25 brilliant pictures as fans gather in Sunderland to watch England conquer Croatia in their first World Cup clash

By Gavin Ledwith

Published 17th Jun 2026, 23:28 GMT

Updated 18th Jun 2026, 00:19 GMT

Football fans in Sunderland gathered together to roar The Three Lions to victory in their first World Cup match.

Hundreds of supporters watched England’s 4-2 win over Croatia on big screens at The Stack, in Seaburn, on Wednesday night.

Echo photographer Frank Reid was there to capture these pictures of spectators both enduring and enjoying the rollercoaster ride.

That's Croatia conquered. Now on to Ghana. Photo: Frank Reid

This England fans toasts the 4-2 win. Photo: Frank Reid

Will England fans continue to be happy as the tournament progresses? Photo: Frank Reid

England stepped up after the interval following a patchy first half. Photo: Frank Reid

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