U's fan turns clock back to remember classic Euro ‘96 match

The arch rivals meet in a Euro 2020 group match at Wembley next Friday.

It is a repeat of their famous, unforgettable meeting at Euro '96 when Daniel, now 44, was just 19 and a student in Cambridge.

A packed-out Wembley Stadium saw Alan Shearer put the Three Lions ahead, before Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne's iconic goal and dentist's chair celebration put the tournament hosts 2-0 up.

It’s coming home - Daniel Woodrow (in the U’s kit) with brother Ben, outside Wembley Stadium before the Scotland game. “I’m very proud to be representing Colchester United,” said Daniel

There were heroics at the other end, too, as David Seaman pulled off vital saves - including one from a Gary McAllister penalty - to preserve England’s advantage.

Daniel, from Colchester, was in the crowd with dad John and brother Ben and described it as an "incredible, brilliant" occasion.

"The tickets were a Christmas present from dad, who had bought them before the draw was made so didn't know who we'd be playing," he said.

"How lucky can you be?

Here come the teams - one of Daniel’s pictures at Wembley

"We were at the end of the ground where Gazza scored his wonder goal and I've never heard noise like it.

"The atmosphere all day was incredible - a brilliant, brilliant occasion.

"I came down on the train from university, proudly wearing my Colchester United shirt, and met my dad and brother there.

"It seemed as though there were flags and people singing and playing bagpipes at every station."

Arch rivals - Daniel took this picture prior to kick-off. The England and Scotland players are about to sing the national anthems

Daniel was in his first year at Cambridge University during the golden summer of '96.

Now the headteacher at St Gregory Primary School, in Sudbury, he is married to Lucy and the couple have a six-year-old daughter, Emma.

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"Emma thinks watching football is 'boring' but she's a big fan of the Colchester United mascot Eddie The Eagle, after she met him at a Christmas fair at the stadium a couple of years ago and he gave her a high five," said Daniel.

"So there's hope I'll be able to get her to a game yet.

Iconic moment - Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne celebrates his mesmerising goal against Scotland

"Dad and I are season-ticket holders at Colchester and it would be lovely to have three generations of the family go and watch a game together."

Family affair - Daniel, Lucy and Emma cheer on the U’s

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