'We screened England World Cup game at our wedding'

It was a win-win for one happy couple on Saturday as they celebrated getting married and England getting into the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup tournament.

Stephanie and Carl Martin screened the Three Lions' quarter-final victory over Norway at their wedding reception in Lytchett Minster, Dorset.

The pair said they had decided a few weeks ago to give their guests what they wanted, saying: "If you can't beat them, join them."

"Even though I am not a huge football fan, I feel like you need to embrace it," said Stephanie, adding: "When else are you going to have everyone in the same room cheering on the same team?"

The couple met just before the first Covid lockdown.

"We went on two dates and Steph never left, she moved in with me," said Carl.

"And now we are married," added Stephanie.

Explaining their decision to show the game, she said: "[We thought] it's at a good time and we have done everything that we need to do, like, why not show it?

A room inside a converted barn, where the reception was being held, was turned into a screening room for the match.

Following the couple's first dance, the wedding guests looked tense as they watched the live action on a big screen.

When the final whistle blew, they leapt from their seats to celebrate.

It was an "amazing night", said Carl, adding: "I have lost my voice from shouting and I couldn't have asked for a better result.

"England won and I won."

The Three Lions beat Norway 2-1 in Miami on Saturday and will next play Argentina on Wednesday for a place in the final.