England fans do it best… (Picture: PA / REX)
England edged their way to a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia in their first game at Euro 2024 tonight.
After a blistering first half an hour, Gareth Southgate’s side looked on course for an easy night, but they dropped in attacking intensity and were forced to dig deep to see out the win.
The second half might have been a tough watch and at times an even slightly dull affair – but there was nothing dull about the faces England’s fans were pulling off the pitch.
Those who weren’t able to get a ticket to the game at Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen flocked to a nearby fanpark.
And it’s safe to say they were having the time of their lives when Jude Bellingam nodded home after just 13 minutes to put the Three Lions ahead.
One England fan looks ecstatic, but the other looks terrified! (Picture: Paul Currie/Shutterstock)
There were scenes of jubilation all round when Jude Bellingham scored to make it 1-0 (Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
The beers were flowing in Gelsenkirchen (Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
And the flares were smoking… (Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
Flares were smoking, beers were flying and there were smiles all round at the Trabrennbahn racecourse, which has been transformed into a football fan heaven for the next four weeks.
But a few missed chances saw grins change to grimaces…
And towards the end of the game, there were some clearly nervous looks on faces.
The collective ‘arghhhh’ – and the look of exasperation… (Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
Jubilation turned to nerves in the second half (Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
It was all getting a bit too much for these lads judging by the look on their faces (Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
Fortunately, England secured the three points and the partying restarted as the full-time whistle went and the night set in.
Thousands of English fans celebrated.
One lad took the poses a bit too far, though, bearing much more than we needed to see.
Taking a bit too far there, mate… (Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
But all’s well that ends well.
It looks like these members of the Barmy Army might be partying into the early hours – and there’s likely to be a few sore heads in the morning.
But it was all smiles in the end (Picture: Paul Currie/Shutterstock)
England fans celebrated the 1-0 victory (Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
Here’s a look at the best of the rest in terms of faces on a night of joy in Germany.
Happy chappy (Picture: Paul Currie/Shutterstock)
Get in there! (Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
This young lad was chuffed (Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
And the best glasses award goes to… (Picture: Paul Currie/Shutterstock)
It’s coming home! Sorry, too early? (Picture: Paul Currie/Shutterstock)
There were some unsavoury scenes elsewhere in the city before the game earlier today as Serbia and England fans clashed in the streets.
Several supporters suffered injuries, while police made a number of arrests.
Back on the pitch, here’s a look at three things we learned from England’s performance, while Bellingham has also explained the meaning behind the ‘wolf’ celebration.
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