“If you ever get the chance to watch England advance to the final of the Euros [and] then sing along to the U.K.’s national anthem in an arena of 15,000 people, I highly recommend it,” one fan said on X.
U.S. band The Killers cemented themselves in the hearts of England fans on Wednesday night by screening the last five minutes of the European Championships Semi-Final at their O2 Arena gig.
After England’s national soccer team went 2-1 up, thanks to a last-minute goal from Ollie Watkins against the Netherlands, confirming their place in the tournament’s final, The Killers paused their set a few minutes before the final whistle. When the game finally ended, the Arena was filled with cheers as red and white confetti shot out from the stage and the musicians began playing global hit “Mr Brightside.”
Tonight we played for England 🏴! pic.twitter.com/bqvSas14Z5
— The Killers (@thekillers) July 10, 2024
The song is hugely popular in Britain and has solidified itself as a staple club hit – with some pegging it the country’s unofficial “national anthem.” Sky reporter Martin Kimber wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Possibly the most electric moment of my life. When The Killers livestream the Euros right before England win and they hit us with Mr Brightside.”
Another fan in attendance said: “If you ever get the chance to watch England advance to the final of the Euros [and] then sign along to the U.K.’s national anthem in an arena of 15,000 people, I highly recommend it. Utter perfection from The Killers.”
The band took to the social media platform after the event to say: “Tonight, we played for England!”
England faces Spain in the final of the UEFA European Football Championship on Sunday night in what could be a momentous win for fans who have long-awaited a tournament trophy. Heartbreak still lingers after their defeat in the final in 2021 to Italy.