England fans still dreaming despite Euros 2024 final loss

There were similar feelings in Watnall, Nottinghamshire, where a group of about 30 people of all ages – a mix of neighbours and friends – gathered to watch the match at a street party.

Among them was Daniel Bailey, who said he had predicted the final score before the match.

“England tactically and technically are not good enough to come up against the Spain team,” he said.

In Dorchester, Dorset, a headteacher who gave his school a “lie in” on Monday following the final said England’s loss will help demonstrate resilience and respect to pupils.

Students could come in at any time until 11:00 BST, and were welcomed with Elton John’s I’m Still Standing playing as they arrived.

Gary Spracklen said The Prince of Wales School has two cuddly toys – Raya the respectful butterfly and Reggie the resilient tortoise.

“Reggie teaches us that resilience is about bouncing back from setbacks, learning from our experiences and continuing to strive for our goals no matter the obstacles we face,” said Mr Spracklen.

In Leeds, 4,000 people gathered in Millenium Square after tickets to watch the hotly anticipated final at the city’s biggest fan park were snapped up in less than three hours.

Personal trainer Francis Hall was so ecstatic when England equalised he took his shirt off.

Still topless after the full-time whistle, the 25-year-old from Wakefield told the BBC “everyone knows we won’t win anything with [manager Gareth] Southgate” before putting his shirt back on.

Emma Barlow from Crosspool said it had been “disappointing but good fun” and the team would now “need to get ready for the World Cup”.