“FOOTBALL’S coming home!”

It started as a tongue-in-cheek claim by England fans as the nation’s young, inexperienced squad journeyed to Russia, but after a nail-biting penalty shoot-out win, England are in the quarter-finals, and people are starting to believe.

We take on Sweden in Samara at 3pm today, and World Cup fever has well and truly spread amongst the English public.

There is growing feeling this England team has the ability to win the tournament, 52 years since the nation’s first and only success at Wembley.

The match kicks off at 3pm, and venues across the district are holding special events for the game, and a number of sporting events have also made exceptions to allow as many people to tune in for the game.

Almost 24 million people tuned in for the quarter-final against Colombia, not including those who watched the game in pubs and clubs, with viewing figures likely to be even higher.

Across the cricket leagues, many games start times have been rearranged, with some starting at 9am, and others at 11.30am with an extended tea break to watch the game. However, some clubs have refused to budge for the football and will still be starting play at 1pm.

The district’s rugby league sides are also kicking off early, with Bradford Dudley Hill kicking off away in Hull at 11.30am to be home in time for the game, and Drighlington kicking off in Wigan at midday, and West Bowling at 12.30pm.

Around the district, Q Gardens in Odsal will be showing the game on 11 screens, and will have drinks offers for guests.

Bradford Bulls are also hosting a marquee for the match along with a barbecue and bar.

In the city centre, many pubs are showing the game and offering drinks and food deals, including the Ginger Goose, City Vaults, The Peacock Bar, Pack Horse, Lord Clyde, Al’s Dime Bar and the Muddy Puddle.

A number of clubs will be screening the match, including Tyersal Club and Girlington Conservative Club, and a number of sports clubs will also be screening the game.

Bradford Council is showing its support for the team by lighting the city centre in the England colours from dusk over the weekend.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “Reaching the quarter-finals is already a great achievement for England and we want to show our support Now we just have to keep our fingers crossed for a win on Saturday!”

After his stunning save in the penalty shoot-out, former Bradford City loanee Jordan Pickford is a shoe-in to play in net for the Three Lions, while Bradford-born Fabian Delph will be up for selection after linking back up with the side after returning home to be with his wife for the birth of their third daughter.