NEXT month hundreds of football-loving punters will clamour to squeeze their way into overflowing pubs throughout Colchester for the Qatar World Cup.

Taking place between November 20 and December 18, England will be hoping to emulate the Lionesses’ recent success in the Euros.

Despite the controversies surrounding the competition, many of the city’s die-hard fans are still expected to turn out in their droves to cheer on the Three Lions.

Dressed in the latest England football shirts and plastered with red and white face paint, residents will flood Colchester centre to rally behind Gareth Southgate’s men.

And if the sense of hysteria reaches the fever-pitch-heights of years gone by when England have teased a competition victory, then this World Cup could be equally as memorable.

In 2018, for example, when Harry Kane and co reached the semi-final of the Russia World Cup after beating Sweden, punters spilled into the streets and onto the roads.

Sheer elation and unbridled positivity filled the air following the 2-0 win, at the expense, however, of drivers trying to make their way through the city centre.

Unfortunately, the otherwise joyous atmosphere was tarnished by some troublemakers who climbed atop a bus shelter before destroying it.

Euro 2020, on the other hand, which was held last summer after being delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, proved a slightly calmer affair for footie fans in Colchester.

Here is a photographic look-back at how the city celebrated England’s recent successes in major tournaments.