Families heartbroken by England's World Cup woes

News imageJamie Niblock/BBC A young blonde girl wearing a white England top clings on to a woman who is wearing a red England top.Jamie Niblock/BBC
England were on course for their first World Cup final since 1966 before conceding two late goals

England fans have described their heartbreak after the Three Lions slipped to defeat in the World Cup semi-final.

Two late goals by holders Argentina saw Thomas Tuchel's side lose 2-1 in Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday.

Families who gathered at Brantham Leisure Centre in Suffolk to watch the action said they were "gutted" by the result.

"It's the usual, I'm afraid. Sit back and they lose," said Clive Gore, 72, who watched the game with his son, Andy.

Watch: Young England fans on 'devastating' World Cup defeat

Edie, who was among the children granted a late night, said: "I'm just devastated.

"We were doing so well, then we just have to slip up in defence in the last couple of minutes."

News imageJamie Niblock/BBC Andy Gore, who is wearing a navy England top, and dad Clive, who is wearing a green polo top. Both are smiling at night.Jamie Niblock/BBC
Andy and Clive Gore watched the game together in Brantham

Amelia and Imogen both said they were inspired by England's progress in the US-hosted tournament.

"It's sad, but they made it really far though," Imogen said.

Amelia, who plays football locally with her friend, added: "I'm a bit disappointed, but they tried their best and that's all you can ask for."

News imageJamie Niblock/BBC Amelia, who has long brown hair, and Imogen, who is blonde, are both smiling while wearing the red England away top.Jamie Niblock/BBC
Amelia and Imogen said they were inspired by the Three Lions' progress in the tournament

England were on course for their first men's World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon's 55th minute goal sparked jubilant scenes in Brantham and across the nation.

However, goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, who struck in injury time, ended the Three Lions' World Cup dream.

"It's heartbreaking. I've been looking forward to it all year," one fan said.

"We've done so well. New team, new manager, [it] just didn't come home in the end, but we're still supporting."

News imageJamie Niblock/BBC A young boy in a red England top shrugs his shoulders and raises his eyebrows. He is sitting watching the game with a group of other young boys and a woman.Jamie Niblock/BBC
Some young fans could not hide their frustration

Eleven-year-old Taylor, who watched with his friend Stanley, said despite the result, it was still a great night.

He added: "A very fun experience to have, the joy, the fun, but the unlucky joy of not winning."

News imageJamie Niblock/BBC Taylor and Stanley are smiling after the game. They are both 11 years old. Taylor is wearing a navy PSG top and Stanley a light grey one.Jamie Niblock/BBC
Taylor and Stanley were thrilled to be staying up late for the game

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