THE pulsing rhythm of Freed From Desire filled the clammy desert air and plastic cups of Bud Zero were launched skywards.
The stadium in Al Khor echoed to an “Eng-ger-land, Eng-ger-land” wall of noise.
After nearly 40 minutes of incessant Senegalese drumming it was England making the noise as Jordan Henderson opened the scoring.
Close your eyes and it was like Wembley in the sand as the Three Lions roared past their African opponents.
Freed From Desire, Gala’s eurodance hit, is the tune England chose to play when they find the net in Qatar.
After Henderson’s opener, Three Lions fans changed the lyrics to sing: “Hendo’s on fire, your defence is terrified.”
Goals either side of half time from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka released any tension the Three Lions supporters might have had and the party could begin.
As the clock ticked towards full-time, there was a chorus of Jingle Bells with the words: “Oh, what fun it is to see England win away.”
There were even a few Santa hats in the crowd.
Christmas is coming and England are in the World Cup quarter-finals.
