England supporters FINALLY made their voices heard as the Three Lions roared to victory over Senegal

It was starting to feel like the Al Bayt stadium would not be a happy place for England, on or off the pitch.

This was the ground that had seen the Three Lions’ dull 0-0 draw with the United States. The atmosphere was underwhelming that night and for 38 minutes here it felt flat once again.

Perhaps the stadium’s inconvenient location is the reason it does not lend itself to the best atmosphere. All of the other grounds are fairly close together and easy to navigate by public transport. But this is the one venue that is out of the way.

England fans were well-travelled in their numbers at the Al Bayt stadium in Qatar

It would be like holding a World Cup in London but hosting a handful of games in Milton Keynes or Brighton.

The nearest metro station is a 30 minute drive. A bus or a taxi is your best method of transport but there is undoubtedly more chance of a sing-a-long with fellow supporters when you travel by train. 

It was as if the England fans had not had the chance to warm up their vocal chords.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson opened the scoring for England against Senegal

England fans created their best atmosphere of the tournament so far as England’s stars delivered in the heat

65,985 fans watched on inside the Al Bayt stadium as England continued their World Cup journey

The Three Lions players celebrate as skipper Harry Kane (centre) doubles their first-half lead

Though there seemed to be a strong English presence inside the 60,000-seater stadium, the most noise was coming from those cheering for Senegal. 

Their band, who were passionately playing their African drums, were drowning out any sound the England supporters tried to make.

Senegal supporters would have been hoping to see a better performance from their side

England fans watching on in the heat of the Middle East join in the celebrations as England run riot against Senegal

That was until Jordan Henderson fired in the opening goal. Suddenly there was an eruption. Relief, joy and finally noise bursting out of the England fans. 

The Senegal band, undeterred, continued to bash out the same beat they had been doing all game. 

England fans back home were clearly in the Christmas spirit as they watch their side ease to victory in their last 16 World Cup tie

Kane’s rocket strike from inside the Senegal box finds the back of the net in Qatar

But when Harry Kane made it 2-0 with the last kick before half-time, they were silenced. Goal music is a bit like marmite, you either love it or hate it. But it is hard not to get carried up in the celebrations when Freed from Desire is blasting from the speakers.

Unlike against Wales, England did not need a half-time performance from Chesney Hawkes to provide them with some inspiration. The tone had already been set.

Saka slips England’s third goal past Chelsea and Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy

England manager Gareth Southgate watched on as his team perfectly-executed their gameplan against Senegal

Instead, a different UK act took to the pitch as The Overtones fittingly sang Kool & The Gang’s ‘Celebration’. When Bukayo Saka wrapped up the game in the 57th minute, the celebrations really could begin.

The Al Bayt may not be the best location but there was a party going on at full-time. England will be back here for their quarter-final with France and the winners of that will return for the semis. So bring your good times, and your laughter too.

England will now face reigning world champions France in a World Cup quarter-final clash