THESE scenes seem so unrecognisable at this moment in time due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Although only two years ago, it feels almost a lifetime away that England football fans gathered in and around Warrington's pubs and partied like never before while supporting the national team in the World Cup.

Having to watch action on TV while social distancing as elite athletes play matches in empty stadiums is the new normal for the time being, as was brought home when The Wire had their first taste of behind-closed-doors Super League at the weekend.

Warrington Guardian: