We watched the final match of the Euros 2024 at the Old Post Office in Kirkgate, Newark

Pubs across the country were packed on Sunday night in the hope of seeing England men’s team finally lift a major football trophy for the first time in 58 years – and Newark was no different.

As England took to the pitch in Berlin to face favourites Spain in the final of the European Champions, we were at The Old Post Office in Kirkgate to watch the drama unfold.

Alongside us were a few hundred fans, some with painted faces, England shirts and T-shirts and flags – all willing their side to victory.

As a sports bar, the Old Post Office had several televisions showing the game, the venue had people watching inside and out.

As Spain opened the scoring only two minutes after half-time, the pub went silent as the atmosphere became tense.

But not all was lost as England levelled in the 73rd minute and the pub went wild – hope was restored.

People hugged, chanted, screamed, cheered and smiled, there was a chance of England winning the Euros 2024.

People a few miles away from Newark could probably hear the screams from around pubs in Newark as Cole Palmer scored.

But there was agony in store for the fans.

As Spain got another goal in the 86th minute, the chants stopped, and there was silence because it wasn’t too long until the end of the game for England to salvage the game.

As real true fans, Newark’s hope still prevailed in the air, however, everyone knew was hard, but not impossible.

But as the game ended, the pubs emptied as quickly as they filled in the early afternoon before the game started at 8pm.

Newark went from a place of chanting, happiness and hope to quiet and home.

Euros 2028 is being co-hosted by England, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, so maybe next time it will come home.