Oxford city was thrown into celebration as England moved a step closer to World Cup glory after booking their place in the semi-finals with a dramatic victory.
Establishments throughout Oxfordshire broadcast the fixture, which kicked off at 10pm and did not conclude until the small hours of Sunday morning.
England will now meet Argentina after the South American side overcame Switzerland on Saturday evening.
The showdown is scheduled for 8pm on Wednesday, July 15.
Gareth Southgate’s side clinched a 2-1 victory against Norway following extra time in Miami on Saturday evening, securing a last-four encounter with the defending champions Argentina on Wednesday.
Crowds gathered in Cowley following England’s triumph over Norway (Image: Newsquest)
Jude Bellingham found the net twice to secure England’s passage to the final four, battling through sweltering conditions to earn the win.
Germany coach Thomas Tuchel, who took over from Sir Gareth Southgate, described the experience as intense, noting he would not want to be anywhere else in the world during these moments. He expressed that in this specific instant, nowhere else on the entire planet would suit him better. He conveyed great enjoyment from the situation, while acknowledging that having knockout matches every three or four days represents a fresh level of demand and an emotional rollercoaster.
A man filmed the gathering in Cowley following England’s victory over Norway (Image: Newsquest)
Tuchel revealed the squad travelled straight back to Kansas City immediately after the fixture to begin recuperation and tactical work.
He indicated the priority now centres on rest and recuperation, noting that training intensity will naturally decrease. He said that right now it is simply about recovery, and that everyone is prepared to attack the final eight days of the tournament. He acknowledged there is another flight ahead, but expressed that this triumph will provide considerable boost and that this sensation will help greatly. He stated that they possess an excellent facility to recover at the highest level and they will be prepared.
England will face Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Jarell Quansah will complete his two-match ban for a red card received during the match against Mexico.
Reece James returned to competitive action following three matches absent due to a hamstring problem.
Nevertheless, worries persist regarding Declan Rice, who was withdrawn at the interval, and Ezri Konsa, who appeared to be affected by cramp.
Tuchel explained that they had some players struggling in the heat. He noted that Ezri Konsa was one of those affected by cramp and hamstring issues. Regarding Declan, he said they made a choice at half-time to become more attacking, to implement something of an offensive shift. He explained that knowing Declan had been mostly bedridden over the past three days, he was aware he could not endure 90 minutes. He noted there was a possibility of the match going to 120 minutes, so he did not wish to squander another substitution, meaning the choice was made to remove Declan earlier than strictly necessary.
England will now turn their attention to recovery and strategic planning as they aim to secure a place in the World Cup final.