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ENGLAND V ICELAND |
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The last match before England fly out to Portugal for Euro 2004 was always going to be one that was vital to the team. Having performed poorly against Japan, Sven's men would be hoping to give the fans some hope with victory over Iceland at the City of Manchester Stadium. Scott McCarthy was joined by Tommy and Ali Mac for the game, which followed an overnight stay in Rotherham |
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| The Brecon Hotel, our place of rest for the evening | The luxurious room that was on offer to the McCarthy's |
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| This lovely paining brightened up the room somewhat | McCarthy catches up on the local news with a read of Sheffield's regional paper The Star |
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| Tom McCarthy looks forward to the day ahead | He drives us to Sheffield station, from where we would take the train to Manchester |
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| The roof of the stadium appears in the train window | Manchester Piccadilly station is awash with England supporters |
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| Alison McCarthy holds TWO beers in a bar overlooking the station | Tom McCarthy is soon angered, as what should be an easy walk to the stadium turns into a long one, as we end up lost |
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| Back on track though, as the sign for Sportcity indicates | The stadium comes into view - we must be getting closer |
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| And we have arrived! | It is an impressive arena from the outside |
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| This map was handy in finding the area we would be seated in | We walk up to our seats, and Scott and Tom proudly display the Sussex by the Sea flag |
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| Scott enjoys a beer inside the ground | Two more beers for Alison McCarthy |
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| Inside this superb arena | This stand was rather impressive |
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| As was this one | The flag hangs over the balcony in front of us |
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| The England team are out to warm up | Scott looks forward to the game ahead |
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| The Farm perform the England song for Euro 2004, Altogether Now | The two teams come onto the pitch |
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| They line up for the national anthems | This superb cross of St George is produced |
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| Beckham whips it out | The captain takes a corner |
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| England celebrate going 1-0 up | Beckhams quick throw helps create number 2 for England |
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| Its 3-0 as England begin to rampage | The first half ends, England leading 3-0 |
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| The England team from the first half warm down during the interval | And the second half team get ready to kick off |
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| Iceland look to test Ian Walker with the free-kick | Another England goal, it is 5-0 |
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| 6-1, it is turning into somewhat of an embarrassment for the Icelandic team | The players troop off after a fine result ahead of their opening group match with France |
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| The fans flock to the station after the game | And Tommy Mac has enjoyed the day as we board the train back to Sheffield |