Cheering crowds in red and white sang ‘it’s coming home’ as England beat Germany in an epic Euro 2020 win to secure a spot in a quarter-final clash against Ukraine
Ecstatic England fans climbed traffic lights, ripped off their shirts and sang “it’s coming home” as they celebrated the big win against Germany overnight. Wembley Stadium erupted into wild jubilation as Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane slotted in goals to secure England’s place in a quarter-final battle.
England Manager Gareth Southgate kept his emotions in check as he praised his side’s “immense” performance in the historic win – but warned against complacency. But for England fans celebrating up and down the country, Tuesday night was no time to dwell calmly before Saturday’s Ukraine clash in Rome.
Fans proclaimed it the “best night of our lives” as they celebrated in a sea of red and white as England took a step closer to ending 50 years of hurt with Euro 2020 glory. Football fans climbed traffic poles in Trafalgar Square and statues in Piccadilly Circus in the heart of London.
They tore through the streets from Newcastle to Birmingham and filled the nation’s pubs with the Three Lions chorus. Hundreds partied into the night at a central London event held by Uefa, named the Fan Zone, where England supporters were able to watch the match on two large screens from dozens of socially-distanced tables and benches.
The excitement built as a first and then a second goal sent fans jumping up and screaming for joy. Several fans ripped off their football shirts and swung them over their heads with delight and jumped on tables, as cups filled with drinks were tossed into the air.
Security at the scene and the MC at the event urged people to return to their tables but fans climbed statues and street poles in joy. When full-time was called, the crowd remained in the square, dancing, singing, chanting and hugging each other.
Later on, they were urged to leave by security – causing them to pile out into London’s streets, beeping their cars, singing and cheering, and climbing atop further landmarks.
At EventCity in Manchester, hundreds of England supporters allowed to sit outside to watch the game on a big screen erupted into chants of “football’s coming home” as the final whistle sounded.
Dan Stephens, 22, who watched the game in Nottingham, said: “It’s unbelievable. I think we can win the whole thing now honestly.
“We were watching it in the pub, it was such a good atmosphere. Can you believe it’s a Tuesday? I’m so happy.”
England’s carnival atmosphere is expected to last for days with the team now on the path to the finals. Charlotte Morris, 25, in Trafalgar Square, said: “I feel fantastic. It’s the best day of my life. It only really compares to the World Cup.”
Supporter Jay Gittelmon, 20, said of Sterling’s opening goal: “I’ve never felt anything like that, it’s the best moment of my life.
