Y OU’RE STILL OUR HEROES
EXTRA-TIME HEARTACHE FOR ENGLAND
THOUSANDS of dejected Mancunian footy fans gave England a standing ovation as the Three Lions crashed out of the World Cup.
Despite a heroic performance, Gather Southgate’s men fell agonisingly short, losing 2-1 to Croatia in the team’s first semi-final in nearly 30 years.
More than 8,000 people packed Castlefield Bowl to witness the historic moment after calls for a big screen to show the knockout games were answered.
Auto-Trader stepped up earlier this week to sponsor the event. The biggest mobile screen in Europe was brought to Manchester to show the match.
An exuberant atmosphere built in the city centre as fans began streaming in from 4pm.
They came covered in England flags and shirts from every era, with relentless chants of ‘Three Lions’ and ‘football’s coming home’. After having no fanzone for the earlier games, England supporters embraced the chance to come together in their droves – even if it was £5.20 a pint and a twodrink-at-a-time limit at the bar.
A brass band belted out England favourites and by 7pm there was barely an inch of space in front of the big screen.
The positivity was evident before kick off with an unusually passionate rendition of the national anthem in Castlefield.
The crowd went bonkers when Buryborn Kieran Trippier smashed in a free kick to give England the lead within five minutes.
It was a truly spectacular scene as thousands went wild – and beer went everywhere.
Unfortunately, it was to be the high point of the night.
Croatia pegged England back in the second-half before snatching a winner in extra time. As the final whistle blew, the packed venue broke out into spontaneous applause. It wasn’t the result footy fans wanted, but gave fans a night to remember for a lifetime. Students Liam Crompton and Tom Davies, both 21, were left gutted. “They surpassed everyone’s expectations, that’s the main thing,” said Liam. “But that’s hard to say when you lose. The atmosphere was great, especially after first goal. “But then you felt the mood change.” Tom added: “They’ve done so well. “To be 1-0 up and lose, it’s a bit frustrating. “Overall I had a class time – when Trippier scored it was incredible.” You’re still our heroes, boys.
The crowd went bonkers when Trippier gave England the lead, but it was the only high point of the night