After an incredible night of drama, tension and emotion at the Estadio Azteca – the sight of the famous Hand of God goal – many Three Lions fans were nursing the Hangover of God this morning
England fans piled into the streets to celebrate the Three Lions stunning victory against Mexico after spending the night boozing in bars. Jubilant supporters had packed pubs and fan zones across the country for the crunch last 16 match.
And when Thomas Tuchel’s heroes overcame the home advantage, altitude and a hostile crowd in Mexico City to secure a quarter-final place, the party carried on in the streets. Back home, pubs raked in as much as they do on New Year’s Eve as fans partied all night up and down the country.
Supporters danced with strangers as they forgot all thoughts of sleep to continue the celebrations. Meanwhile, usually busy train stations such as Birmingham New Street lay deserted this morning as millions of bleary-eyed Brits were expected to throw sickies.
Two quick-fire goals from Jude Bellingham and a Harry Kane penalty inflicted just Mexico’s third defeat in 90 competitive games at the Azteca.
Bellingham’s double had given England a 2-0 lead, but Quiñones quickly pulled one back for the hosts. Despite Jarrell Quansah being sent off on 54 minutes, Kane’s spot kick on the hour mark restored their two goal lead.
Raúl Jiménez netted a penalty of his own just nine minutes later, but ten-man England held on for victory on a night of drama which saw the game delayed by over an hour due to severe storms in the Mexican capital.
Captain Harry Kane had lost his voice and could barely speak in his post-match interview after belting out Wonderwall with the travelling army of England supporters in the stadium after the full-time whistle.
But fans back home who had stayed up for the early morning kick-off were determined to enjoy it and were seen swinging from lampposts in city centres across the country.
Thea Barratt, runs Cramptons Sports Bar in Broadstairs, Kent, said fans were queuing out of the door for a spot to see the game. She said: “I took more money than I did on New Year’s Eve.”
After taking special measures, including installing new portaloos and building an outside bar, she says she expects to top last night’s takings if England make it all the way to the final. She added: “Long may they continue.”
And thousands of fans were still out in the streets as the sun started to rise with London buses struggling to get through the crowds of 24 hour party people.
Sleep-deprived supporters were seen dancing in Newcastle shortly after 4am while one fan was seen swinging from a lamppost in Manchester draped in an England flag.
It came after scenes of wild celebrations were caught on camera at fan zones where many barely had chance to catch their breath in the 98 seconds between Bellingham’s opener and his second.
Despite a nervy comeback from Mexico and a red card put them through an emotional rollercoaster, they were again celebrating when Harry Kane slotted home with pints of beer sent flying into the air at watch parties.
And the full-time whistle was greeted with more scenes of joy as England set up a quarter final clash with Norway, who had earlier knocked out Brazil in New Jersey.
England’s players were also emotional after the epic battle as they soaked up the atmosphere at the iconic venue, which the hosts had turned into a fortress over recent years.
Former England captain Alan Shearer told the BBC: “Those players have represented their country in magnificent form. Every single player had the right attitude.
“Everything that could have gone against them, everything that was thrown at them – the energy, the altitude – they have got past all of that and they deserved it. That is an incredible performance from start to finish.”