A trip to Wembley Stadium

We are very grateful to Wembley National Stadium Trust for providing the project with tickets to England’s friendly fixture against France on 17th November. One service user shared his experience with us:

I was feeling quite anxious ahead of the game, a combination of fear of another Paris like attack, and my usual social anxiety, but this wouldn’t stop me going.  I felt that this game represented far more than football, and it would be an honour to be there.  I arrived at Wembley about 5:30 some 2 ½ hours before kick off. I walked up Olympic Way and could see the French colours illuminating the Wembley arch, various TV crews and armed police, which made me feel a lot more secure en route to the Stadium.  Gates opened at 6:30, this was my first time at the new Wembley Stadium, and my first thought was how much closer to the pitch it is compared to the old Wembley.  My anxiety about who was around me and who I might converse with eased and I started to focus more and more on the present moment,  occasionally feeling anxious, but not lasting long enough to spoil my evening.

Being closer to the pitch left me feeling that the atmosphere created would be extra special.  As kick off approached the two teams and supporters sang their national anthems, with some of the English fans joining in with the French anthem, out of respect to the tragic events that happened in Paris a few days ago.  The atmosphere was very special, a lot of warmth between both sets of supporters with many English fans, stewards and even police having the French flag drawn onto their cheeks.  The English supporters behind the goal also held up red, white & blue pieces of paper to represent the French flag during the French anthem which were later turned into paper aeroplanes that were aimed at the photographers behind the goal, all in good humour.

The game itself was good, not too many chances, but nice football from very talented players on both sides.  I felt that France had the better of the game in the first 15 minutes but England grew into it and eventually scored a fantastic goal from Dele Alli who shot into the top corner from outside the penalty area.  During the second half Raheem Sterling put in a great cross for Rooney who volleyed in England’s second, which was too powerful for Lloris to keep out.  Both Harry Kane for England and Paul Pogba for France came close with very good long range efforts. Pogba also set up Martial with a deft back heel, but sub goalkeeper Jack Butland came out sharply and smothered his shot. Alli was the well deserved man of the match and the final score was England 2 France 0.  But it was about more than just football and as I said at the beginning it was an honour to be there.