London's Piccadilly Circus descended into chaos following England's 2-1 World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway, resulting in multiple arrests as celebrations turned unruly. Footage from Saturday night shows large crowds of fans blocking roads, setting off fireworks, and dancing on street furniture, prompting a significant police presence.
On-Field Success and Public Reaction
England secured their place in the semi-finals with goals from midfielder Jude Bellingham, who scored twice, including a crucial goal in extra time. The team is set to face the winner of the Argentina vs. Switzerland match next. The victory was met with widespread jubilation across the nation, with fans gathering in public spaces and fan zones to celebrate.
Politicians also joined in the public acclaim. The Prince of Wales, William, hailed the team as "special" and offered commiserations to Norway, who achieved their best-ever World Cup finish. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and former Chancellor Sajid Javid also shared congratulatory messages on social media.
Fans at venues like Boxpark in Wembley expressed euphoric and electrifying sentiments after the match, with some crediting the team's "courage and heart" for the win.
Disorder in Piccadilly Circus
However, the widespread celebrations in London took a disruptive turn. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of "carnage" with police appearing to struggle to control the crowds. Videos circulating online depict fans screaming as fireworks are launched, with many recording the spectacle. Several individuals were seen being pushed against walls and handcuffed by officers, while car horns blared in the background.
One young man, who was arrested, was heard protesting his innocence, stating "I'm not even doing anything."
Match Details and Coaching Concerns
The match itself saw England take the lead through Bellingham's first-half extra-time goal. While Harry Kane had a goal disallowed for offside, and Norway also had a goal overturned by VAR, England ultimately secured the win. Despite the crucial victory, England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance, describing their play as "sloppy" and "repetitive," and stating the team was "lucky." He did, however, praise Bellingham's consistent "world-class" contributions.