COVID-19 cases among young men in England has risen substantially during Euro 2020 ©Getty Images

Public Health England (PHE) data has shown an increase in positive COVID-19 cases among young men during the UEFA European Championships.

Figures had shown that cases had largely remained the same between men and women during the pandemic in England.

A rise has been reported in cases in young men after England's opening match of the tournament against Croatia at Wembley Stadium in London on June 13.

PHE data showed, though, that there were 10,267 more cases among young men than women over the past two weeks.

A total of 55,679 cases were reported among men in the 20 to 29 age group.

This compared to 45,412 women in the same group.

Concerns had been raised during the tournament over the potential risk of COVID-19 spreading, with fans meeting to watch matches, both in stadiums, fan parks and pubs.

Rising capacities at stadiums were also questioned by health officials during the pan-European tournament.

More than 60,000 spectators attended the Euro 2020 final between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium on Sunday (July 11). 

Italy won the final on penalties, after the match finished 1-1 following extra-time.

Concerns were raised during Euro 2020 over large crowds being allowed to attend the tournament leading to a possible increase in COVID-19 cases ©Getty Images
Concerns were raised during Euro 2020 over large crowds being allowed to attend the tournament leading to a possible increase in COVID-19 cases ©Getty Images

Wembley Stadium was allowed spectators at 75 per cent capacity for its semi-finals and final of Euro 2020, while for the tennis at Wimbledon there had capacity crowds for the first time since the pandemic on Tuesday (July 6).

The Euro 2020 final saw large crowds outside Wembley Stadium, with several hundreds of fans reported to have breached the stadium without tickets.

Cases have risen sharply in the United Kingdom in recent weeks with 47,891 reported yesterday, with the seven-day average standing at 36,886.

This compared to the start of June, when cases were averaging around 3,000 per day.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pressed ahead with plans to end all legal restrictions against COVID-19 on Monday (July 19).

The end of restrictions has been billed as "Freedom Day" by some.

Around 53 per cent of the UK population have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to date.

The UK Government has reported that 81.7 million doses have been administered to date, with 35.5 million people receiving both doses of the vaccine.

Young people aged 20 to 29 are among the least vaccinated, with the age group only able to secure their first dose of the vaccine from the start of June.