FOOTBALL brings everyone together, it seems.

And after a year like no other, fans in Basingstoke were ecstatic to be back with family friends, in the pub and cheering on the three lions as they faced Denmark in the semi-finals of the Euro 2020 championship.

The Gazette stopped by The Rising Sun off Chapel Hill to speak to supporters ahead of kick off.

One group had been there since 3pm.

Rob Arnold, 46, from South View said: “They save us this table every time, we’ve been coming three or four years, probably even longer.

“I am actually gutted I’m sitting here, I was offered a ticket, but the last train home is 10 past 11 and if it goes to extra time you can’t get back!”

Another group of friends agreed that it was good to be back enjoying sport together.

James Habgood, 40, said: “It’s fantastic, they’ve gone incredibly well really. A shaky start but it’s the best I have seen for a long time!

“It seems a little bit more safe [in the pub] now, and it’s good to get a nice big cheer!”

Childhood mates Josh Fletcher, Ben Coulter, Sam Green and Lewis Maxwell, all 19, were in top spirits as they enjoyed a pre-match pint or two.

Sam said: “The boys have played quite well. Obviously it was a slow start but 4-0 against Ukraine was a great achievement. We’re just trying to make the most of it!”

Adam Lee, 37, from South View said: “It’s exciting, it’s a good watch.”

His friend Chris Nisbet, 36, from Basing View, added: “When they played Germany, I was definitely hiding at home, but we have enough confidence now!”

But loyalties weren’t so clear for everybody.

Outside in the beer garden, listening on their phones, were a group of employees from Pizza Hut in Festival Place. One girl is from Italy and when asked who she was supporting she sheepishly said “I don’t want to say!” adding with a laugh “I just want Italy to win”.

After a nail-biting match which saw the pub-goers sat on the edge of their seats, England came out victorious, securing a place in Sunday’s grand final.

“It was tense - I was n the edge the whole time!” said Adam Lee, moments after the final whistle.

And out in the Top of Town, fans spilled out of Plush nightclub, dancing and cheering as choruses of “it’s coming Home” could be heard and police stood watch, ready to step in at the first sign of chaos.

All in all, it was a night none will forget anytime soon. Kevin and the team at The Rising Sun posed for a picture behind the bar after a busy evening.

“Now we do it all again on Sunday!” he exclaimed.