FOOTBALL fans rushed to the pub and raised a pint as they threw their support behind England.

Pubs were packed across south Essex as England went head-to-head with Germany at Wembley today.

Pub goers at The Bread and Cheese pub in Benfleet erupted in excitement as England secured a quarter final slot with a 2-0 win.

Goals from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane were enough to see the national side emerge victorious.

Echo: Fun - Revellers were pleased to be at the pubFun - Revellers were pleased to be at the pub

Steve Haslam, 55, director of parent firm Morlynnes, which owns the The Bread and Cheese said it is great to welcome back customers for top sporting events.

He added: “We spent too long in lockdown and we’re now getting back into the spirit of being pubs again.

“The atmosphere was great and staff loved it as it was nice and busy.

“We sold out early and we had to add another 40 seats and it’s been a great boost for us and the whole industry.”

He said customers were in good spirits and enjoying being with family and friends and also that it’s key to getting the whole country back on its feet.

Echo: Cheering - Football fans at the Benfleet pub Cheering - Football fans at the Benfleet pub

He added: “We didn’t know if we would make it out of the lockdowns and it’s great to back.”

Ben Marrable and Louis Wyille joined their mates for the game in Benfleet.

Ben, 20 from Westcliff, said: “I was born on St George’s Day so England is everything to me.

“It was beautiful to out at the pub with my mates watching the game.

“It was amazing to get together and support our nation.”

Louis, 20, from Leigh, said: “I was locked in for over a year due to Covid so it was great to be out and was such a great atmosphere.”

Brian Keenleyside, 67, from Bowers Gifford also joined friends Paul Walker and Steve Rayner.

He said: “It was fantastic to be able to go to the pub and it shows we are getting there with getting out of the Covid pandemic. It was a great atmosphere on the day.”