Britain gets behind their lads for England and Wales Euro 2016 clash
Pubs packed, streets empty and Ascot races on hold for England's dramatic victory
BRITAIN was at fever pitch for England and Wales crunch Euro 2016 match this afternoon.
The Three Lions conquered on The Welsh Dragons at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens with a dramatic last gasp winner.
Workers and schoolkids across the nation prepared for the big match by decorating their homes, work places and…dogs.
National excitement built as the two home nations prepared to compete in the finals of a major football competition for the first time in 20 years.
Meanwhile bosses up and down the nation were deluged with employee sickies.
Companies were advised to let workers watch the game during work hours with employment groups predicting a 70 per cent increase in absences.
Roads normally jammed packed with morning commuters were abandoned leading to eerie scenes on stretches such as the usually busy East Lancs Road in Manchester.
Schools got black marks from parents after allowing children to skip lessons so they could watch the match.
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Secondary schools in West Berkshire, Trinity School and John O' Gaunt School, are letting pupils watch the game at school while another is allowing pupils to leave early.
One mum, Joanne Martin, 33, who has two children attending a primary school near Newbury, Berks, said: “There's all this talk about not letting parents take their children out of school to go on holiday, yet the same schools will let kids skip lessons to see a game of football."
Some parents supported the idea.
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Andy Child commented "I think it's an excellent idea.
“It will be like a short holiday without a fine.
"It's a national sporting event. Some schools are inviting parents to have lunch and watch the game at school."
Deputy headteacher at Trinity School Brendan Hanlon said "We had a vote through our 'Student Voice', which is run by our headboy and headgirl, to allow children to decide if they wanted to watch the game.
"Those who did can watch it on a screen set up in a special room supervised by members of staff.”
Meanwhile, residents in the Welsh border town of Monmouth have found families and communities facing split loyalties.
Many Monmouth co-workers and partners come from either side of the national divide meaning the town has plenty of rival flags plastered around the streets.
This year’s tournament has been marred by violent clashes in and outside of stadiums.
French police this morning arrested 36 people after violence erupted in the streets of nearby Lille ahead of the England v Wales fixture.
Flares and bangers were lit as officers used pepper spray on chanting fans to disperse the crowds.
Authorities said 16 people have been treated in hospital but gave no details about their injuries.
More are expected to descend on the French towns today.
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