It all felt a bit more real for England fans gathering yesterday to watch the World Cup 2022 match against Senegal: now in the final 16, the team are edging ever-further in the tournament. Beer cans gripped a little tighter, kick offs a little more hushed. At Escape to Freight Island last night, a large outdoor venue in central Manchester, a huddled mass of flag-wearing Mancunions dared to hope for a quarter final– although fans had predicted a tough match.
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The tension quickly turned to joy by the end of the first half. After a sluggish start, England stormed ahead once again, ending the match with a triumphant 3-nil victory against the African champions. The crowd erupted into red and white jubilation: flag-embossed Santa hats and football shirts were flung. Success was sweet. Caroline was, of course, sweeter.The team appear to be in top form, and they will need it to tackle the reigning champions France in the quarter finals this Saturday. It is England’s first World Cup match against France in four decades. But as stakes continue to rise, a defeat will be harder to swallow. VICE photographer Chris Bethell was in Manchester to capture the excitement among fans.
