JUBILANT Three Lions fans roared in packed pubs and partied in the street as England made it through to the last 16 of the Euros.
Beer rained down as cheering supporters threw drinks in the air to celebrate the team’s 1-0 win against Czech Republic in their final group game.
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Raheem Sterling’s 12th minute goal saw England top their group and easily cruise through to the final stages.
Supporters raved inside pubs and on the streets as excitement swelled across the country.
Jess Preece, 18, of Manchester said: “I’m over the moon at the result. A few more goals would have been good but it’s fantastic to get through.”
The apprentice engineer and referee added: “Things are looking good, come on England!”
Last night’s win came as…
The rollercoaster game was full of near-misses and a disallowed goal that left fans on the edge of their seats.
There was an audible gasp across the country as Sterling hit the woodwork just minutes into the game, while Harry Kane was denied by a great save.
Wembley erupted again in the 86th minute as Jordan Henderson seemingly slotted his first-ever England goal in but it was quickly ruled offside.
But Sterling’s goal was enough to see England come top of their table – meaning they now face the run of death through the tournament.
It is also only the second time England has conceded no goals in all their group games since 1966.
But it was a different story for Scotland who are now out of the tournament after losing 3-1 to Croatia.
The team has never qualified for the next stage of the Euros meaning a win would have made history.
Gareth Southgate will now lead his men out under Wembley’s famous arch against the second-placed team from Group F on Tuesday.
But fans fear this will put an end to our chances of progressing further in the tournament as we will now have to take on France, Germany or Portugal.
Tom Harkness, a heating engineer from Hounslow, West London said: “We’ve scrapped out way out the group and done well to win it.
“But now it’s going to be like playing a World Cup Final in the next round.
“France, Germany and Portugal all look stronger than us – but with home advantage we’ll still be hard toi beat.
“And we might still get Hungary.”
Excited England supporters earlier turned the sky red and white as they let off flares across the country in support of our boys.
The grey skies haven’t dampened anyone’s spirits with pubs flooded with flag-wearing supporters.
Boozy renditions of It’s Coming Home started early across England as the beer flowed in the build-up to the game.
In the sold-out fan zone in Trafalgar Square, fans watched the action on two huge screens either side of Nelson’s Column.
Thirsty fans sank 3million pints as England leapfrogged Czech Republic to advance to the next stage of the tournament.
The team was earlier thrown into jeopardy with Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell forced to isolate after coming into contact with Covid-stricken Scot Billy Gilmour.
The decision has sparked outrage among fans as Scotland players have been able to escape the rules.
England have made four changes from Friday’s game against Scotland – with Jack Grealish replacing self-isolating Mount.
Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka is making his first appearance so far in place of Phil Foden and injured Harry Maguire has returned to the team.
Saka earlier left fans baffled as he whipped his top off after Sterling’s goal but it turned out he just wanted to take his vest off.
The Three Lions’ campaign got off to a promising start on June 13 when they broke their Euro curse to win their first-ever opening game in the tournament.
Raheem Sterling scored a blinder in the 57th minute against Croatia – with fans allowing themselves to believe the team could end 55 years of hurt.
But a shaky display against the Auld Enemy on Friday dampened hopes England could bring football home for the first time since 1966.
Scotland managed to see off any chance of a goal from Gareth Southgate’s men as the game ended in a dull 0-0.
There ended up being more action outside Wembley as the Tartan Army invaded London for the historic clash dressed in kilts with bottles of Buckfast.
This year’s tournament has touched the nation after Covid forced it to be delayed for a year.
Fans have been urged to rally behind the troops, give Covid the middle finger and finally allow hope to cut through the bleakness of the pandemic.
England is also hosting the semi-finals and finals of the Euros – meaning the Three Lions getting to the end is even more important.
More than 60,000 fans will now be allowed to attend the games on July 6, 7 and 11.
The country last hosted a major tournament 25 years ago for Euro 1996 – one Southgate will definitely want to forget after missing a crucial penalty in the semi-finals.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
