IT’S been a good week for England’s football team on the pitch with Gareth Southgate’s men securing qualification for the 2020 European Championships.

Back in June 1992, there was a similar feeling of optimism as England headed to Sweden for that summer’s tournament as one of the favourites.

Drinkers at the Bulls Head in Breightmet were certainly getting behind their team by draping a huge flag over the pub as they prepared to cheer on the Three Lions.

The flag used was the original one carried by the British team at the 1968 Mexico Olympics and was given to pub regular Mel Bowtham by his great uncle who was the physiotherapist to the British Olympic Team.

Sadly, as is so often the way with England at major tournaments, the competition was to prove a disaster with manager Graham Taylor’s side losing 2-1 to Sweden after drawing 0-0 with both Denmark and France.