It has taken six-and-a-half years to build, but Wembley Stadium is finally set to stage its first competitive match

A world record crowd for an international Under-21 game of 60,000 is expected as England take on Italy

With no general car parking allowed at the stadium, supporters are advised to use public transport and arrive early

But they can take in the huge arch that spans the arena as they stroll up Wembley Way from the underground station

The impressive looking stadium starts to fill up well before kick-off with fans eager to savour the atmosphere

Those lucky enough to have a car park pass must pass through stringent security checks before leaving their vehicles

A footbridge named after the famous White Horse from the 1923 FA Cup final provides another route to the stadium

Inside the stadium, the England side is introduced to the two-thirds full stadium ahead of the 1230 GMT kick-off

It is the first time the Under-21 side will appear at Wembley as the previous incarnation was solely for first-team action

An incredible start to the game sees Giampaolo Pazzini stun the fans by scoring the first goal after just 25 seconds

Commit the name Giampaolo Pazzini to memory as the Italian is sure to become a pub quiz queston certainty in the future

David Bentley is the England name to remember as the Blackburn midfielder curls in a free-kick to level

Fulham's Wayne Routledge puts England in front after half time, smashing in Matt Derbyshire's cross from an acute angle

Pazzini levels almost immediately for Italy but Derbyshire restores England's lead from close range five minutes later

However, Pazzini ensures his name will not be easily forgotten when he completes the new Wembley's first hat-trick

Manchester City and England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce watches the action unfold from the stand

And the day will live long in the memory - six goals, a hat-trick and the quickest goal ever scored at Wembley