Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

He was among the 65,000-strong crowd as Gareth Southgate’s team edged past Denmark to reach the European Championships final.

Steve also recorded emotional footage inside Wembley as England fans sang Football’s Coming Home Again and Sweet Caroline.

After a night when history was made, he told the Hartlepool Mail: “I have been to more dramatic games but never one with such a party and never been hugged by so many people. "

Steve Dawson's memories of an unforgettable night at Wembley.

Steve, who was born in Hartlepool and worked for the Hartlepool Mail for 16 years, said: “The atmosphere was a huge party.

"I think it was part relief of being able to go to a 65,000 attendance game as well as part excitement of actually being able to attend a semi final game and the hopes of England potentially qualifying for a their first final in nearly 60 years."

The avid England fan said: “I have been fortunate to have travelled the world following the England team and have never known such a happy atmosphere. The Danish fans were huge fun and there was no abusive behaviour by anyone.”

He described it as ‘football as it should be’.

Come on England! Steve Dawson, right, at Wembley with fellow England fans.

Steve left Hartlepool and moved to Hitchin, in Hertfordshire, around 30 years ago. He has a national business looking after commercial properties.

But on Wednesday night all his thoughts were on his beloved England and sharing a night of emotion with 65,000 fans.

He added: “Social distancing was certainly over. Denmark were a very good side and their passing and off-the-ball running was great but there are no easy semi-final games.”

Now it is all eyes on the final for Steve and he’s hoping to be there once again.

What an atmosphere. Steve, centre, with two Denmark fans.

"For the final, clearly Italy are a great side and on an amazing unbeaten of 33 games but their back four is old and Spain battered them in the semis. We have a young, vibrant fit squad,

"I hope to be there and am diving into my inbox every time it dings to see if it is from the FA.”

9 great retro fan scenes from Hartlepool and East Durham as we get ready to roar...

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to all of our news and sport, see fewer ads, experience faster load times, test your brain with daily puzzles and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. The Hartlepool Mail has been in town since 1877, and your support means we can continue telling your stories for generations to come. Click here to subscribe.

Goosebump moments as a Hartlepool man records these amazing scenes at Wembley!