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In pictures: Fans celebrate England's start to World Cup

Chloe HarcombeWest of England
News imageAlastair Brookes A female England football fan at a watch party in Bristol. She has long dark hair and is wearing red lipstick and a white England football top. She is holding a large England flag up behind her head and is smiling at the camera.Alastair Brookes
England fans, like this one at Prospect in Bristol, were thrilled with the team's success in their World Cup opening match

Despite the late kick-off time, England fans across the West stayed up to see the national team beat Croatia in their first World Cup match.

The 21:00 BST kick-off meant it was a challenge for supporters and venues alike, but plenty of fans sacrificed their normal bedtime to cheer the team on.

Venues in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire hosted watch parties, while pubs had a night of booming business as fans gathered to cheer Thomas Tuchel's team on.

England captain Harry Kane scored two goals in the first half - including a retaken penalty - and Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also netted to secure the 4-2 win.

News imageAlastair Brookes A large crowd of England football fans at a watch party in Bristol. Men and women can be seen and many are wearing football tops and other merch like hats. Many of the fans have their arms up in the air or on their head with their mouths open. Alastair Brookes

Nail-biting tension: Fans at The Prospect Building in Bristol lived every moment throughout the match.

News imageThree male and one female England football fans at a watch party in Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol. They are all wearing England football tops and the woman has a headband with two England flags on it. They are stood at a table full of drinks and food, huddled, with their arms up and smiles on their faces.

Ready for the whistle: Fans at Ashton Gate Stadium's watch party were in high spirits before kick off.

News imageFive women at the England football watch party at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol. Three of them are in England football shirts. They all have their arms up in the air and are smiling at the camera.

Celebrations: Fans will be hoping the team can maintain their form from the opening match as the tournament progresses.

News imageDave Barton Three male England fans at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol. Two of them are sat down wearing red England football tops, while the third man is standing up between them with his arms around them. One of the men is holding a pint up.Dave Barton

Smiles all round: Fans at Ashton Gate in Bristol were visibly relieved towards the end of the game as England opened up a two-goal lead.

News imagePA Media A group of football fans watching the England football match in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.PA Media

Top team: Fans showed their support at a watch party at the home of Cheltenham Town FC.

News imagePA Media A group of women at a watch party for an England football match in Cheltenham. They are wearing England merch and one woman has her head in her hands reacting to a goal from the opposition.PA Media

Worry before the win: Fans in Cheltenham were visibly disappointed after Petar Musa scored Croatia's second goal.

News imagePA Media A group of male England football fans in Cheltenham jumping up in celebration while watching a football match.PA Media

Going for gold: The crowd in Cheltenham was ecstatic at the end of the match.

News imagePA Media A male England fan in Cheltenham. He is wearing a blue England football top and is stood with his arms out in celebration.PA Media

Victory: Fans cheered the Three Lions on across the West.

News imageDan Howell Football fans watching a match on a big screen at Yeovil Town Football Club. There is a man in the centre of the frame wearing a white England top with Kane 9 on the back. His arms are up in the air.Dan Howell

Game on: Fans at Yeovil Town Football Club's watch party were glued to the screen throughout the match.

News imageA large crowd of football fans at a pub in Chippenham, Wiltshire. They are all watching the game on a large screen. England flags can be seen dotted around the room.

Coming together: England fans also gathered in large numbers to watch the game at The Old Lane pub in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

News imageAlastair Brookes A man celebrating England's success in a World Cup match. He has dark short hair and facial hair and is wearing a dark coloured top. His mouth is open and he is pointing upwards.Alastair Brookes

It's coming home: The crowd at The Prospect Building in Bristol erupted as England secured their win against Croatia.

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