World Cup 2026: England fans celebrate at West Midlands pub after victory against Mexico

It was an emotional rollercoaster for fans at a Shropshire pub as they saw England progress in the World Cup.

England took on Mexico in the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in the Round of 16 and put in a great performance to win through against one of the co-hosts.

For fans at the Crown in Bridgnorth, it was an early morning kick off full of drama, even allowing for an hour delay due to inclement weather, as a good crowd came out to watch the game.

The atmosphere was tense, but good natured, as fans prepared themselves inside and outside for the big kick off.

Simon Carlyon and Matt Woodward both admitted to being nervous about the game, but were happy to be in their local for it.

Simon said: “I’m nervous as I think everything goes in favour of Mexico because of the location and high altitude, plus I don’t think England have prepared very well for it.

“If we get past the first 20 minutes, because their fitness levels are going to be better than ours, then I think we’ve got a chance.

“We came here tonight because it’s our local place and we watch a lot of games here, so it’s good to be here for the game.”

Matt said: “I’m a little bit apprehensive as we’ve not defended well in this tournament and with Mexico having home advantage, it would be a really tough game, plus setting off fireworks near the England hotel didn’t help.

“We come here because it’s become a little tradition, coming here and watching England play, so hopefully that will go one and we’ll progress further in the tournament.

“I think England are going to win 2-1.”

Martin Riggs had got himself comfortable ahead of kick off and admitted to nerves about the game.

He said: “I’m nervous and that just goes with the territory of being an England fan, but the altitude makes me more nervous.

“It’s going to be tough, but we’re in the right place to watch the game as the Crown is always a good place to watch football and we’re always in here chanting for the boys.”

Ryan Lewis was a lot more confident about the game, saying that he felt Mexico were average and England were far better.

He said: “I’m confident as I think their players are bang average, with their better players being older and their younger players being inexperienced.

“We’ve got enough quality in our squad to go all the way and I’m happy to be here tonight to watch it.

“This is just a good place to watch football and we’ve been coming here for the last 14 years as local lads and get the best spot, so nothing is going to change this year.”

It was a tough watch at times, but England ground out a 3-2 win, a result which led to rapturous celebrations at the final whistle.