Dedicated lifesavers missed the start of England's epic win over Germany last evening after getting called out to help a stranded yacht between Shotley nd Harwich.

Holbrook Coastguard and the Harwich RNLI went out to help the 35ft yacht after it suffered engine failure, just after kick off.

A spokesman for the coastguard said its team were called to the incident at about 5.20pm on Tuesday and added: "We were tasked to Shotley Marina to meet the inshore lifeboat from RNLI Harwich Lifeboat Station, which was bringing in a 35ft sailing yacht that was being sailed single handed and unable to start its engine.

"On arrival the RNLI crew brought the boat through the lock where we tied it up on a guest pontoon."

"The Holbrook team was then stood down."

Team members swiftly got back in front of a television with two accepting hospitality of crew colleague Shane Rolin at the Bristol Arms to enjoy soft drinks.

In the event of an emergency along our coastline call 999 and ask for the coastguard.