Yahoo News Mancs left deflated at England Euros 2024 fan zone as Three Lions draw with Denmark
The sun beamed down on Manchester with summer in the air at last. Pints were flowing, pals were catching up with one another and the stunning smells of street food filled the air.
Then a football match got in the way. Three Lions and Vindaloo were given a pre-match airing at Escape to Freight Island to get the crowd going.
But perhaps after that sluggish 1-0 win over Serbia, the fans were a bit subdued. Javeria Ahmed, 22, said: "I'm not too sure, they didn't do well in the last one, do you know what I mean? I don't have high hopes.
"I thought they would have attacked a bit more [against Serbia], but they held back a bit. I feel like they've got a lot more to show."
Sam McCall, 26, felt the game would be 'cagey'. But one of his mates, Luke Acton, 27, was more confident.
"We got too much slack for the first game, I think there's a bit of a point to prove today," he said. "Southgate on his second game, usually plays it a bit safer, but it's Denmark.
"We played them in the semis of the last Euros and that was a cagey game, 2-1. I reckon there's a bit of a point to prove, I reckon we might bag three against them, 3-0."
The main hall at Escape to Freight Island swiftly filled up as kick-off approached, with security pointing people to the other viewing areas. With the players on the pitch and the national anthems ringing, there was a moment of excitement for the 3,000 supporters.
A quiet start to the game made way for jubilation as Harry Kane found the net. The hall filled with cheers, hugs and relief.
Those sensations didn't last long though, as Morten Hjulmand found the net for the Danes. As the minutes ticked by, England struggled to rouse the crowd again.
The atmosphere was flat at half-time, and aside from Phil Foden hitting the post and the occasional attacking foray from Bukayo Saka, stoney-looking faces filled the cavernous food hall. Arms were folded, then heads dropped into hands as England made a number of mistakes at the back.
A few boos were heard in Manchester as the final whistle blew in Germany, and the fans seemed deflated. 'It's Coming Home' blasted on the speakers - but no one was in the mood to join in with the Lightning Seeds this time.
They could at least get back to the glorious sunshine, flowing pints and delicious food. And get ready to face it all over again next Tuesday.
