CHANTS of 'Football's Coming Home' rang round Blackburn town centre as fans celebrated England reaching the World Cup Semi-Final.

Hundreds of people gathered in the sunshine at the big screen by the town hall to watch Gareth Southgate's side beat Sweden 2-0.

However the screen cut to black just before kick-off meaning fans missed the first 13 minutes of the game.

The live feed then returned to the screen greeted by cheers across the town centre as fans watched Harry Maguire and Dele Alli got the goals to send England through.

Many families were in attendance to watch the game and were pleased to see it being shown at the town centre site.

Allan Bellingham, from Shadsworth was one of those who came along to watch the game.

The 50-year-old said: "Having the big screen showing the games is a great thing for Blackburn.

"Of course there were the troubles at the start with it going off, but there are teething problems with these things.

"It's great to have the big screen here and it showing the game.

"There's a good amount of people who have come out to enjoy it, lots of families.

"It's great for all the businesses and bars in the area as well."

People young and old were gathered round to watch the game, with snacks and drinks on offer from local businesses.

Hussain Mulla, from Blackburn, was another who enjoyed the game in the sunshine and is confident about England's chance going forward.

He said: "England are going to win it.

"It's coming home."

The big screen in the town centre has been showing World Cup games throughout the tournament.

Cllr Phil Riley, regeneration boss at Blackburn with Darwen Council, also watched the game at the big screen and said the picture cutting off at the start was down to technical difficulties.

He said: "We were in touch with manufactures to try and fix it remotely.

"We've showed the previous games without any problems, it's just unfortunate this happened when we had the biggest crowd."