The MCs did their best to lift the spirits of a growing crowd as kick-off approached, but even the usual bankers of 'It's Coming Home' and 'World in Motion' couldn't cut through the tense atmosphere at Depot Mayfield. This was England's first knock-out tournament game since agonisingly losing on penalties at the Euros final, and it was against the champions of Africa.
Despite the cans of lager flowing from the bars fans stayed rooted to their seats or were left standing with nothing to cheer as Senegal had the best chances of the first half-an-hour. But 38 minutes in the roof was well and truly blown off Europe's biggest fan-zone.
In spite of being booed by many in attendance at Depot Mayfield, Liverpool's Jordan Henderson scored England's opener, sending the depot into bedlam. Cans were thrown, a flare was set off, and the pre-game instruction to not climb on tables was ignored.
READ MORE: Watch the moment England scored in the World Cup and sent crowds wild in Manchester
A game which had been poor for a good 30 minutes suddenly burst right into life, as did the thousands of Mancunian fans in attendance. This is a team many of the young people here feel connected to, the sight of local lads Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden brought immediate cheers, as did that of England's youngest World Cup scorer since Owen, Jude Bellingham.
Captain Kane's goal just before half-time flooded any nerves away and it was party time from that moment onwards. Saka scoring England's third just after half time was the icing on the cake and everything had a feeling of cruise control.
There was a lovely buzz and England elegantly saw out the rest of the game, with the barriers taken away as the came neared its end for the party to really start. The MCs had no issue getting people onto their feet as the whistle blew, entering through a curtain of fireworks.
Extra tickets for the quarter final against France were put on advertising boards all around which will surely sell out fast given the spectacle on offer here tonight. Oasis was blasted out to tick all the right boxes.
I can picture dozens of emails to bosses being drafted at this moment explaining various reasons people might not be in work tomorrow before taxis are booked into town to carry on the party England started all the way from Qatar tonight. And bring it all on again on Saturday.
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