The Three Lions will kick-off on Sunday in a city once ruled by a Nazeing girl.

At 1pm tomorrow England will take on Panama in Novgorod, a city in the west of Russia.

As well as being one of Europe's largest cities during its peak in the fourteen century, Novgorod has links to West Essex.

After King Harold was felled by William the Conqueror in 1066, many of his two wives and multiple children were made to flee the country, including those based in Waltham Abbey.

In their number was Gytha Godwinson, who was sent to Denmark from her Nazeing home, to be looked after by the king.

Clive Simpson, who runs the Gytha Centre in Galley Hill, said: "She then went to Novgorod to marry the king and become queen.

"We set up the centre about four years ago to raise awareness.

"Her son was also named Harold. He is a direct ancestor of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip."