England v USA: Fans across the North East turn out for match

Although the actual match wasn’t anything to write home about with a final score of 0 – 0, fans enjoyed taking to their local and watching it with a drink.

In Newcastle’s Central Park, hundreds of fans turned out next to the Life Centre to watch England’s second game in the tournament.

Meanwhile, in Darlington a number of fans gathered expectantly at the Market Tap, waving their red and white flags.

Picture: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES (Image: Picture: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES)

In Durham, at the Head of Steam pub, the picture was a little more subdued with just a small handful of football fans watching.

Simon Pearson, taking in the match at the pub, said: “I’m not a massive follower of football but when England is on it’s a bit different.

Picture: CONNOR LARMAN/THE NORTHERN ECHO (Image: Picture: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES)

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“And it’s an excuse to go out for a few beers.

“There’s a lot of expectation now after beating Iran, but no doubt we’ll get to the semi-final and be beaten again.”

Luke Murphy with Andy Maxam and Rose Caulkin, said before the game: “I wasn’t expecting us to win but after watching Wales play today, it’s anyone’s game.

Picture: CONNOR LARMAN/THE NORTHERN ECHO (Image: Picture: CONNOR LARMAN/THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“I’m a bit football fan, but Rose just likes to come out for the world cup.

Andy Maxam said: “I just like the occasion, if England is doing well then I’ll follow them, if they’re not then I don’t really bother.

“I was sad about Wales losing, that’s a shame."

Luke added: “He’s the only Englishman who is sad about that though.

Rose said: “It’s good to be around the atmosphere.”

Luke Cullen and friend Oliver Meads were also excited about the game, sporting some World Cup hats they had found on the floor.

Picture: CONNOR LARMAN/THE NORTHERN ECHO (Image: Picture: CONNOR LARMAN/THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Oliver said: “I think it’s going to be tough, USA played very well the other day and I think we’ll definitely have a tough game."

Luke said: “I think it’ll be tough but I think we will come through in the end.”

Asked if they enjoyed England’s previous game against Iran, Luke said: “I thought Iran would do better.”

Oliver added: “I think going into every game, you’re conscious of the fact that England can really disappoint.

“I was worried going into it, but now that I’ve seen that amazing start I’m very confident now.”

Luke added: “I’m not sure if we’ll be able to bring it home this time, Brazil played very well the other day and France did well as well.”

However, despite the hopes of fans, the game ended in a disappointing England 0 and USA 0 with an ITV commentator concluding it was “disappointing but not defining.”

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