ODSAL STADIUM was the place to be for England’s first group game against Tunisia yesterday evening.

On a bleak day, the atmosphere at the ground and the match itself certainly provided a shining light.

Organisers from residents, Bradford Bulls, stepped in at short notice to provide the city with a big screen to watch this summer’s football festivities, after the T&A announced the council would not be showing England’s matches at Centenary Square for a third World Cup in a row.

Over 500 tickets were booked (the event was free) for Monday’s event despite only being announced last Friday and the crowd were bubbling from the off.

Refreshments were available, as well as entertainment for kids on the playing field itself – including an inflatable football net to a Foosball table.

Captain Kane’s 11th minute opener only added to the excitement.

But, this was quelled temporarily around midway through the first half when a “warning” message came up on the screen to the dismay of the crowd.

The threat of the service going into “standby mode” if no action was taken was met with a jovial chorus of boos until organisers obviously found the remote control.

Almost immediately afterwards laughter at this slight annoyance turned into genuine disappointment after Tunisia were awarded a penalty which they subsequently tucked away.

The event rumbled on, with a selection of England classics ringing out to the crowd during half time – I even met a pair of hot-dogs on my journey out to the refreshment area (see final picture in gallery).

Fans seemingly reacted well to the evening with one telling me if the beer was cheaper it would be even better.

Supporters of Bradford Bulls, City and Park Avenue alike were there to cheer on their national team.

One Bulls fan referred to a contentious challenge on Harry Kane in the first half and said: “Did you see that rugby tackle in the first half? Sign them up.”

People made their way back into the sheltered viewing area for a second half which offered little more than worry and angst for the most part.

Until the fateful moment during injury time, when that hero of all heroes, Harry Kane, came up trumps and Odsal Stadium erupted – flags, food and beer flying everywhere (watch the video above).

Bradford Bulls Commercial Director, Damian Irvine, said: “We’re really impressed with the response bearing in mind we only announced this on Friday.”

He added: “The venue is weatherproof, it’s good for families and Bradford City and members of the council have been very supportive.

“A Bradford day out is a Bradford day out – we’re not rivals, we’re all Bradford.”

A joyous evening for all involved.

The Bulls will also be showing the England v Panama match at Odsal this coming Sunday at 1pm, as part of a jam-packed day of sporting events.

More information to follow.