We’re counting down the hours until England bid for a place in the FIFA World Cup final.
Argentina awaits in the semi-final in Atlanta tonight but 8 years ago, it was Croatia who stood between the Three Lions and a chance to lift the trophy.
We delved into the Shields Gazette archives to find out what was making the news headlines in 2018.
Among the stories was one from the seafront where Pixie Lott led South Tynesiders in a rendition of ‘It’s Coming Home’.
Elsewhere, youngsters (including one in a football shirt with Messi on the back) were practising yoga at Little Acorns Nursery.
And it was all change at a Victorian pub which was about to get a £200,000 makeover.
There’s much more besides and you can find out more by browsing through our collection of Shields Gazette photo memories.
1. Pixie's Three Lions rendition
The first of the seafront gigs kicked off “the best summer” in style as thousands joined in the South Tyneside Festival celebrations. Pixie Lott headlined after sets by Aston Merrygold and Phats and Small. She led the audience on a rendition of the Three Lions’ (Football’s Coming Home) after the crowd began chanting the lyrics. | sg
2. Aliens and sandcastles
Aliens, comets and black holes could all be spotted on a South Shields beach. They weren’t part of an extra terrestrial invasion - but the creative entries in the 2018 Sandcastle Challenge which had a Star Struck - Explore the Cosmos’ theme. Here's the team from Marine Park Primary School. | sg
3. All change at the Criterion
The Victorian-era Criterion, at the junction of King Street and Ocean Road, was set for a new lease of life under plans for a £200,000 modern transformation to turn it into a bar and bed and breakfast. The owners Chris Pickering and Kevin McKeith were pictured. | sg
4. Yoga at Little Acorns
Tiny yogis got to grips with their downward dogs during special exercise session at Little Acorns Preschool, in St Georges Church, East Boldon. The group joined forces with Nadia McSheffrey owner of the Tranquil Treehouse. | sg