Historic day as Blues stadium hosts international rugby

ONE youngster couldn’t believe his eyes.

- By CONNOR O'NEILL ECHO Reporter

Rivalry comes to the boil between England and Australia

(MICHAEL STEELE)

The adult accompanying him then uses some X-rated language to describe Everton’s home as he is standing on Regent Road.

“It’s f****g big,” he says, with a pint in his hand, before adding: “It looks impressive.”

It is 12.30pm outside Hill Dickinson Stadium, and you would be forgiven for thinking Everton were at home.

There is a vivid sense of anticipation in the air.

Some can’t quite believe what they are about to watch, having waited years for this event to take place.

In two hours’ time England will take on Australia in the second Test of the Ashes series. History is about to be made.

It was only back in February that the doors to Everton’s magnificent new home opened for the first time to 10,000 lucky supporters.

A full house then helped cheer the Blues to victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in August as Everton played their first competitive game at their new home.

Now, after 10 football games being played here, the first non-football event is about to take place.

It has been a long old road for the club to get to this point.

Some rival supporters would often take great pleasure in suggesting this arena would never be built.

How wrong were they?

The pipe dream some billed this project as has become a reality.

And the reality is that Everton are now very much on the world stage.