England fans go wild at Odsal

England scored their first goal within ten minutes of the first half. The crowd in the marque went wild.

In the twenty-ninth minute the crowd was hopeful as they cheered for a second goal but the ball didn’t make it to the back of the net.

The atmosphere at half-time at Odsal stadium as fans watch the match on the big screen is electrifying.

Hundreds of fans add to the surroundings, amidst the cooling temperature of the evening.

Crowds of fans booed as the national anthem played for Croatia at the start of the game.

A drummer played Bradford City favourite “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, and also “England” and the one everybody has been chanting everyday recently, “It’s Coming Home.”

Fans tell me they are quite nervous, though England is leading with a goal.

Kathleen Thornburn, 73, staithgate said: “I’m very excited, but very nervous. I think they’re playing brilliantly.

“I don’t want them to lose, I don’t want it to be a draw. We need another goal.”

Football fan Andy Parish, 43, from Oakenshaw said: “Very nervous just with it being England, even if we were winning two or three nil it’s very tense.

“Couldn’t have done it a better time, all played really well.”

Another fan confirmed the goal was just what England needed. James Crowther, 21, of Brighouse said: “Excited for the final! It’s calmed the nerves a bit.”

A few fans also commented on the atmosphere at Odsal.

Shelby Royale, 21, from Woodside said: “The atmosphere here is good, it’s what Odsal needs. Bring crowds coming here and I think it’s better atmosphere than City Park would have been, a lot more controlled.”

Glyn Delahaye from Eccleshill said: “It’s quite vibrant and happy, feels like a family atmosphere. Odsal have done themselves proud. Quality is excellent.”

Bradford Bulls are continuing to host the England games in a marque festival live zone with fans packed into a large tent with a big screen and two smaller screens at either side.