at his hometown club on Friday June 25 as part of the TikTok UEFA EURO 2020 Show.

The live show will be streamed from Sheeran's TikTok channel and will feature the very first performance of his new single as well as classic tracks.

There will be no audience for the show and no tickets can be purchased.

Speaking on his social media channel last week, Sheeran said: “Can’t wait to perform at TikTok’s UEFA EURO 2020 show live from Portman Road.

"It’s a place I love and I’m looking forward to performing some fan faves as well as my new track for the first time! See you on June 25.”