Millions of bleary-eyed England fans were making their way to work this morning tired but happy after a nerve-shredding last-16 tie against Mexico at the legendary Azteca stadium. The match kicked off at 2am UK time, delayed by an hour due to extreme weather, but that didn't stop fans across Birmingham from gathering in pubs and clubs to cheer on the team.
Luna Springs Erupts as England Take Control
At Luna Springs in Digbeth, the crowd went crazy when captain Harry Kane scored a penalty to make it 3-1, after Stourbridge's Jude Bellingham had scored two goals to put England in control. However, there were groans when Wolves striker Raul Jimenez scored from the spot himself to make it 3-2. The tension held until the final whistle, sending England into a quarter-final against Norway in Miami on Saturday.
Bellingham's Advice to Fans
Bellingham had some advice for those daunted by the prospect of a working Monday with a sore head and no sleep. "Have another shot, text your bosses and tell them you’re not coming in, simple as that," he said. "Kids stay off school, parents don’t go to work, enjoy your day, have the day off if you can, these nights don’t come often."
Scenes of Joy Across the Country
The scenes of joy were repeated across the country. Outside Wembley Stadium in London, after watching the game at Boxpark Wembley, Ollie, 29, who did not want to disclose his surname, joked he would be "very ill" in a few hours when he needed to go to work. "And luckily my manager is also ill," he told the Press Association. "The win was a long time coming," he added. Two women, who did not want to give their names, also said they would be calling in sick, as they joined hundreds of fans celebrating along Olympic Way.
