England v Germany Euro 2020: Fans at Dreamland, Margate rejoice as England win 2-0
Published: 16:29, 29 June 2021
Updated: 09:28, 30 June 2021
As sporting rivalries go it doesn't get much bigger - and the country is celebrating after England beat Germany this evening.
England's eagerly anticipated Euro 2020 last 16 clash with Germany kicked off at 5pm and more than 800 fans were at Dreamland in Margate to watch the team romp home to victory.
Two goals saw England win the match, the first in the 75th minute was scored by Raheem Sterling and the second by captain, Harry Kane in the 86th minute.
While 45,000 fans watched the clash at Wembley, thousands across the county were pulling up their bar stools, or risking the chance of rain to watch it on the big screens.
We decided to head to Dreamland in Margate, to watch the match on their outdoor Scenic Stage and see how many footie mad fans had braved the weather.
Hundreds of excited football fans turned up at the site, with many enjoying a pint, a chant and a sing-a-long the fans are out in full force at Dreamland.
It stayed dry for the fans and the venue offers a large outdoor seating area where a wide range of drinks and food were delivered to fans' tables.
Our reporter at the site said there there was a constant sound of clapping, cheering, singing, and the occasional boo during the match.
Friends, families and children are among the crowd, some wearing flags, or hats, some in waterproofs and every now and then there is a drop of rain.
And as the ref blew the final whistle, fans erupted in joy at the result, which will see them through to the next stage of the tournament.
Rickie Cunningham was at Dreamland watching the match with friend Craig Aust.
Mr Cunningham said: “I am overjoyed. It’s been a long time coming, especially against the Germans.
“I feel like today was our semi final. We can go on from now and easily reach the finals.
"What I liked the most was seeing the younger generation wearing old England tops. I collect those. To see those young guys holding on to dreams of past is great.
“These guys here at Dreamland put on an amazing day.”
Another fan, Matt Woodward said: “I can’t even put it into words. It was amazing. Probably the best feeling I’ve had in football in ages.
“The atmosphere was amazing. Everyone was singing, everyone was jumping on each other. It’s phenomenal.”
Brendan Faulks said he was feeling ecstatic and happy.
His friend Scott said: “I don’t even know what to say. It’s so good, the feeling.”
Another fan, Jamie Ridgeway said: “We haven’t played like that in ages. It was so good.
“It was the best atmosphere too. Everyone is happy, everyone is together.”
And Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti tweeted his congratulations to the team.
He said: "Brilliant performance by the whole team great goals by Harry & Raheem."
England are now through to the next round and had topped their group, after beating Croatia and Czech Republic and playing out a 0-0 draw with Scotland.
They will now face the winner of tonight's other match (Sweden Vs Ukraine,) on July 3 in Rome.
Germany came second in their so-called 'group of death' after a mixed run, losing to former favourites France but beaten Portugal 4-2 and drawing with lowly-ranked Hungary.
The last time the two sides met saw a goalless draw at Wembley in 2017, while England last beat Germany 3-2 in Berlin in 2016.
If they progress further they could reach the semi final and July 11's final will be held at Wembley.
Earlier today, mystic mice in Kent predicted England would triumph over Germany tonight.
England start with a team of Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier, Phillips, Rice, Shaw, Saka, Kane and Sterling
In the biggest team news highly-rated Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Mason Mount, who has spent the past 10 days isolating, start on the bench.
Read more: all the latest news from Kent
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Sam Williams