Last night, England played Bosnia & Herzegovina in a friendly match at St James' Park. It was the first England match to be played at Newcastle's stadium in 19 years and Newcastle fan group, Wor Flags, wanted to put on a display to remember to mark the occasion.
The majority of flags at St James' Park were all England-related, although a few local Sunderland fans did inexplicably turn up with Sunderland-related flags, and it made for a great scene as the players walked out of the tunnel at the beginning of the match.
The East Stand transformed into a St George's Cross while the Gallowgate unfurled a tifo that read ‘I know that was then but it could be again' in a nod to Baddiel and Skinner's Euro 96 anthem ‘Football's Coming Home'.
“I know that was then but it could be again” 🏴 pic.twitter.com/I4Z0r0AsfX
— England Football Fans (@EnglidsAway) June 3, 2024
Kieran Trippier, who is more than used to playing in front of Newcastle fans at St James' Park, was the captain on the evening and after the match, he reserved special praise for Wor Flags and their display.
Trippier praises England flags at St James' Park
Speaking to NUFC TV after the match, the 33-year old said:
“I’ve had a few good chats with Wor Flags and they had an amazing display. Full credit to them because they work extremely hard. They work so many hours to put the displays on for club and country. Yeah, special mention to them.”
“An amazing feeling. To captain my country is always a huge honour.”@trippier2 on a very special evening at SJP. 🥹🏴 pic.twitter.com/vKky52tGQQ
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 4, 2024
The former Atletico Madrid defender went on to comment on what a privilege it was to captain his country at his home stadium. Trippier was joined on the pitch by his son at the beginning of the match, with Trippier Jr acting as the mascot for the evening.