Manchester reacts to England’s stunning win over Germany
As the net bulged and Wembley wobbled with glee, the pandemonium rippled 200 miles north to Manchester - where the city celebrated the Euros victory with its own brand of hysteria.
England made history last night. And, for the first time since 1966, it was the right kind.
After 55 exhausting years without a knockout tie victory against Germany, the Three Lions finally found a way to defeat their old rivals at a major tournament – triumphing 2-0 to advance to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.
If that didn’t already taste sweet enough, consider the fact that it was two Manchester representatives that got them on their way. One Red. One Blue.
Manchester United’s Luke Shaw sublimely picked out Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling in the 75th minute – with the latter slotting home his third goal in four games to send Wembley into utter pandemonium.
Germany’s Thomas Muller had the audacity to power through on goal with 10 minutes to go, but when the striker uncharacteristically fired the ball wide with just Jordan Pickford to beat, it felt like it might be England’s day.
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Six minutes later, we knew it was.
Harry Kane – whose run without a goal had become so notorious that even Boris Johnson became aware of it – finally broke his duck for Euro 2020 by heading home Jack Grealish’s cross and made it 2-0.
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Game, set, match.
🔈 The sound when Harry Kane's header hit the back of the net 🤯
The second goal apparently made Gareth Southgate “very happy”, according to the tranquil manager’s post-match interview. For the 40,000 fans at Wembley, the response bordered on insanity.
Not only was the victory England’s first knockout win against Germany for over half a century, it was also just their second triumph ever in a Euros knockout game.
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No wonder, then, why the nation temporarily lost its mind.
Indeed, whilst Wembley was wobbling, the scenes of delirium radiated 200 miles north into the city of Manchester.
Celebrations came in all forms. Whoops from windows. Full pints tossed into the air. Drivers slapping their sweaty palms on steering wheels (for once, the cars on roads near Ashton Canal were doing more honking than the geese).
Some of this joyful footage was uploaded to social media in the wake of the win. And we’ve picked out some of the top posts.
Watch them below. Then, watch them again. And watch them one more time. Before you know it, it’ll be Saturday. And this Euros tournament is about as uncertain as local tier COVID rules in 2020. Anything can happen.
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This is the moment to savour a victory that we all bloody needed.
Dare to dream? These England fans at a fan park in Manchester can't contain their excitement after @sterling7 helped book a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 #ENGGERpic.twitter.com/mKARdF2efL
— ITV Granada Reports (@GranadaReports) June 29, 2021
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
The Manc -
30th June 2021 
