‘Absolutely heartbreaking’ - Norfolk fans react as England knocked out of the World Cup

Three Lions fans faced agony as, after an initially promising start, they watched their World Cup dream slip through their fingers.

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

After a stunning goal from Trippier five minutes in to the game and a promising first half, hopes were high.

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

At half time, England fans at the Gallery Bistro, in Fakenham, said how surreal it was for England to be playing so well in tournament football.

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

They were among thousands of people watching in packed pubs, bars and venues around the county, hoping to celebrate England making their way to a final in the company of others.

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

But after an equaliser in the 68th minute and another in the 109th, hope started to fade.

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

At Open in Norwich, England fans held their head in their hands but they were far from defeated.

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

MORE: Live feed - pub reactions as England play World Cup semi-final

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Fans at the Lamb Inn during the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Matthew Northcott, 26: 'It is absolutely heartbreaking. But if someone said to me a month ago we would be in the semi-final I would have taken it.

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

'In this moment of massive disappointment we have to draw a positive. The team is still so young so let's roll on the Euros and the next World Cup and see how the team develops. We have modernised the way we play - there is no doubt about that.

Fans at the Lamb Inn during the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

'Every single one of those lads were playing for the shirt. It is disappointing but we have to still consider this World Cup a success. It's not the end of the world and we should be proud of how they have done.

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

'There are no easy games at this level and mistakes were going to be made.'

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Kano Earl, 25, who was also in Norwich, said: 'It is just devastating. Everyone had belief - then when we got Croatia in the semis everyone expected us to get to the finals.

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

'They have been amazing and I can't complain at all. Nobody expected us to get this far. If you look at the bigger picture we have been playing really well throughout. I think today came down to nerves. We had chances to finish it but it didn't happen.'

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

There was a sense of disappointment in the Kings Arms in Great Yarmouth, with roughly 300 people watching on as England battled for a spot in the final.

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Tom Wetton, 32, was deflated but proud. He said 'I am devastated we have gone out but proud and optimistic for the future.'

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Rachel Rundle, 33, also in Great Yarmouth, said she thought Jordan Pickford was fabulous and added she was delighted how much this has brought people together.

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

MORE: Gallery - can you spot yourself in our photos from England's clash with Croatia?

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

'Although we maybe playing for third place communities have come together because of this,' she said.

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

While optimism in the match waned, pride in England did not - as the game came to a close at Open, a rousing chorus of English 'Til I Die went around the venue, while fans watching at the Railway Tavern in Dereham applauded the team as it came to a close.

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

At the Norman Warrior in Lowestoft there was an overwhelming feeling of what might have been.

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

But landlord Shaun Waters said he was looking to the future with optimism.

Fans watching the second half of England against Croatia in the World Cup at the Lamb Inn. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

'The team had the whole country behind them but just fell short in the end,' he said.

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

'I can't wait for the Euros in two years' time because I really do think we're going to go and win it. Players like Pickford, Trippier and Maguire have been outstanding.'

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

At the Ancient Mariner, in Old Hunstanton, Declan Basley said: 'We were OK for 75 minutes then the concentration lapsed. It was a case of trying to keep the ball but the concentration lapsed and it was a lousy goal. It was the second goal that killed us.'

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Another regular said: 'Disappointed? I'm really disappointed. We managed it for 60 minutes then we just lost it.'

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Johnathan Goward, 32, from Fakenham, said: 'It's been a great tournament but a disappointing end to go out that way and England just weren't good enough tonight.'

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Football fans watch the World cup Semi-Final between England and Croatia at the Ingate pub, Beccles.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

A devastated fan is comforted after England loses against Croatia in extra time during the World Cup semi final. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

A devastated fan after England loses against Croatia in extra time during the World Cup semi final. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)