Fans at Barrow Raiders beer garden positive after win for England

Warm weather played its part in ensuring a convivial atmosphere on the pitch at Craven Park, home of Barrow Raiders.

Those attending today had even more reason to celebrate by the end, having watched winger Raheem Sterling score the game’s only goal on the big screen erected in the stadium.

This ensured the Three Lions left their opening game with all three points.

One of those out enjoying themselves was Callum Lamb, 23, of Barrow.

SUPPORTERS: Fans came out to cheer on the team

Speaking at the end of the first half, he said: “We have created the better chances out of the two teams so far.

“We have got a good chance [in the tournament]. I know we are second favourites.”

He also said the beer garden had brought ‘the whole town together’.

Another fan out enjoying the game was 25-year-old Henry Douglas.

Mr Douglas felt England could finally end their 55-year trophy drought at the tournament.

“I think this is the best chance in the last 20 years,” he said.

“If you look at the squad on paper.”

However, he said: “As soon as you put a bit of pressure on us, we bottle it.”

After Manchester City player Sterling scored in the 57th minute, chants of ‘it’s coming home’ erupted at the stadium in Duke Street.

CHEERS: Warm weather helped ensure a good atmosphere

Fan Liam Steele, 30, was similarly positive about England’s chances.

“They are playing nearly every game at Wembley,” he said.

“If we don’t [win it], then probably France.

“As soon as Jordan Henderson gets fit again, we’ll click into gear.

“Henderson’s won everything now. This will cap his career off.”

Karen Woods, another fan out in the warm weather, praised the beer garden itself.

“Fantastic atmosphere, fantastic staff,” she said.

The game was one of few clear-cut chances, with each team only registering two shots on target.

England gained some measure of revenge on opponents Croatia, who beat the Three Lions 2-1 to knock them out at the semi-final stage at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

England’s Jude Bellingham, who came on as a substitute in the 82nd minute, became the youngest player in history to appear in the finals of a European Championship - at 17 years and 349 days.

The team’s next match is an eye-catching encounter against Scotland on Friday before their closing group game against the Czech Republic the following Tuesday.