There was jubilation in Newcastle tonight as England recorded a historic win over Germany to be crowned champions of Europe.
There were cheers and tears from fans at the Centre for Life, in Newcastle, as the Lionesses lifted the trophy after a nail-biting final.
Optimism before the match turned out to be not ill-founded as England finished the match 2-1 after extra time.
Read more: Euro 2022: Congratulate our Lionesses after England v Germany win
Before kick-off, one flag-adorned fan said: “I just hope it doesn’t go to penalties. I don’t think my heart could take it.”
Thankfully, Chloe Kelly’s extra time goal meant fans weren’t subjected to that.
Instead, there were huge celebrations as the final whistle went and the party got underway.
Fans young and old were dancing with joy as they watched the team celebrate their victory on the big screen. Singing along to Three Lions, Sweet Caroline and Vindaloo, people struggled to contain their emotion at the victory.
Hundreds of people, many draped in England flags, or with red and white painted on their faces, had gathered to watch Sarina Wiegman’s side take on Germany – a team with a formidable unbeaten record in European finals.
But tonight was England’s night, with North East players Jill Scott, from Sunderland, and Alnwick’s Lucy Bronze playing a big role.
And Beth Mead, from Whitby, picked up the Golden Boot after finishing the tournament with six goals.
Victoria Hastings, who was attending with her 10-year-old daughter Lola said: “She plays football so it means the world to see this. She was heartbroken in the second half after Germany scored.
“All the way through the players’ behaviour has been exemplary – the men could learn something.
“At school it’s always just been for boys but not anymore. They’re all icons.
“I’ve had 42 years of disappointment and she gets this at the age of 10.”
Young player Ellie Ayres, 9, and her sister Jessica, 7, are hoping the win will spur them on to train harder for their West End team.
Mum Joanne said: “It was so exciting. It’s brilliant to see.”
Jessica said: “I always said they were going to win.”
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