Shrewsbury fans go wild as England beat Germany - in pictures
It's coming home!
That was the message from pubs across Shropshire which were packed full of anxious England fans who watched as Gareth Southgate's team brought home a 2-0 win against Germany at Wembley.
Fans at The Inn on the Green in Shrewsbury were singing as the game began but the pub was soon quiet as the first-half left drinkers tense with a few near-misses.
But the cheers and chanting erupted as late second-half goals from Raheem Sterling and captain Harry Kane sandwiched a big miss from German legend Thomas Muller.
Antony Rogers, 52, from Radbrook, said: "It was a bit slow, they do seem to handle the ball better this time than they used to.
"I'm texting a German pen friend throughout the game who is watching it in Germany.
"It certainly picked up in the second half, it was a little bit more of the same until they swapped Saka for Grealish and everyone was saying take Sterling off but I'm so glad they took Saka as Sterling scored the first goal."
Discussing the next game in the knock-outs, Antony said: "England tend to think it's going to be easy and they relax but they've still got some work to do.
"They've played the last few games quite easy so they should have strength and stamina left.
"I think we've got every chance of winning the tournament but my friends are fancying Belgium."
Karl Jones, from Radbrook, said England could win the tournament if they play positively.
The 58-year-old electrician said: “I feel pretty positive. Through the last couple of games we’ve been really good.
“France getting knocked out was a shock, definitely.
“I support Shrewsbury and Man United and go to Old Trafford quite regularly.
“So far England have been too defensive, they need to be more positive in their approach, a bit more attacking.
“Being back in the pub watching England play after the year we’ve had is great, without a doubt I have missed it.
“If they can play positive there is no reason why we can’t win the tournament.”
Some fans were feeling the nerves as the game began.
Neil Brittan, 59, added: “If they want to win they’ve got to take a chance.”
And Jonny Mair, 33, from Wrexham, said it was a shame the fans weren't allowed to sing and chant but it was good to be back in the pub watching England play.
The ground worker said: “I am very nervous, I’m expecting a lot.
“It is starting to feel normal again now, it’s just a shame you can’t sing and chant but it feels like we’re back to normality in some sense.
“It’s nice to be with my mates again.”
