📡 YahooJul 16, 2026👁 1 views

Families heartbroken by England's World Cup woes

Families heartbroken by England's World Cup woes

England were on course for their first World Cup final since 1966 before conceding two late goals [Jamie Niblock/BBC]
Lewis Adams; Connor Bennett - in BranthamThu, Jul 16, 2026·2 min read

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.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

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.

Andy and Clive Gore watched the game together in Brantham [Jamie Niblock/BBC]

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."

Amelia and Imogen said they were inspired by the Three Lions' progress in the tournament [Jamie Niblock/BBC]

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.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

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."

Some young fans could not hide their frustration [Jamie Niblock/BBC]

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."

Taylor and Stanley were thrilled to be staying up late for the game [Jamie Niblock/BBC]

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

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

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

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story