Manchester Piccadilly erupted with sheer elation on Sunday night (July 31) as England snatched the trophy in the Women's Euros 2022. Supporters descended on the city's fan zone, with the tense game playing out across two giant screens to crowds of 2,000 people.
With waving union jack flags and drinks held up to the sky, there were scenes of triumph, as fans jumped on tables and hugged one another to celebrate the monumental victory, with a final score of 2-1 against Germany.
As early as 11am on Sunday, swathes of fans, some adorned red with and white face paint, whistles and flags, began to gather at the fan zone, giving them the chance to bask in the sun and enjoy the game with drinks and snacks in hand. The Manchester Evening News remained at the hub throughout the evening to capture the scenes and speak to fans before and after the game.
READ MORE Manchester wins Women's Euros for England as United and City stars make the difference vs Germany
Before kick off at 5pm, crowds were already gathering at the impressive fan site, eagerly awaiting the match. Among those were Hannah and Natalie, who said the 2022 tournament has 'put women's sport firmly on the map.'
Hannah (left) said: "A few years ago you wouldn’t have expected a turn out like this. We are football fans and have watched every game of this tournament, including at Old Trafford. This year it has been advertised so well and is on main TV, so it’s amazing and has put women’s football firmly on the map.
"The more coverage it gets, the better. Sport is very emotional and brings people together and to see females in sport being championed like this is just amazing."
Also out to enjoy the game were Trisha, Emma and Chris, who organised an outing as a family and didn't turn down the opportunity to get into the patriotic spirit. Speaking ahead of the game, Trisha (left) said: "This is just fantastic. Seeing women’s sport on this scale with so many people involved will really help to inspire aspiring female footballers. It’s been brilliant."
As Chris (right) added: "We have been to the fan zone for every game in this tournament and have just been amazed by the way England have played throughout. We decided it would be fun to come as a family, and I am sure this will make a massive difference for how people view women in sport in the future."
With kick off at 5pm, fans were immediately glued to their seats, often jumping, standing, or holding their heads in their hands throughout the tense two-hour match. The first 30 minutes of the final remained fairly subdued, with a score of 0-0 by half time.
But it was soon into the second half that the fanzone erupted into chaos, as Manchester United attacker Ella Toone, from Tyldesley, scored the opener for England. Drinks were thrown and benches were jumped in celebration, before Germany responded with just 10 minutes to go when Lina Magull scored for Germany.
It was the last 30-minutes of extra time that saw the 2,000-strong crowd chanting and shouting at the giant LED screens, as the tension towards the possibility of penalties drew ever closer. But with just 10 minutes left to go, it was Manchester City striker Chloe Kelly who nailed the winning goal from a corner - sending England fans in Manchester into delirium.
Videos from those final minutes show fans jumping for joy, grabbing each other in moments of utter delight, waving their union jack flags high in the sky and singing "It's coming home!" It was in that 110th minute that England snatched their first major trophy since 1966, seeing Piccadilly break out in rapturous cheers and applause.
Speaking after the game, avid Manchester City supporter Mary Cheetham, who was at the fan zone with two friends said: "I just cannot believe the level of skill and professionalism these women have shown throughout the tournament. It is just amazing.
"Women's football still has a long way to go until it is seen as equal to the men's games, but it is in a much better place than it once was. We have gone from a pre-recorded slot to a live game on prime time television, with millions across the country watching. It is awesome."
Partners Ella and Jo were also among the thousands screaming and chanting following the triumph. Ella said: "We are huge football fans. I just knew England would win. It’s been sell out arenas since the start of the tournament, which is just huge for women's football. I was nervous today, but not as much as the game against Sweden."
And Michael Talbot (middle) who was at the fan zone with his entire family, were at the front beneath the huge LED screens and had been watching on throughout the match. He said that the fan zone set up had been 'amazing' and that it would not have been the case for women's sport just a few years ago.
He told the M.E.N: "This has been fantastic. It is a brilliant set up here for fans and it's great to be able to come out and support England as a family.
"The build up and the whole turn out for women's sport is really special. This wouldn’t have happened for women's football just a few years ago, but we have followed this tournament and backed England all the way and just knew they’d win."
After the monumental win, England fans took to social media to share their excitement. You can read our full analysis and live coverage of the final here.
The Lionesses become the history makers!
Make sure you get a copy of our 48 page special celebrating England's fantastic victory over Germany in the final of the UEFA Women's EURO championships featuring all the final action, celebration pictures, the road to Wembley glory, tournament wallchart, stats and facts and a fantastic centre spread souvenir poster. Only £3 and available to pre-order NOW. Click here.
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