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Published 27 October 2021 4 min read
England

A matchday in pictures

Written by:

Sulay Kelly

Young photographer Sulay Kelly from BCOMs attended England's game with Hungary armed with his camera...

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Sulay Kelly works for The Face magazine and as a freelance photographer. As part of our link-up with BCOMs during Black History Month 2021, he was able to shoot from pitchside at Wembley Stadium as the Three Lions took on Hungary.
 
I first remember when I was younger, from around the age of 11 just playing around with a camera phone and then asking for a DSLR when I was 12 or 13.
 
I was born in London, but moved to France and largely grew up there, but my photography really took off when I moved back to the UK to study in Reading.
 
I always knew that I wanted to come over and take a few photos and that was where it started, as I’d go over to London every weekend and started growing my Instagram account through that.
 
I’ve always wanted to work in my passion areas though and after working with some sport brands and players directly, such as shoots with people like Jack Butland and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, I wanted to shoot live football itself.
 
So when this opportunity came up, I was so keen and happy to do it.
 
It’s very different to what I was used to doing too, it’s very intensive and the whole game can change in a matter of seconds. You could be at the other end of the field so if you’re not paying attention then the ball can be in the back of the net and you've missed it.
 
I tried to do some training with a friend in the park, just working on motion and getting used to it and then getting my hands on the equipment I needed to shoot a night-time game.
 
It was a challenge, but a really fun experience to go into and learn at what was my first football game as a photographer.
 
I don’t know if there’s any way to get closer to the action unless you’re a referee or Gareth Southgate!

Photo above: Tammy Abraham came on to try and help the team find the goal they were looking for. I love this frame because you can see how much he wants to beat the defenders and get that ball in the back of the net.
The team and fans take a moment to remember Jimmy Greaves and Roger Hunt before the game. It was a touching moment and I wanted to get both the crowd and the fans in unison with this shot.
The team and fans take a moment to remember Jimmy Greaves and Roger Hunt before the game. It was a touching moment and I wanted to get both the crowd and the fans in unison with this shot.
Two young fans stand for the national anthem. They looked really excited for the game to get underway, which I had spotted earlier. They were chatting to other people around them so I thought I’d keep an eye on them through the game.
Two young fans stand for the national anthem. They looked really excited for the game to get underway, which I had spotted earlier. They were chatting to other people around them so I thought I’d keep an eye on them through the game.
An excited young fan before kick-off cheers on the team as they walk out onto the pitch. This was shot way before kick-off and I first observed this boy when I walked into the stadium and was looking around for people bringing that energy and excitement at seeing England play.
An excited young fan before kick-off cheers on the team as they walk out onto the pitch. This was shot way before kick-off and I first observed this boy when I walked into the stadium and was looking around for people bringing that energy and excitement at seeing England play.
The celebrations after the first goal. It was great to not only see the team run over to celebrate with John Stones but also turn back and celebrate with the rest of the team as well.
The celebrations after the first goal. It was great to not only see the team run over to celebrate with John Stones but also turn back and celebrate with the rest of the team as well.
It’s been great to see how Raheem Sterling’s has developed different parts of his game over the last few seasons. I really like this photo of him coming in at the back post for a header on goal.
It’s been great to see how Raheem Sterling’s has developed different parts of his game over the last few seasons. I really like this photo of him coming in at the back post for a header on goal.
Three Hungarian defenders cast worried looks as Harry Kane prepares to unleash a shot in the box.
Three Hungarian defenders cast worried looks as Harry Kane prepares to unleash a shot in the box.
A shot of Phil Foden, who was looking dangerous every time he got the ball constantly looking to create chances for the team.
A shot of Phil Foden, who was looking dangerous every time he got the ball constantly looking to create chances for the team.
Jack Grealish pressing high up the field, playing with that same level of intensity we love to see from him whether that’s attacking or defending.
Jack Grealish pressing high up the field, playing with that same level of intensity we love to see from him whether that’s attacking or defending.
A group of fans continue to show their support for the players after full time. I believe they were waiting for Jack Grealish at the end of the game, they’d clearly had a good night even though the result wasn’t what they wanted. It was nice to see how everyone still comes together around the team.