“We can definitely go all the way,” one fan said.

Dreams of winning the World Cup for the first time in 60 years are one step closer to becoming a reality - and England supporters in Portsmouth are full of hope.

Fans crowded into The Milton Arms in Southsea last night (Saturday, July 10), and were in good cheer in the hours before England’s quarter-final clash with Norway - drinking, chanting, and singing plenty of songs via karaoke.

England supporters outside The Milton Arms in Southsea. | Marcin Jedrysiak

placeholder image — England supporters outside The Milton Arms in Southsea. | Marcin Jedrysiak

Ahead of the game, fans were optimistic for a good result, with many predicting a 2-1, 3-1 or even 3-0 victory for Thomas Tuchel's side.

The pub played the match in the main bar area, on a TV in the garden and via projector on-stage, with fans less concerned about the heat and more about when Bukayo Saka would be brought on to replace Noni Madueke on the wing.

Norway drew first blood, with Andreas Schjelderup rifling a shot past Jordan Pickford in the 36th minute. The pub was briefly stunned into silence, until a rendition of Ten German Bombers was drummed up soon after.

England fans were surprised to see Norway take the lead in the first half. | Marcin Jedrysiak

On the pitch, England didn't take long to respond, as Jude Bellingham equalised on the cusp of half-time, lifting the mood at the pub before the break. Said mood was then elevated further as staff presented free hot dogs for everyone to enjoy.

Speaking to The News at half-time, 59-year-old Sully Sullivan said: "It's always entertaining watching England, I'll give you that. It's been a stressful game but that's international football for you - we're used to England raising our heart rates at this point.

"We've had most of the ball so far, we just need to score more goals. As for the offside call, Kane was barely half a yard off, it seemed a bit harsh."

England fans at The Milton Arms stayed optimistic throughout the quarter-final clash. | Marcin Jedrysiak

As the second half began, Norway thought they had found a second goal from a corner kick, but a VAR review saw it disallowed after Erling Haaland committed a foul in the penalty box.

Cue jubilation in the pub, as England fans decided that VAR might not be so bad after all.

But neither team could find a winner before the full-time whistle, and so the match continued into extra time. Fans remained on the edges of their seats, but still with high hopes that the Three Lions could break the deadlock.

Among the confident fans was 18-year-old Sonny Balderston, who said: "We really should be winning this game. I think it'll end 2-1 to England - if we lose I'm shaving my head."

Fortunately for Mr Balderston, his blushes were spared as Bellingham scored again in the 93rd minute, putting Tuchel's side in front. England then held on to advance to the semi-finals on Wednesday.