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4 months ago
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England fans drowned their sorrows on the streets of Benidorm as their EURO 2024 dreams were dashed after the Three Lion's heart-breaking 2-1 defeat against Spain.
The battle for Benidorm has ended in a river of tears with Spaniards dancing in the streets proudly waving their flags after the devastating loss, which echoed England's tragic defeat four years ago against Italy.
Gareth Southgate's squad were within a hair's breadth of bringing football home for the first time since England won the World Cup in 1966.
Super sub Cole Palmer had given the nation belief when he struck a brilliant equaliser in the 73rd-minute, but victory was short-lived as Spain bagged a goal with only minutes left on the clock.
Supporters, who packed pubs and bars in Benidorm heading into the tense match, were left shattered after they vowed to 'take over' the city if the squad managed to bag the illustrious championship title.
Fans were left in floods of tears in Benidorm last night after England's devestating EURO 2024 loss
Fans had vowed to 'take over Benidorm' if they won, but it wasn't meant to be as the Three Lions walked away with a 2-1 defeat
One football fan had to be held back by friends after England's EURO 2024 dreams were dashed (pictured)
Instead Three Lions fans were mourning their EURO dreams, weeping in the Spanish streets and others furious fans being held back by friends.
Shattered players were consoled by their friends and families in the stands over in Berlin, with with Ollie Watkins crying as he hugged his girlfriend Ellie Anderson, while Luke Shaw looked dejected as he wrapped himself in a hoodie.
Watching from the stands, Prince William and Prince George were visibly shocked, with the royal spotted consoling England Captain Harry Kane.
King Charles spurred the squad on, telling them to 'hold your heads high', dubbing them the 'pride of a nation'.
In a touching message to try and lift spirits, the Prince of Wales told the team 'we're all still so proud of you'
The heir to the throne, who is the president of the FA and later presented runner-up medals to the Three Lions, said: 'It just wasn't meant to be.'
The heart-breaking defeat comes after fans anticipated the tense EURO 2024 clash on the beaches of Benidorm yesterday.
Supporters from across the country wished Gareth Southgate's boys the best of luck and announced England would 'take over Benidorm' if they won.
Expectation of the 'battle for Benidorm grew in this popular holiday resort where British and Spanish families come to relax.
Spanish locals were filled with joy in Benidorm, waving flags celebrating following their win
An England supporter in disbelief as she watched Gareth Southgate's squad loss from the shores of Benidorm
Another wept into his shirt after Spain scored with only minutes left on the clock
England holidaymakers looked on visibly shaken by the loss which echoed their 2020 defeat against Italy
Some cried on each others shoulders after it was confirmed - football was not coming home this year
Others hugged with their Spanish and English fans in the streets of the Spanish city
Spaniards were in the streets proudly flying their yellow and red flag
One young man waving Spain's flag from his car after they came away victorious
The resort's notorious strip is expecting standing room only in and around the many bars and restaurants that clutter this British enclave.
Drinks were served in plastic glasses and extra security was laid on in a desperate bid to prevent trouble.
Courtney, 22, a masseuse, from Somerset, told MailOnline: 'I can't wait for the match tonight. It's going to be epic!
'And if England win, we will take over Benidorm!'
Courtney is on holiday with best friends, Meg, 22, an IT worker, Kirsty, 19, a masseuse and Evie, 22, a helicopter engineer.
England's flat flags were drabbed across supporters as they strolled along Benidorm's beach-front or paddled in the Mediterranean.
Cooling off in the sea was sports photographer Olivia and her pal Lauren, 21, a care worker, both from Wigan.
Olivia, 21, said: 'It's going to be a tough match, Spain are a good team, but England can do it. They've shown a lot of character to get to the final and they have nothing to lose.
'Come on England!'
Glamourous girls Lucy, 29, and Olivia, 32, from Middlesborough said they expected a fun night with the party carrying on into the early hours.
Olivia, 32, a court clerk, said: 'There will be a lot of drinking and singing, I'm sure of that. If England win this place will go wild. Everyone will be out until dawn.'
Two young fans from Wigan have even splashed out on England shirts to wear during the match.
Laura, 33, (left) and David, 31, (right) are two of the supporters from across the country who wished Gareth Southgate's boys the best of luck
Olivia, 21, (left) and Lauren, 21, (right) held an England flag in the sea as they prepare for Sunday's Euro 2024 final
Kayleigh, 23, (left) and Leone, 21, (right) held one of the many England flags on Benidorm's beach-front
Bobbi-Leigh, 17, (left) and Lily-May, 17, (right) are getting ready for the big game today
Molly, 20, (left) and Mya, 19, (right) said they splashed out on England shirts to wear during the match
Lucy, 29, (left) and Olivia, 32, (right) said there will be 'lots of drinking and singing' during the game tonight
Molly, 24, (left) and Lois, 21, (right) jump with excitement ahead of Sunday night's game
(from left to right) Meg, 22, Courtney, 22, Kirsty, 19 and Evie, 22, all said they can't wait for the match tonight and claimed it would be 'epic'
Molly, 20, a nurse and Mya, 19, a pharmacist, are urging the team on.
Molly said: 'We've just bought them! We're going to wear them for the match tonight. It's going to be mad up there on the strip. I can't wait!'
All of the fans will be cheering on England.
Among them will be Molly, 24, GP surgery worker, and Lois, 21, a nurse, both from Weston-Super-Mare.
Molly said: 'Come On England!'
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