England fans show off Midlands flags in Euros win

England's opening game at Euro 2024 had an "electric" atmosphere and was like playing a home game, according to one Midlands football fan.

The team beat Serbia 1-0 and Lynda Courts, from Redditch, Worcestershire, said it was one of the best games she has ever been to for atmosphere.

The Birmingham City fan arrived at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen three hours before kick-off.

"It was like being at Wembley, to be honest. You did not realise you were in Germany," she said.

"The atmosphere was absolutely electric, it was one of the best games I have been to for atmosphere."

The stadium was turned red and white due to the sheer amount of St George's flags draped around it.

Ms Courts had a flag stolen during England's previous game at Wembley against Iceland and said she put her replacement "Redditch Blues" flag behind the goal for this game.

"As you were watching there were just England flag after England flag everywhere around the stadium," she said.

Photos taken at the match show England flags dedicated to Shrewsbury Town, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Coventry City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Hereford and West Bromwich Albion.

Speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, Ms Courts said: "There were so many England fans there.

"I do not think I have seen so many England fans at an away game in a different country like that before."

Ex-Birmingham City player Jude Bellingham scored the only goal of the game and, as a Blues fan, Ms Courts said she was overjoyed.

"I think I screamed a bit too much when Jude scored," she said.

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