Tube strike cancelled to save England fans faced with being stuck in London… but millions more face travel chaos that could see them miss kick-off

A TUBE strike has been called off last-minute - just hours before England’s crunch semi-final match tonight.

Thousands of footie fans had faced being stranded in the capital due to the Piccadilly line strike as drivers were set to walk out just after the final whistle at 9pm tonight.

More than 37million people are expected to watch Gareth Southgate's men face Croatia at 7pm.

But Transport for London this afternoon confirmed services would run as normal.

In a tweet, they wrote: "Hi all, you’ll be glad to hear that the proposed Piccadilly line strike from Wednesday 11 to Saturday 14 July has been called off and services will run as normal."

"Now it’s time to cheer Southgate & the lads on, as we prepare for England to do the business tonight.";

The strike could have caused chaos for the 30,000 people who plan on watching the match on a huge screen in Hyde Park - which is on the Piccadilly line.

But while many footie fans will be breathing a sigh of relief, travel chaos could still unfold tonight as thousands of supports pack out pubs to watch England’s first World Cup semi-final in 28 years.

Commuters are worried they may end up missing the start of the match as train services have already been delayed and cancelled today.

Passengers on Thameslink have complained about their trains being cancelled, while others have joked about missing the crucial game this evening.

There have been rail delays after Thameslink introduced an "amended timetable" and the company is urging passengers to allow plenty of time to travel this evening.

But in a show of solidarity, Virgin Trains have lifted ticket restrictions - including Advance, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak - on their services tonight.

In a Tweet, the train service told its passengers: "IT'S COMING HOME... and so should you!

"We've lifted ALL ticket restrictions* on our services so you can get home in time for tonight's game."

However, if the England match goes to extra time and penalties, those needing to use the line will be forced to use an alternative route - potentially causing chaos on the Underground.

Some 500,000 people use the line each day and it is used by thousands of people making their way to Heathrow Airport.

The RMT had previously said the strikes had been called due to attacks on working conditions and staffing levels by London Underground.

A statement released by the union said members "will be striking over a series of attacks on working conditions and staffing levels that have turned the line into a pressure cooker".

General Secretary Mick Cash said: “There have been repeated problems on the Piccadilly Line going back a number of years which have led to dispute after dispute and the failure of LU management to get a grip has tipped the situation over the edge yet again.

"That is why we have had no option but to put on these strike dates."

A Thameslink spokesman told The Sun Online: "Our passengers have been experiencing delays and cancellations today.

“This has been happening since the new timetable was introduced.

“Transport networks around London are going to be extremely busy later today with people heading home to watch the match.

“Our travel advice is very straightforward and if people want to watch the England match tonight they should allow plenty of time to travel.”