Wembley Stadium (new) My Visits

Listed below are my visits to the 'New' Wembley and a short description of the occasion.

Brent Residents Viewing (Saturday 17th March 2007)

I was living in Willesden Green and heard of the first Test Event at the new stadium. Residents in the London Borough of Brent were allowed to apply for four free tickets by email, so needless to say I sent in.

My joy was unconfined when I got the tickets from Brent Town Hall within sight of the wonderful new place. I had watched ever since the heartbreaking day I went to the snooker at the Conference Centre and saw the old place just about demolished. I had worked for over a year in stewarding, either at the Arena or being picked up there to go to other venues, so I saw it progressing.

It had also affected work on the tube, as every weekend northbound Jubilee line trains terminated at Willesden Green so that a new brige and lifts could be put in at Wembley Park station to deal with the crowds with proper facilities.

Gradually the arch was lifted into place and the stands built around it. I had been on a few occasions around the boarded up temporary roads to see how things were developing. It really was quite exciting, despite the moans about the delays who hadn't been there in person, so they couldn't really understand the work being undertaken.

Now here I was, resplendent in my Scarborough FC 1973 replica Wembley shirt meeting up with my Irish pals Emmet and Colm and their Dad who was over for the weekend. We arrived early so we were near the front of the queue to get in. Our turnstiles were around the far side an the excitement built as fans looked at the stewards and their watches.

Eventually we were in. Immediately we headed upstairs to the third tier for the best view. We weren't let down.

The pitch had been moved a few metres so that the far touchline was around the place where the old Twin Towers once stood. This was to allow space by the railway for the extended stadium and the better road access. The spectator accommodation was in the form of a bowl with three tiers. 

The Carton gents enjoy Wembley

The first was continuous with access in the East corners to allow vehicles and emergency vehicles. The middle deck was titled Club Wembley, where fans had paid for debentures over ten years as well as the corporate hospitality boxes. The upper tier dipped slightly in the corners with the roof protecting fans, as well as temporary shields covering parts behind the goals. They were retractable so that sunshine could help pitch growth when there was no game on.

We posed for our photographs and moved around. There was entertainment on throughout, including a pro-celebrity football match. We were free to move around at will, as the stadium authorities needed to know that everything worked so that they would be granted a license. Many of the people in attendance would no doubt be paying their only ever visit. The vast majority were Asian families making use of a free day out. Everyone got a drinks voucher, but the machines broke down after an hour or so, which received many ironic comments.

We watched a little bit of the match and then went on our way. We'd seen what we'd wanted and were some of the very first customers in the new stadium. I headed off to work pretty happy with the day thus far.

England 1 Germany 2 (Wednesday 22nd August 2007) Friendly International

It was time to go and see a proper event and when Crusher said he could get tickets I agreed to go. He came down with Phil Armitt and I met them at Willesden Green to go to a cheap pub for our pre match beers. Our seats were near the front of the top tier in the North East corner.

Crusher and Phil

Germany brought a lot of fans and made a lot of noise. England went ahead to raise false hopes before a goalkeeping howler brought us back down to earth. The facilities inside the stadium were light years away from the old place, but so were the prices of everything, especially the food.

The atmosphere from the home fans was OK but it was so different. Lads who followed England when we went regularly had been replaced by Mexican waving families with no attention span, who needed the England Band to prompt them. I think the band summed up everything I hated about the modern game. I would have banned them for life at the same time Glenn Hoddle lost his job.

We left at full time and really noticed the difference in getting away. We were still held in groups on Empire Way for a while until the station platform was ready for more fans, but it was so much quicker and less claustrophobic.

St Helens 30 Catalan Dragons 8 (Saturday 25th August 2007) Rugby League Challenge Cup Final

I had the day off from my ticket office training and a colleague of mine Andy Hogan told me that he didn't want to use his Club Wembley ticket, and with me being a northerner he wondered if I wanted to go to the rugby league final?

I nearly bit his hand off and found myself meeting my pal Karl from Scarborough who'd come down on a trip with Heworth RLFC from York. We had beers outside The Greyhound and arranged to meet after the match. I went in early so I could enjoy the delights of my posh seat.

The facilities were second to none. Pictures brightened up the concourses, which were more like an airport departure lounge than a sports stadium. Again the prices were extortionate, but they knew they had you once inside.

My seat was above where the majority of French fans were sat, which was good as I wasn't a huge fan of St Helens. Every neutral in the stadium was supporting the Dragons. They had a brief spell where there was a remote chance of an upset, but the class of the Lancastrians shone through. 

At the end I managed to get through the crowds of heavily inhebriated fans to meet Karl. If football fans were in that condition there would have been hell to pay, but the rugby fans were left alone and even allowed to drink in their seats during the match. We went up the hill to the infamous Green Man before I bid farewell and headed back towards the city.

Stadium Tour (Wednesday 18th December 2007)

My Mum and Dad were visiting London for a few days pre Christmas as they so much loved doing. My Dad was struggling a little bit as he was awaiting a hip replacement operation, but that wasn't going to stop him.

I had booked tickets for his seventieth birthday so I really wanted him to have a good day. Our tour guide was a bit younger than my Dad and a Chelsea season ticket holder who had been to the FA Cup match at Scarborough a few seasons earlier. We were the only two with him, so he took us places that were normally a bit awkward with a large group.

It was brilliant. The pitch was up at the time as they were preparing for a motor racing event, but it didn't spoil anything. We went into the changing rooms, boxes, press box, the Corinthian Club (the group that disappear before half time and don't return for some time afterwards) before climbing the steps up to the Royal Box where we had our photos taken with the FA Cup.

It was a very special day that I will always remember. We went to meet Mum back at Bond Street. She had been on her own in central London for the first time ever, and was really on top form. As I say. A very special day.

Hull City 1 Bristol City 0 (Saturday 24th May 2008) Championship Play Off Final (att: 86,703)

Talking of very special days. The club who I'd followed alongside my beloved Scarborough reached Wembley for the first ever time and I managed to get a ticket.

It was a very emotional time among my City supporting mates. One of the stalwarts of our trips Nick Groombridge was cruelly taken away from us that January. At a hugely attended and very emotional funeral we all said that City would reach the Premier League just for Nick.

The big day arrived and my brother Nick asked if Nick's brother Jon and Fraser could stay at my flat. As it transpired I was in Brighton for a stag do, so I left them the keys before meeting up with them at a Rayners Lane pub on Saturday lunchtime.

We tried not to be nervous and smile as much as possible, but it was going to be a tough day. I had a few more with James Hunter at Wembley before going upstairs to my seat. I was right next to the segregation area, with snarling Ciderheads hissing insults across.

Fraiser Campbell went to the byline midway through the first half and dragged the ball back, to where veteran local hero Dean Windass charged in and volleyed the ball into the back of the net. It was a really magical moment. Half the stadium, including myself went absolutely berserk.

At half time I met up with Fred Firman and a load of Hull lads who had a spare seat with them. The second half wasn't as anxious as it could have been and City were pretty comfortable for the win.

I headed off at full time to my flat. I told the others to head to a pub in Willesden Green where I'd take them their luggage. I was just so pleased to see the look on their faces. It was a very emotional moment. Sadly, I had to get back to bed as I was on night shift. I'm sure the lads enjoyed their ride home. At least I found a decent home for the bottle of champagne I'd had in my fridge for ages!

England 2 Czech Republic 2 (Wednesday 20th August 2008) International Friendly

Guy Watson and Crusher came down to this game. I was not in the best of form after the incompetents at Wembley didn't send me the tickets, meaning a trek to the stadium in the morning. However, we had a great afternoon around the pubs of the Euston area and had tea at the Finchley Road Walkabout. There was lots of laughs and chat about football. Then we went to Wembley...

It was one of those evenings when I tried to wonder why I bothered. I had a row with two idiots behind us who booed the Czech anthem, Mexican waves and the band never ceased and England were absolutely awful.

I swore I'd give England games a miss afterwards, until Guy next texted me of course!

Oasis, Kasabian, Reverend & the Makers Concert (Saturday 11th July 2009)

My good mate Jeff Cards sorted me out with a ticket for this wonderful lads day out, to go with his felloe QPR fans, his brother John and Rob. We took lubrication in the manic Walkabout as the staff were caught out by the Ashes and a South African rugby match on the TV.

My companions enjoying the day

The gig itself was simply outstanding, and could have been even better if The Enemy hadn't pulled out at the last minute. All three bands were superb as we took it all in on the pitch, with Kasabian the stand out. It turned out to be one of Oasis' last ever appearances.

I'm glad I had nothing planned the following day!

England 3 Belarus 0 (Wednesday 14th October 2009) World Cup Qualifier

I found my fan number despite threatening to delete it and ordered the tickets when Guy texted and I found that I was off work. Again we had a quality day out and thankfully the performance was an improvement. The band and waves were still there though. The seats like the Czech game gave a great view at the front of the top deck behind the north goal.

England 4 Bulgaria 0 (Friday 3rd September 2009) Euro Championship Qualifier

Guy and Sharpy had got in touch trying to get me to go to this match,plus they wondered if I could put them up for the night? Sure enough I ordered the tickets and met Paul early and dropped his bag off at my place before we headed into town for beers. Guy eventually arrived at the magnificent Market Porter as we had a pub crawl on the way to Liverpool Street.

Guy and Sharpy enjoying the pre match beers

We headed to Wembley early as Paul had his own ticket and I'd sold the others as I was to purchase two for Club Wembley for the same price as a mate had won them at the Scarborough Athletic Golf Day, but couldn't attend. I called that a bargain! After much running about when I bumped into a Boro fan based in Kent who sponsored Ryan Blott's kit.

England were OK against a poor Bulgarian team. Our seats were good and we were in the only area that served alcohol! We headed to The Torch at full time to watch the highlights before we all headed for a cozy night at my comfy abode.

We got a taxi because there were no trains the next morning as the lads headed to Yorkshire and I went to watch Scarborough at Seaham Red Star. I think it was a smooth journey but as I didn't wake up until Durham, my judgement wasn't the best.

Muse, Biffy Clyro Concert (Saturday 11th September 2010)

A major cock up on the ticket front meant I didn't go with the same lads as the previous concert. They were there the previous evening while I was at a cricket awards evening. A fellow Boro fan had posted on Surfing Seadog that he had two tickets for sale.

We worked a deal out that benefited everyone and went with Colm. I had been to a magnificent game at Loftus Road, watching QPR smash a poor Middlesbrough team before I met Colm in the sports bar near Wembley Park station. 

We saw the back end of Biffy Klyro as we chose to sit for the evening. Muse came out and put on the best live show I'd ever seen. The music was excellent, but the actual effects were staggering. It was one of those nights that would live with me for many years to come.

Huddersfield Town 0 Sheffield United 0 Huddersfield won 8-7 on penalties (Saturday 26th May 2012) League One Play Off Final (Att: 52,100)

I received a phone call from my old mate Martin Kaye from my old days in Scarborough in the week leading up to the game telling he was coming down. I offered to put him up for a couple of nights so he could catch a reasonably priced train and in return he kindly bought me my match ticket. I rang work who kindly granted me a days leave.

After a good night out we rose to have breakfast at the Wetherspoons where we'd spent plenty of money the previous evening, only to be turned away because Kado was wearing his own shirt, and the pub had been allotted to Blades fans for the day. 

This was not the start we were looking for, but we got on with it and headed to the stadium ticket office, where we were met by another pal Colm who decided to come to the game.

We spent the next few hours in the company of some excellent Terriers fans outside the Greyhound and then Mannions as we soaked up the atmosphere and copious ales before heading to the sun drenched stadium.

Our seats were in the lower tier where the players come out but towards the west end. The game was tight with defences dominating. The atmosphere made up for the lack of goal mouth action. Colm managed to get a seat with us for the second half and then the inevitable extra time and penalties. 

An incredible twenty two penalties were taken in the shoot out, with plenty of misses along the way. It came down to the goalkeepers to take their turn. Alex Smithies scored with his, while Steve Simonsen missed. The place went crazy.

Click here for my amateur video coverage:

There was a nice touch as both sets of players took the plaudits from opposing fans. We went for more drinks along Wembley High Road. I headed to Kings Cross with Martin in not pristine condition!

England 1 Ukraine 1 (Tuesday 11th September 2012) World Cup Qualifier (att: 68,102)

This game formed part of a great sporting week with my Dad as we saw the Under 21s the previous evening at Chesterfield and then had a couple of days watching Yorkshire on their way to promotion at Chelmsford. My brother Paul also came to Wembley.

We met him after we'd walked to the stadium from my flat. Our seats were in the top tier at the west end. It was the first time for Dad at an England full international, and the first time he'd seen a game inside the new Wembley. 

England weren't at their best, but the Turkish referee was not helping as he ruled out a fine Jermaine Defoe goal after he was conned by some fine Ukranian acting. The away side took the lead with a superb long range shot from Yevgeni Konoplianka. England laboured with too many sideways passes, but deservedly snatched a late equaliser with a Frank Lampard penalty. Captain Steve Gerrard received his marching orders for two soft yellow cards.

We went for post match drinks at the Wetherspoons in Wembley High Road while watching the highlights. Sadly the beer was rotten and the establishment had introduced much inflated match day prices. You live and learn!

To see my video of the penalty, here:

England 3 Scotland 2 (Wednesday 14^th August 2013) Friendly (att: 80,485)

How times changed in the world of going to football matches. Once upon a time England v Scotland matches were definitely not for the faint hearted, However, for this match my brother Nick took his wife and two kids. Who’d have thought it?

It was a lovely summer’s day. After lunch with my good friend Ross Sullivan in Camden Town I met the family off the train for an enjoyable wander around the markets and lock, Rachel and young Sally loved all of this, while little Stanley complete with his England shirt tried to take it all in.

We met up with old pal John Groombridge, whose lad Harry was also going to his first England match, in the Wetherspoon’s pub in the O2 Centre at Finchley Road. Nick and his gang went in search of a meal while I took the other two to the North Star where my Scottish pal Jim Wilson awaited. After a couple of pints it was time for the train to the stadium.

Nick escaped for a beer pre match on the concourse with us as we were all on the top tier at the west end of the stadium. Our view was brilliant and good value for £35, especially as the game was a real cracker in terms of excitement if lacking in a little quality.

Scotland went ahead with a James Morrison shot from the edge of the box, which Joe Hart should have probably stopped on eleven minutes. There were a few small pockets of Scottish fans in the home sections without causing any problems. However once the goal went a few English Neanderthals decided it was time for a fight. I wasn’t particularly popular when I offered feedback to some, but thankfully things calmed down.

England levelled before the break when Theo Walcott was put through wide before prodding home. However, much to the delight of the travelling hordes Kenny Miller restored the visitors lead four minutes after the restart as he outwitted Gary Cahill. Five minutes later Danny Welbeck restored parity once more with a fine header from Steven Gerard’s free kick.

With twenty minutes remaining, substitute Rickie Lambert headed home the winner with his first touch in international football. Overall England just about deserved their spoils. To round off a very decent evening Jim and I adjourned to The Torch while Nick reported that the evening was a massive hit with his car and they’d be returning as soon as possible!

Hull City 5 Sheffield United 3 (Sunday 13^th April 2014) FA Cup Semi Final (att: 71,820)

What a day. After much hard work, mainly from my brother Nick, we managed to get enough tickets to take the City members of the family to the match. Fred Firman sorted me through John Friend, a City mate in Hull.

The week had already seen one enormous victory as the FA correctly knocked back the request from City chairman Assem Allam to change the club name to Hull Tigers. The supporters group City Till We Die had carried out a brilliantly professional but dignified campaign.

I was so nervous and umpired the Hampstead Ladies Cricket Sixes in the morning to try and take my mind off things. I met up at Kingsbury for a quick lunch before we managed to meet with Fred and mates and get into the First Class Sports Bar for beers. The scorching weather meant the car park at the rear was perfect for our needs.

The atmosphere was tense and nasty in places on the way up to the stadium. Liverpool secured a vital league win over Man City as we got inside the stadium. Everyone was really up for it on the concourse.

The first half was awful as a City fan. The Blades seemed to want it more and went ahead through Jose Baxter. Eventually Hull strung a few passes together close on half time leading to Yannick Sagbo firing home. The joy was short lived as United came straight back to our end to make it 2-1 with a Steven Scougall goal.

There was a mixture of anger and disbelief over our half time pint. Fortunately feelings were being released in the City changing room. The awful George Boyd and Maynor Figueroa were hauled off and replaced by Matty Fryatt and Sone Aluko.

Fryatt levelled the scores on forty nine minutes before Tom Huddlestone put City ahead with one of the great Wembley goals five minutes later. It knocked the stuffing out of The Blades. Their former midfielder Stephen Quinn seemed to have sealed it with a header to make it 4-2 with just over twenty minutes to go.

However, United were determined we’d suffer a tense finish as Jamie Murphy scored as the match entered stoppage time. Fortunately a fine flowing move set David Meyler free to slam home the decisive fifth to send City to their first ever FA Cup Final.

I wasn't sat with the family but I called them to make sure all was all right before returning to the sports bar and then onto Camden Town with a fine group of City fans. It was a long day but one I’d remember for a very long time.

To see pre and post match atmosphere, click here:

Arsenal 3 Hull City 2 - after extra time (Saturday 17^th May 2014) FA Cup Final (att: 89,345)

An amazing amazing day. It took me back to the great final days when I was a young un. Finished night shift after sensibly taking Saturday off and after a good kip and a bite to eat I caught the train from Kingsbury like most days, only this time I was meeting loads of mates who I've done many grounds and miles with over the years with Hull City.

We all congregated in the yard of the Premier Inn by Wembley Park station. Gradually all the gang arrived; Frazer Armitage and family, Paul Sharp, Fred Firman, Steve ‘Chewy’ Sheader, John Groombridge and his young lad as well my Dad, brother Nick and his wife Rachel as well as the kids Sally and Stanley. 

We were just missing our much missed pal Nick Groombridge. He was in all our thoughts. Several other City fans joined us. Frazer was staying there and became a hero as we used his room passes for cheap ale inside, leading to Phoenix Night like scenes as the poor fella on the door was put under more pressure than David Moyes and mayhem ensued.

Arriving at the stadium was an incredible buzz after a really emotional walk up Wembley Way with Sally holding me together. 

Three of us; Fred, Chewy and myself, were more inclined to imbibe so we were together in Block 522 upstairs in line with the goal on the camera side. We had a great view in a great stadium for our £45 ticket. The atmosphere on the concourse was something else.

We were in dreamland after eight minutes as James Chester and Curtis Davies put City 2-0 up. The general consensus before hand was that City would struggle, but the head start was most welcome. Arsenal were shocking at set pieces. 

However, eventually class told, City ran out of gas and when changes were required, the replacements were sadly not up to it despite giving it their all. 

There were no complaints whatsoever. The better football team won. If City had have hung on until penalties I'm not sure that they'd have had the energy to take them. They could hold their heads high, as could the incredible support. 

It was good to hear the rapturous applause for the Bradford Fire Disaster on 56 minutes, mainly from the City end, followed by chants of “Yorkshire”.

Post match was spent with mates and good City fans initially at the First Class Sports Bar in Wembley and at The Roundhouse at Covent Garden and out in the street. It was an unforgettable long day in the company of some wonderful people.

No sour grapes. As I say the best side won, but some of the Arsenal fans were awful. There are ways of being a good winner as well as losers, but they didn't seem to grasp it. They seemed a bit bemused as City fans laughed back at their taunts. 

Thank God I don't follow a team who think it's their divine right to lift trophies. City were just happy to be there. Many did well to hold it together under severe provocation.

It had been one of my greatest ever days at football. It was right up there with the four Scarborough finals at Wembley and the Italia 90 semi final. I was so glad I’d shared it with so many good people. My Dad headed back to Scarborough to check the expiry date on his passport as City prepared for Europa League football!

North Ferriby United 3 Wrexham 3 after extra time: NFU win 5-4 on penalties (Sunday 29^th March 2015) FA Trophy Final (att: 15,585)

My regular football and cricket watching colleague Tony Foster had been in touch a few weeks earlier to ask if I wanted to go to the final on the special early bird price of £20. It was the day of the cricket World Cup Final and I naively thought I may be up early to watch England. I was also flying out to Bangkok via Abu Dabi that evening but the 1pm kick off worked for me.

It was a rainy lunchtime when we met up, but the weather was a typical ‘four seasons in a day’. Our seats were with the East Yorkshire club fans and offered a decent view. I got misty eyed with the trophy being displayed as it brought back so many happy memories in my youth as a Scarborough fan.

Another cricketing pal Paul ‘Hagar’ Jones was with his pals in the Wrexham end. Their support outnumbered the ‘minnows’ around four to one. Both national anthems were well respected before the teams gave all in attendance a thrilling afternoon.

The Red Dragons were by far the better side and were cruising at 2-0 thanks to goals from Louis Moult and Jay Harris after an hour. However, the game changed when Wrexham boss Kevin Wilkin took off experienced skipper Dean Keates with around twenty minutes remaining. Ferriby’s boss Billy Heath made decisive changes as the momentum swung.

St Kitts international winger Jason St Juste had been their biggest threat all afternoon, but he now really turned on the skill. Liam King fired in a penalty with fifteen minutes remaining to half the deficit. St Juste then set up substitute Ryan Kendall to level on eighty six minutes. Reds keeper Andy Coughlin pulled off a top save to take the game to extra time.

Remarkably ‘The Villagers’ took the lead through a Kendall header, but Wrexham drew level again two minutes from time with a Moult blockbuster shot. It had been a classic final but the drama extended to penalties as the lead exchanged and several spot kicks were missed or saved before Adam Nicklin proved to be the hero in the Ferriby net.

Goodness knows how tired the players must have been? We were worn out just watching. The extra time and penalties meant a bit of a rush to get home and eat before catching my cab to Heathrow, but it was worth any hassle. It was probably the best game I’d seen all season.

Hull City 1 Sheffield Wednesday 0 (Saturday 28th May 2016) The Championship Play Off Final (att: 70,189)

Never could I imagine that I’d be less enthused about seeing Hull City play at Wembley but the pressures of work and bereavement leading to mental illness was really taking its toll. Nevertheless, it really was lovely to meet up with Nick, Sally and Stan as well as John Groombridge and his lad Harry.

After a couple of cans we decided to head inside the stadium on a roasting hot day. I managed to actually enjoy a half of real ale. I wasn’t sure whether it was illness, nerves or a mixture of both, but I was struggling to enjoy myself.

The game was tight but City were the better side. Unfortunately the team had a poor turn out backing them owing to the poisonous reign under the Allam’s. Wednesday’s support on the other hand was superb.

Gradually I got into the game. Wednesday’s players were having a really poor day. City were hardly brilliant but they gained control of the midfield. The decisive moment of the game came on seventy two minutes when Mo Diame struck an amazing swerving shot into the top corner of the net.

We naturally went berserk. City were not really put under any pressure and it was a relatively straight forward ending to the match. The victory was sweet, but it said everything when the face of vice chairman Ehab Assam appeared on the giant screen and he was widely booed.

I used my local nous to get us back into Wembley Park station via the residents route and less than an hour after the game we were enjoying beers at Hampstead CC, while the boys payed outside making new friends and using all the facilities.

Hull FC 12 Warrington Wolves 10 (Saturday 27th August 2016) Rugby League Challenge Cup Final (att: 76,235)

Although not a huge rugby league fan, I do follow the game and Hull FC are my favourite team. When Hampstead CC club mate Ross Antrobus told me to give him a shout for tickets, I took him up on his offer. My good pal Steve Jarvis, an Aussie league fan and groundsman at our cricket club joined me.

Ross had come up trumps. We were on the half way line opposite the Royal Box in Club Wembley seats. We enjoyed beers in our seats throughout the afternoon.

The match was an absolute classic and one of the great Wembley finals.

Warrington had gone into a 10-0 lead with tries from Matty Russell and Ben Currie with Kurt Gidley adding the conversion. The Airlie Birds looked a beaten side, but they kept plugging away.

A tremendous 40/20 kick from Marc Sneyd set up a running move, which saw Mahe Fonua run over the try line. Sneyd added the additional two points. With just six minutes remaining Jamie Shaul forced his way over the line, with Sneyd again kicking the two extra points.

Wolves fought back and looked certain to score the decisive points but somehow Danny Houghton made a miraculous challenge to knock the ball from Currie’s grasp as he was about to put the ball down for a try.

FC hung on to win at Wembley for the first ever time in their history. It was their first Challenge Cup victory in eleven years. The celebrations were euphoric to say the least. Sneyd was given the Lance Todd Trophy as man of the match.

We followed the same route back to Wembley Park as I’d used a few weeks earlier. Our destination was O’Neill’s opposite St Pancras station where we met up in a celebrating pub by Fred Firman, while his family ate upstairs.

We cheered on Hull City on the live tea time match against Man Utd. A gloss was slightly taken away from a pretty special day when Marcus Rashford scored United’s winner in stoppage time. We were past caring and headed home for food in tired and emotional conditions.

Tottenham Hotspur 2 KAA Gent 2 (Thursday 23^rd February 2017) Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg (att: 80,465)

Click here to read about the match featuring Wembley's temporary tenants.

Jeff Lynn’s ELO (Saturday 24^th June 2017)

I’d wanted to see ELO and particularly Jeff Lynn for several years. After my Mum passed away, I’d made up several CD’s for Dad to listen to. He absolutely loved The Travelling Wilburys so I also got him the ELO Greatest Hits.

Dad listened to it regularly and enjoyed a tremendous documentary on Lynn on BBC Four. I’d turned down the opportunity to see him at the Radio Two Party in the Park a few years earlier and immediately regretted the decision not to go.

There was no way I was going to miss out again. Fellow Scarborough fan and Facebook pal Patrick Waterhouse posted that he had two tickets for the Wembley gig for sale. He didn’t for long!

Emmet Carton accompanied me, while Patrick was with his wife Lisa. We settled down to enjoy a simply stunning gig. Unfortunately, we were running a bit late and didn’t see nearly enough of former Keane front man Tom Chaplin’s performance.

However Lynn and his orchestra more than made up for it as they played all the bands greatest hits as well as plenty of other stuff. The musicians and backing singers were simply amazing. I’d been to gigs with atmosphere; but I don’t think any were up to the same musical standard.

The audience were generally of a more mature age, but every single person there got into it. The tickets were certainly not cheap; but it was worth every single penny. The tunes were in my head for days. Surely that’s testimony to a quality performance?

Hull FC 18 Wigan Warriors 14 (Saturday 26^th August 2017) Rugby League Challenge Cup Final (att: 68,525)

Hull FC returned to Wembley as holders of the trophy after demolishing Leeds Rhinos in the semi final. I asked the question of good old Ross at Wembley on behalf of Jarvo and myself. He got back to me a few days before the match.

Because it wasn’t an FA event he was unable to sort us with general seated tickets, but he’d arranged for us to have a place in a corporate box with hospitality and free food and soft drinks. This worked out perfectly as I was on night shift!

I met with my Aussie pal at Wembley Park where I also bumped into Fred and Helen, both in their black and white attire. We found out area via the escalators. Much though I missed the old place, there were some features that I really liked at new Wembley.

Our box turned out to be near the half way line behind the Royal Box. The view was absolutely magnificent. Some of our fellow patrons were obviously rugby fans, while others just there for a day out.

Before the match we were treated to a meal. I’ve still no idea what the starter was? It was some kind of a block of a meaty taste and texture of cream colour. It came with a breadstick and some kind of chutney or sauce.

The main course was a wonderful belly of pork; sadly missing the crackling. It was beautifully presented with a breadcrumb coated potato dish and carrots. It got the thumbs up from the pair of us. It was a shame that I couldn’t have a beer to wash it down, but I was heading straight to work.

Jarvo on the other hand, enjoyed a few bottles of beer that were brought to him whenever he wanted one. I made do with a coke and then went onto the water. We were given waitress service in our seats throughout the match. Our seats also gave us a view of the TV showing the game inside, which was ideal to watch replays.

The atmosphere was perfect as we were more or less half way between the fans; if a little towards the Hull support. I’d obviously taught young Stephen well the year before as I detected he was favouring the Yorkshire side.

Wigan went ahead as a hopeful kick was allowed to bounce awkwardly to allow Anthony Gelling to pass inside to John Bateman to score with George Williams adding the extra points from the conversion.

The previous years Lance Todd Trophy recipient Marc Sneyd then began to weave his magic with the boot. Albert Kelly offloaded to Sneyd whose high kick into the corner was collected by the Tongan Fetuli Talanoa to outjump his opponent to touch down. The provider scored the conversion.

On twenty minutes Sneyd’s kick to the opposite corner caused panic. Mahe Fonua picked up the ball to cross the line. Again Sneyd made no mistake with the kick to make the score 12-6. However, the Cherry and White’s fought back in what was turning into a great game.

Eight minutes before the interval they scored their second try as a fine move saw Thomas Leuluai and Williams link up to send Oliver Gildart over for four points. However, Williams missed the conversion. I pointed out to my mate that it could prove pivotal.

During the interval we went back inside to enjoy small meat pies and a selection of dainty little deserts in glasses. I’ve always been partial to a mousse so I wasn’t going to say no! I’d certainly enjoyed my dining experience.

Sneyd once again played a huge part in what would eventually turn out to be the decisive try. His 40-20 kick right into the Wigan danger zone led to Kelly sending in Fonua in the corner. Once gain Hull’s hero plonked the kick between the posts to make it 18-10.

Joe Burgess went over for Wigan to reduce the deficit as Williams missed another kick, before Burgess had a late try disallowed; which neither of us could see coming. That would have made the last few minutes tense.

That was the third try ruled out, the second for Wigan after Tony Clubb had been denied by the video referee for losing the ball over the line, closely following a Fonua try chalked off for obstruction.

Another crunching Hull tackle led to a Warriors player losing the ball in the closing stages as the Airlie Birds saw out victory. We hung around to see the lifting of the trophy a few rowns down to our left.

Sky TV’s former summariser Mike Stephenson had been sat not far in front, with commentator Eddie Hemmings a bit further down. It had been a brilliant afternoon out in a different spectating experience.

I had a twelve hour shift to get out of the way at work straight from Wembley, but the time flew by. It’d had been that kind of day.

England 0 Germany 0 (Friday 10^th November 2017) International Friendly (att: 81,382)

My attendance at England games had reduced to a trickle, but I was becoming utterly fed up with those in the media looking to bash the team and manager Gareth Southgate at every opportunity.

When Ross Antrobus kindly offered me a couple of complimentary tickets, I jumped at the opportunity. I took regular football and cricket attendee Tony Foster with me for what was an enjoyable evening.

It helped that our seats were in Club Wembley and offered a great view. The tribute to the fallen in all conflicts was impeccably observed, as were both anthems. The pre match scenes can be viewed here.

Both teams were missing players to injury, but it was Southgate’s tactics and formation and trust in youth that caught the eye. England looked a different team playing with three at the back and wing backs.

The teams had equal opportunities. Jordan Pickford was excellent in goal for the home team, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek would go on to become man of the match. John Stones was commanding at the back, while Danny Rose looked back to his best.

Jesse Lingard missed a guilt edged chance in the closing seconds for England to inflict a first Wembley win against Germany since 1974, when he scooped over. I left the stadium extremely upbeat and optimistic.

The only slight downer on the occasion was the fixation by large numbers to engage in a paper aeroplane contest throughout the second half. It was one of the perils of the gentrification of such events.

England 0 Brazil 0 (Tuesday 14^th November 2017) International Friendly (att: 84,495)

Nick was down for work and had struck lucky with complimentary tickets through his role as an FA Coach. He had stayed over the previous night as we attended the Haringey Borough v Sittingbourne FA Trophy replay.

After tea we had a quick pint in the local Kingsbury Wetherspoons before having a vastly more expensive ale inside the stadium, as the trip and getting through security was far quicker than we envisaged.

The atmosphere was decent, with plenty of ex pat Brazilians adding to the noise and passion. Their full strength stretched England time and time again, but Joe Gomez and Joe Hart both put in fine performances.

Indeed, the whole England side put in a serious shift and kept their shape and formation, even though attacks of their own were at a premium. Neymar lived up to his billing and looked different class on the ball.

Credit must go to the Brazil boss, Tite, and whoever pulled the strings as all the big names and Premier League stars had playing time, to the joy of the youngsters in the crowd. If only Gareth Southgate had been afforded such luxuries, with his injury ridden squad?

We headed back to Wembley Park via a route down the side of the Arena and I was back indoors at 10.20pm; with Nick getting to Kings Cross well in front of his scheduled 11pm departure. It had been another decent night.

Brackley Town 1 Bromley 1 - Brackley win 5-4 on penalties (Sunday 20^th May 2018) FA Trophy Final (att: 31,430)

The 4.15pm kick off time as part on Non-League Finals Day allowed me to attend the game after working early shift. My friend Ross had kindly sorted me with a couple of tickets, so I invited Steve Barnes along to join me.

Steve enjoyed a couple of pints in The Moon on the Hill in Harrow before I joined him for a swift one before we caught the 182 bus over road, after first checking that the service wouldn’t be diverted owing to the match.

The slightly naïve lady driver ignored the signs saying the road was closed during the event and continued down Hill Road to drop us on Empire Way at the right end of the stadium for our tickets in the Bromley end.

It was apparent that quite a few Crystal Palace and Millwall fans were lending their support to The Ravens for the day. Our seats were perfect; on the front row of the middle tier and right behind the goal.

A few fans remained from Thatcham Town’s 1-0 in the FA Vase against Stockton Town, but plenty of neutrals were in attendance. The FA’s idea of the double headed finals day was a good one in my view.

The Bromley support far outnumbered those from Brackley, who were a division lower in the league rankings and the underdogs. The Kent side were very much on top in the early stages and it came as no surprise when Omar Bugiel put them 1-0 up on nineteen minutes.

It was a beautiful afternoon as Bromley just about deserved the lead as the teams headed down the tunnel at half time. However, the Northants side came out fighting after the break and began to create plenty of opportunities, especially in the final fifteen minutes.

James Armson was the main culprit in front of goal and it looked like Brackley would suffer double disappointment after losing out on promotion seven days earlier when soundly beaten by Harrogate Town in the play-off final.

The Bromley fans around us were becoming more and more anxious as the game entered the fifth minute of stoppage time. They were to be proved justified. Matt Lowe’s shot came off the foot of the post and went in off Ravens experienced centre back Roger Johnson.

The pocket of red and white clad fans erupted along the far side. The game went into extra time, which was always going to be hard work on such a hot day that referee Chris Kavanagh allowed drinks intervals at the midway point of each half.

There was no further scoring, so the game was to be decided on penalties, which were to be taken at the far end. David Gregory saved the first Brackley kick taken by Shane Byrne. Every other penalty was converted, leaving Bugiel with a chance to win the trophy for Bromley.

He skied his effort over the bar. Adam Walker scored to level at 4-4 and take the contest to sudden death. Ravens skipper Jack Holland hit the post, leaving Andy Brown to fire home and win it for Town.

Many supporting Bromley left quickly, as did we. I guess many of those were the day trippers, but they seemed narked none the less. We headed back over the hill to take a 79 bus back to Kingsbury to enjoy a couple of beers.

Manchester City 6 Watford 0 (Saturday 18^th May 2019) FA Cup Final (att: 85,854)

When Hendon secretary Daz Bloor offered me the chance of a ticket for the Cup Final I jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, he pulled out so I decided to invite Emmett who had helped me out when I couldn’t shift a Jeff Lynne ticket in the past.

I’d warmed up for the action by taking in some cricket at Hampstead CC and enjoying some excellent company before jumping on a busy tube to meet my mate at the bottom of the steps outside Wembley Park station.

The traditional Wembley Way had changed beyond recognition over the previous two or three years as new hotels, flats, shops and eateries had sprung up. Indeed, it wasn’t easy to spot much of the stadium from the station anymore.

It was also a relief to see the work I saw in progress the previous day had been completed. Fans, obviously having more money than sense, were spending their hard earned on overpriced food and drink. Programmes were £10!

The atmosphere was excellent though. Escalators took us onto the top deck on the East side seats above the Royal Box. We had a top class view; once you could summon the energy to climb up the stairs to our position.

By then we’d bit the bullet and had a few drinks. £5.90 for a pint bottle of Budweiser was pushing my northern frugality, but it was a one off occasion and it was great to have a catch up and a good chat.

I was a bit disappointed when a chorus of “There’s only one Tommy Mooney” went up and the bloke in the queue said he was across the hall. I knew Tommy from his days as a Scarborough player. It would have been nice to say hello, but I couldn’t locate him.

The whole arena looked outstanding in readiness for the appearance of the teams, with the sky blue of City and yellow of Watford in the stands. Could we experience a shock as City looked to complete their domestic treble?

Well, it could well have and probably should have been the Horns who took the lead when Roberto Pereyra was played in by Gerard Deulofeu but saw his attempt smothered by keeper Ederson.

Referee Kevin Friend turned down appeals for a Watford penalty when an Abdoulaye Doucoure shot hit the arm of Vincent Kompany. That would prove to be the best spell for the underdogs before City took the lead on twenty six minutes.

The ball wasn’t cleared in the air before it fell to David Silva who made no mistake in firing across Heurelho Gomes and into the net. It was 2-0 eight minutes before the break after a quality ball from Bernardo Silva put in Gabriel Jesus whose shot was turned over the line by Raheem Sterling.

Exercise was taken at half time with a real cardio workout up and down the steps to the concourse; but reward came via a hot dog, which was actually decent in standard if not price. The game desperately needed a Watford goal.

To be fair they really had a go for the first ten to fifteen minutes. However, they were up against one of the best club sides to grace English football. City simply contained before systematically dismantling their opponents.

Substitute Kevin De Bruyne went past Gomes to score on the hour mark after being set up by Jesus before the Belgian returned the favour to Jesus who netted from fifteen yards mid way through the second period. It was looking ominous for Watford.

On eighty one minutes Sterling finished unmarked at the back post to convert more superb Bernardo Silva creativity. Many teams and sets of fans would have thrown in the towel, but Watford’s collective earned huge respect as they never stopped.

The fans began by waving their free flags before creating a wall of noise. The City fans applauded their efforts. The team continued to try; even when Sterling completed his hat-trick with four minutes remaining after Gomes had saved his initial effort.

I was aware that the record score in a final had been created when Bury defeated Derby County 6-0 in 1903. I’m not sure why but it was a stat that stuck with me. City had equalled it and I was keen to see history being made.

If it wasn’t for Gomes, they would have grabbed a seventh, as the goalie made a couple of good stops. The full time whistle sounded. We didn’t hang about for the trophy presentations. We wanted to enjoy a few beers and beat the crowds.

Our destination was The Windermere at South Kenton so we headed to Wembley Central station; where I heard lines that only British humour seems to spawn. Thousands of Watford fans were queuing to enter the station when a young lad rode by on his bike and asked if they’d won?

Another fan was lamenting having to face Luton Town fans at work on Monday morning. His mate told him not to worry as none of them could count past five. You can’t write quality material like that. At least those paid to seem to struggle.

Before long we were in the pub where we chatted to a pair of Watford supporting twins who Emmett knew. Proper football fans to boot. They understood how lucky they were to see their team in an FA Cup Final despite the result.

The pub did us proud with fine ale and occasional snacks, such as chicken tikka, sausages and chips being taken round as well as one room playing some great tunes via the jukebox with the other for talking. It rounded off a fantastic day out.

AFC Fylde 1 Leyton Orient 0 (Sunday 29^th May 2019) FA Trophy Final (att: 42,962)

The day after the FA Cup Final I was back at the National Stadium for Non-League Finals Day. My £25 ticket afforded me access to both the Trophy and the earlier Vase final which saw Chertsey Town defeat Cray Valley PM 3-1 after extra time.

I’d been pondering whether to go to both matches. I really should have made the effort as Chertsey had some former Hendon players in their line up who I really wanted to win. In the end I decided against for a couple of reasons.

I’d wanted to buy a ticket in the neutral zone where my pals Tony Foster and Mark Turner were sitting but the FA website didn’t allow it and the Wembley Box Office only opened on the day of the game, when there would be queues and I had a bit of a hangover.

Instead I wandered down to JJ Moons in Kingsbury for a “hair of the dog”. This worked out well as my Orient supporting friends, including the two Steve’s, who I went to many Hendon games and drank with regularly, were gathered. It turned into a convivial couple of hours.

Mr Speller and I wandered down the drag from the station at will with most of the crowd already inside the stadium. My seat was for the upper tier behind the goal among the 23,000 O’s support. The block wasn’t full so I could choose my position at will.

Fylde were returning to Wembley after losing in the final of the promotion play-offs to Salford City eight days previously, while Orient were looking to do the double after clinching the National League title. They had three weeks rest before the match.

The break was noticeable, especially in the early stages as the side from east London looked ring rusty. Skipper Neill Byrne was forced off with concussion for The Coasters on a warm afternoon. Alex Reid forced O’s keeper Dean Brill into a good save on twenty minutes.

Andy Bond was then set up by Danny Rowe but failed to convert at the back post. On the stroke of half time the creative Nick Haughton went on a fine run, which Reid could find enough power to truly test Brill.

At the break I went all scattercash and bought a hot dog to stave off some hunger. Mr Speller texted me and admitted that Fylde were the better side. I pointed out that I thought that Rowe was the best player both on the match evidence and having seen him perform in the away game at Harrogate Town earlier in the season.

Justin Edinburgh made a change for Orient for the second half, with Jordan Maguire-Drew coming on. His free kick dipped over the wall and bounced back off the post shortly after the restart.

It wasn’t long before the subs corner was met by the head of central defender Marvin Ekpiteta who saw his effort hit the outside of the post. Despite the improvement it was Dave Challinor’s side who took the lead on the hour mark. Rowe’s long range free kick beat the flat footed Brill.

With twenty minutes remaining Orient hit the woodwork for a third time. This time full back Joe Widdowson go on a run before seeing his low shot come back off the post. Maguire-Drew fired the rebound towards goal but hit his teammate Matt Harrold on the line.

Fylde did a decent job of closing the game out and played plenty of good football of their own. It wasn’t to be for Orient, but they seemed happy enough with being promoted back to the Football League.

I made my way back to the station laughing at the vendors struggling to shift half and half scarves for both games. One stall had managed to spell Fylde wrong on two occasions on their souvenirs, which was beyond belief.

Back at JJ Moons we had a good post match debrief as the two Steve’s along with Mark and Tony chatted and enjoyed a few beers before it was time for me to head home for an early start at work the following day.

Some video footage can be found by clicking here.

England 7 Montenegro 0 (Thursday 14^th November 2019) Group A Euro 2020 Qualifier (att: 77,277)

Nick had qualified for another couple of comp tickets through his coaching credentials and I was off work. Unfortunately, my brother couldn’t get down, so Steve Barnes made his England watching debut at the age of 63.

We had a beer in Kingsbury before heading to the stadium. We’d made good time, so my mate got an extra round despite the daft prices. £6 for Marstons EPA was taking liberties in my opinion. We were still in our seats for the arrival of the teams for England’s 1,000th game.

The test of the qualifiers had certainly been watered down over the years, with so many “new” nations taking part, but they still had to be won. England had lost a couple of games ago to the Czech Republic and needed a point from this match to go to the finals.

The hosts raced into a three goal lead; with all three set up by Ben Chilwell. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain finished neatly on eleven minutes before free headers for Harry Kane were put away on eighteen and twenty-four minutes.

One feared for the Montenegrins as the onslaught continued on a bitterly cold Wembley evening. Keeper Milan Mijatović was left exposed far too often. At the other end Jordan Pickford was forced into a brilliant save on twenty-seven minutes as Marko Simić headed a Sead Haksabanovic free kick on goal.

It became 4-0 on the half hour mark as a deep corner found the head of Harry Maguire who forced Mijatović to parry the ball; which landed by Marcus Rashford who cleverly made room for himself before slotting home.

Some of the visiting players began to lose their discipline as the pressure mounted. Marko Vešović appeared to be fortunate to only receive a yellow card for what looked like a head butt on Rashford following a minor altercation.

Kane completed his hat-trick to make it 5-0 on thirty-seven minutes as he collected a good cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold to control and then finish from seven yards.

Five minutes before the break the England central defence parted to allow a through pass to reach the unmarked Fetos Bećiraj. The forward was denied by Pickford, but the opportunity was a timely reminder of the shortcomings of the hosts on occasions.

The interval allowed for presentations and a celebration of the thousand game milestone, which undoubtedly works better for the TV audience than the supporters in the stadium. That said, it was nice to see the appearance of some former legends.

As often happens in a game where the goals have flowed in the first half, proceedings were a lot slower after the break as the Montenegro side regrouped and England seemed satisfied that their job was done.

Mason Mount had a goal overturned for offside before both head coaches rang the changes from the bench. It became 6-0 in comical fashion as Aleksander Šofranac smashed into his own net via the underside of the bar to round off scrappy play from Jaden Sancho and Mount.

Joe Gomez received some petty booing as he came on as a sub in response to a petty argument earlier in the week which led to the deselection of Raheem Sterling for the game. The forward later defended Gomez to the England fans.

Six minutes from full time Tammy Abraham scored his first senior international goal when he converted a low Sancho cross at the near post. The Three Lions continued to try and add to their tally as the game drifted to its conclusion.

Steve and I were on our way rapidly after the game; using my favourite route to Wembley Park and then to the Midland Hotel at Hendon via a bus ride at Kingsbury. A few fine pints of Oakham Citra rounded off a a good night as we watched the match highlights on TV.

Warrington Rylands 3 Binfield 2 FA Vase final followed by Hornchurch 3 Hereford 1 FA Trophy final (Saturday 22nd May 2021) Non-League Finals Day 2021 (att: 10,000)

A wonderful few hours as I met up my pal Tony for a reintroduction to watching football inside a proper stadium as the regulations surrounding the pandemic were loosened. We certainly got our monies worth.

I’d been fortunate that my day off coincided with Hornchurch selling their remaining tickets to the general public. The queues were long, but I was in luck. Many missed out, though I doubt too many will have been regulars, so my conscience was clear.

I’d intended to go for a mammoth fry up at the Imperial Café, Rayners Lane, but poor sleep patterns meant I ended up at Kingsbury Moon’s. I met Tony at Wembley Park as we made our way through stringent checks. Our tickets were for Club Wembley, where the stewards were most courteous.

Setting out I was wanting Binfield to win, as former Hendon goalie Chris Grace, was between the sticks for the Berkshire outfit. However, my enthusiasm was tempered when I realised it looked like they’d signed players from higher divisions when those leagues had been abandoned earlier in the season.

One such addition, Liam Ferdinand from Harrow Borough netted twice, but was outdone by a hattrick from Elliott Nevitt of Rylands. A tremendous match, superbly refereed, with the Warrington lads showing just how much it meant by remaining on the turf and celebrating with fans for a good half hour after the match.

Two hours between matches was too long, but understandable in case the first game went all the way to penalties along with all the Covid requirements. We were treated to a fantastic display from the Wembley groundstaff mowing the pitch.

No food or drink was allowed to be taken in, so I went for a tea and double Mars bar for £4 to fill the void, with the pie for just under a fiver tempting in looks but not to my wallet. No programmes had been printed, which eased the days outlay, if not the time between the games.

The atmosphere ramped up for the second game, with both clubs being allowed 3,000 fans each, which was double the allowance for the Vase encounter. The alcohol consumption of those arriving also aided the volume.

Hereford went down the tunnel at the break with the lead through a deflected shot, though there hadn’t been much between the sides. The match changed when Urchins boss Mark Stimpson made a couple of canny changes including experienced front man Chris Dickson.

A wayward defensive error been but in off the bar restored parity before two fine goals sent the Trophy to the giant killers of Essex, which was fully deserved overall.

We noticed a large number of stewards per attendance, but if this was a dummy run for Euro 20 matches, then some re-employment to replace some dummies with those who can run might be in order, as tens of Hornchurch fans got onto the pitch at full time.

Of course, their idiotic behaviour, when we were all hoping that things get back to normal as soon as possible, couldn’t be excused, but such behaviour wouldn’t be disappearing in a hurry, more’s the pity. A mixture of morons and filling positions with numbers on the cheap unfortunately.

But as I’ve mentioned in the past, it’s a bloody difficult job. One other grumble. The volume of music and the screeching lass on the PA were of volumes that would put Glastonbury to shame. Tone and clarity are far more important than volume on a mic. At least in my opinion, but I was increasingly coming to the conclusion that sports fans of my age no longer matter.

Overall, a cracking few hours, as my sparring partner and I headed to the excellent Windermere, where the quality of ale, customer service and fellow punters all hit the right spot as we recreated an edition of Grumpy and Sensible Old Men putting the world to rights while watching an excellent play-off encounter between Swansea and Barnsley.

England 1 Hungary 1 (Tuesday 12^th October 2021) World Cup Qualifier (att: 69,380)

 

A nice day out with my youngest brother including pitch and putt on what purported to be a golf course at Queens Park, beers in the excellent Carlton Tavern and a lovely risotto at Small and Beautiful in Kilburn.

I was so glad that I went with him as we share so many good memories of watching England, and this added to them. We then headed on to Wembley. I'd been to worse England games and have also seen several of this ilk. 

The hosts were very flat against a well marshalled Magyar side cheered on by a right wing mixture of both their countrymen and assistance of Poles, all expat, if reports are accurate over the far side where trouble broke out in the first half.

In my opinion, there had rarely been a side that had such a poor major influential player as Raheem Sterling. Like a kid chasing a balloon at a party. That said he was good compared to Harry Kane on this occasion. He tries his heart out, and seems like a good person, but how he frustrates.

The goals came on twenty-four minutes when a clumsy Luke Shaw challenge allowed Roland Sallai to send Jordan Pickford the wrong way from the penalty spot. John Stones returned parity when scoring at the far post before the interval. That was about all of the meaningful action.

Never say never, but heading away I thought that it was me done with England games, even if I wasn't moving shortly to foreign climes. I had fallen out of love with it and didn’t enjoy the company of modern fans.

I was waiting for the introduction of kiss cams at Wembley, as it had every other awful modern “attraction”. It was so sterile. All about the entertainment of the event to some rather than the blokes on the pitch.

It was probably my age catching up with me. It was always going to be tough when Italia 90 is impossible to be bettered, which I attended. I yearned for the smell of watery Westler burgers and Bovril, with people smoking, along with sporadic songs on the terraces.

One bonus was that I was back in JDW with a pint in Kingsbury at just gone 10pm. If that can be described as a bonus. Those keen on the paper airplane contest throughout the match should be forced to drink and live there for a month. There wouldn't be many repeat offenders.