Three Lions provides the perfect soundtrack for happy fans as Sunderland celebrates England World Cup win

The Lightning Seeds provided the dream ending to the perfect day for Wearside football fans as they closed Sunniside Live 2018.

The band kept fans waiting, performing a string of their hits including 'Life of Riley,' 'Lucky You' and 'Pure' before finishing with 'Three Lions' on a day which had seen Gareth Southgate's men progress to a World Cup semi-final with a 2-0 win over Sweden.

Hundreds of football fans had flooded in to the city centre for the game, with Sunderland Bid setting up big screens in FanZones at Low Row and in West Sunniside as part of the Festival.

Goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli were enough to see England through, with Sunderland-born keeper Jordan Pickford and midfielder Jordan Henderson both playing key roles in keeping the Scandinavians at bay.

The Riley family - dad Graeme, 49; mum Margaret, 48; and kids Kathryn, 25, and Joseph, 21 - had travelled through from Hebburn for the match and concert.

The tickets were a birthday gift for Graeme, who really had led The Life of Riley: "It has been absolutely tremendous," he said.

"The Lightning Seeds were top class."

He was equally impressed with the team's performance: "They did very well," he said.

"It was tight, but they did what they had to do.

"Pickford was outstanding, but people forget it was Henderson who made the vital clearance. He was the top man."

Friends Vicky Happer, from Whitburn, and Branka Waller, from Roker, had had a great night.

"It was absolutely fantastic," said Vicky, 43.

"The atmosphere was just so friendly, everyone was just so happy.

"It was the perfect end to a class day."

Even designated driver Branka, 46, was delighted: "It was fabulous," she said.

"I am stone cold sober and still thought the night was marvellous."