WHEN Raheem Sterling poked the ball past Manuel Neuer, the feeling inside of Wembley was not merely elation. There was something else, something new: a realisation that England are strong enough to win a major tournament.

We sing about football coming home, but usually, it is done with an air of apprehension. As 30 years of hurt climbed to more than 50, the idea that England could win something was relegated to the imagination.

But now that has all changed, and Southgate’s men could be the ones to deliver success. Having picked up tickets the day before, I was lucky enough to be part of the 45,000 strong crowd. Even in a section with the German fans, it was still one of the greatest atmospheres I have ever experienced.

Like many others, I had previously been to Wembley and resented the matchday experience. When I went in 2019, it was sterile and the atmosphere flat — more of a tourist attraction than a football game.

Tuesday could not have been more different. After more than a year without games, most were yearning to make the most a momentous occasion and everybody in attendance did just that.

Two hours before the main event begins, I stand at the back as thousands of fans congregate in Arena Square, joining in with the occasional renditions of Vindaloo and Three Lions. A party of eight Bolton Wanderers fans walk up to me and ask to take a picture – they’re going home an hour before kickoff as they didn’t even have a ticket. That’s indicative of just how much the tie encapsulated the nation.

Football journalists have had the privilege of being able to attend games behind closed doors, but most – including myself – will attest that the experience has been horrible. The Germany game brought about true jubilation not just across the country, but more specifically, in Wembley.

I’ll be honest, I shed a tear as the ground belted out Sweet Caroline at the end of the game, Jordan Pickford running to those behind his goal to celebrate with them. Everybody in the stands found themselves hugging people they had never met, possibly one of the first people they had hugged since the pandemic began.

When I look back at the game in years to come, a few specific moments will stand out: the opening 20 minutes, the two goals, and Thomas Muller’s miss. The first of those showed just how powerful a Wembley crowd could be, the sound of whistling ringing around what felt like the entire of West London whenever a German player got on the ball. Goretzka, Havertz et al are usually so comfortable on the ball, yet they were clearly unsettled.

Sterling’s goal brought about celebration, Kane’s relief. The realisation that England are now real challengers was better cemented with the latter. It’s difficult to truly put into words the feeling of seeing the ball going into the back of the net to make it 2-0.

The German press today lament about their coach’s poor tactics, but many papers mention their Wembley dominance having been lost. A win against the old enemy, our greatest enemy, is even sweeter. For it to be overseen by Gareth Southgate, who had suffered such heartbreak 25 years ago, is the perfect fairytale.