HOPEFUL crowds erupted with roars of ecstasy as an injury-time goal secured England an opening-game victory at the 2018 World Cup.
Fans packed bars and pubs in Oxford city centre, happily clinking beers as the match began and clamouring for the best view of the big screens.
An early Harry Kane goal put fans in jubilant mood but England soon returned to old habits and were penned back by a controversial Tunisia penalty.
Spirits were deflated as it appeared England would have to settle for a disappointing draw - before captain Kane headed home his second goal of the night, to secure a 2-1 victory.
That was the cue for cheering spectators to jump up and down in jubilant disbelief and hug strangers standing next to them.
The elated scene in O’Neill’s in Oxford
The Oxford Mail joined spectators in George Street for the big match and watched on as a raucous sea of people in O’Neill’s belted out Three Lions in celebration.
Football fans filed out of the pubs to jump up and down George Street, clutching their England flag
Among them were friends Andy Beadle, Luke Brewerton and Josh D'anger (below).
Mr Beadle, who lives in Botley, said: "The boys dug deep and [Marcus] Rashford's influence made the difference.
"This is our year - we are going to win the World Cup.
"Obviously they were nervous in the first half but it's a good result - to get the first three points is really important."
Summing up the atmosphere in the bar as the goal hit the net, he added: "It was like fireworks, there were pints flying everywhere."
Mr D'anger, who lives in Abingdon, added: "I felt they [England] were calm and collected and they didn't panic under pressure.
"They persevered and secured a goal at a vital point."
Optimistic England fan Joe Hastings, from Jericho, said: "We are the best team in Europe.
"I have never seen an atmosphere like that in Oxford."
Football fans at Oxford’s Wig & Pen after the first goal ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ftsZWSumm8
— Sophie Grubb (@OxMailSophieG) June 18, 2018
His 21-year-old friend Arthur Osofsky, also from Jericho, was also confident of an England win this year.
Further down George Street in the Wig & Pen, equally excited crowds packed both floors of the pub.
Amid the throng was Carl Rundle from Boars Hill, who said England's form made him hopeful for the rest of the contest.
Football fans outside the Wig & Pen including Carl Rundle (centre)
He said: "The first 15 minutes was unexpected, they have never played like that before - they were fearless."
Noting missed opportunities thereafter, he added:"The nerves got to them and it didn't continue the way it should have done, but we finished it off and won the game, even if it was at the last minute.
"The old England team and mentality would have bottled it, but from what we've shown there, they have got young, fearless people - it gives you hope."
The Manchester United fan said he travelled to Euro 2004 and the World Cup 2006, describing the former as the 'best experience of my life', and wished he had made the trip to Russia to see this year's competition.
England will play Panama, who lost 3-0 to Belgium earlier today, in their next Group G game on Sunday.
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