REPORTER Henry Tomlinson went out to enjoy the day with England fans in Brighton on Saturday and here he describes his experiences.

Despite arriving four hours before kick-off, I was unable to gain entry to the viewing section of Horatio's Bar on Brighton Palace Pier for England's quarter-final clash against Ukraine.

The viewing section was completely full to capacity. Security said that it had been packed since 9am as fans wanted to confirm their places for the match.

Staff were trying to move people outside the viewing section away by placing covered fencing in front of any points where the screen could still be seen.

The Argus: Fans in the viewing section in Brighton Palace PierFans in the viewing section in Brighton Palace Pier

Luckily, as someone who is over six foot tall, I watched the football on the big screen on my tippee toes.

One England fan who managed to get a seat said: "The atmosphere is great, and seeing everyone cheer on the team is really special.

"It is just a shame more can't come and add to the mood."

Before the game, I managed to speak to many fans who were starting to believe that football was, in fact, "coming home".

England fan Ollie Cooper said: "It would mean absolutely everything if we went all the way.

"It has been such a hard year for us brits that getting through to the next round and winning would mean the world.

"I don't think I am jumping the gun in saying it is coming home."

Even though I was outside the viewing area, you could still feel the atmosphere in the air and the wooden floor of the pier shake every time England scored another goal.

The Argus: England fans on the Brighton Palace PierEngland fans on the Brighton Palace Pier

Once the full-time whistle went, the joy in the fans cheers could be felt Leaving the pier, the atmosphere resembled that of Mardi Gras. Cars were beeping as they drove down King's Road. England fans were dancing and joining each other in celebration.

The vast majority of people were being friendly and in great spirits. There was constant background singing of fans' songs such as "It's coming home" and "Southgate you're the one", as well as other chants about players.

However, there was the occasional moment of ugliness from seeing a fistfight break out outside Shooshh nightclub in King's Road, and one man aggressively trying to snort drugs off my shoulder as I walked down the road.

Heading up West Street was like walking into a different time. Social distancing was seemingly forgotten as fans cheered in the streets.

The group of roughly 300 fans were in the road and being joined in the celebration by drivers from behind the wheel. Horns continued to be honked on repeat.

Some drivers even started doing burnouts - spinning their wheels with the handbrake on - and creating fogs of smoke so thick you could not see two metres in front of you.

Someone on West Street described the scene to me as "utter carnage."

They said: "It is like life is back to normal seeing everyone celebrate together.

"The atmosphere is incredible, hearing all the songs and seeing everyone take part, it will be very memorable.

"Although you could easily say what is happening is utter carnage."

The repetitive cycle of fans blocking the road and surrounding cars and cheering them as they drove off seemed to last for ages, even though it was only ten minutes.

Police arrived on the scene, and quickly, people started to make their way home and away from the area. While walking home, it gave me a chance to reflect on the football match.

Gareth Southgate's side, while it may be defensive, is devastatingly effective at the moment. If they continue to perform at the current level, then football might actually come home.