Bradfordians supporting England at Euro 2024 in Germany

Gareth Southgate’s men secured a 1-0 victory against Serbia last night in their first group game, thanks to a 13-minute sublime diving header from golden boy Jude Bellingham.

Cheering on in the Arena AufSchalke, in Gelsenkirchen were Joe Brown, 34, fiancé Kim Mason, 36, and their son Benji Brown, 6, all of Queensbury. 

Benji Brown (centre) with his Euro mascot teddy, Albart, alongside mum, Kim Mason (left), and dad, Joe Brown (right) (Image: UGC)

They have been to watch England games at Wembley over the past international season but this is their first major tournament together.

Mr Brown said: “The game was fabulous itself, Benji loved it and his experience of a tournament.”

Benji, who plays for one of Bradford (Park Avenue)’s junior teams, said it was “good” and he felt “very happy”.

He enjoyed joining in with chants, including one in ode to Barnsley-born John Stones, but kept asking his parents why his favourite player, Harry Kane, was dropping so deep and said he was “not very good”.

The family began their journey last Friday, staying the night at Stansted Airport before flying out to Bremen at 6am on the Saturday, where they spent the day.

From Low Moor to Germany (Image: UGC)

It was then a two-hour train journey south to Gelsenkirchen for the game.

Mr Brown said: “Travelling to and back from the game was an absolute nightmare.

“Free Lions, who look after the supporters group, basically said what a fiasco.

“People wanted disability access and they were kicked off the tram.”

Benji met England legend Stuart Pearce on the way back from Gelsenkirchen (Image: UGC)

Free Lions Fans Embassy expressed its disappointment at the issue fans faced at the game on Sunday in a statement released today.

It said: “To see fans stranded in Gelsenkirchen Hauptbahnhof [railway station] three hours after the game has finished due to transport problems at a major tournament is quite simply ridiculous.”

Other problems included not enough capacity on transport from the city centre to the ground, severe delays, and trams not stopping at an accessible stop for those who needed assistance.

James Marsh, 41, of Thornton, was another of those from Bradford backing the Three Lions in the stadium.

James Marsh (centre) in Arena AufSchalke for England's win against Serbia (Image: UGC)

He is part of a group of Bradford City and England fans who have travelled to Germany for the Euros, following up his attendance at the Qatar World Cup in 2022.

Mr Marsh is a member of the England Supporters’ Club and has travelled home and away watching the Three Lions since 2015, including Russia in 2018 and at Wembley for the Euro 2020 final.

Bradford City fans in Germany (Image: UGC)

The group were armed with a flag highlighting their Bradford City loyalties and it was showcased behind one of the goals in the stadium.

A number of people watching on from home also spotted a Bradford City adorned England flag on show at the front of one of the side stands.

James Marsh, proudly showing off their Bradford City England flag among others (Image: UGC)

Mr Brown and his family are flying home from Bremen tomorrow but this isn’t the end of their Euros journey.

He said: “We’re coming back out for the quarter-finals.”

They will take that in at a fan park, before heading to Borussia Dortmund’s BVB Stadion Dortmund for the one of the semi-finals, which they have tickets for.

And they could be treated to their beloved England again, if Gareth Southgate’s men can do the business.

Mr Brown said: “They have to top the group, which hopefully after last night’s win is going to happen.”

He added: “Then you never know, we might stay out.”