WE were strong. We had grown. But following defeat by a superior Spain side in the Euro 2024 final, football is still resolutely refusing to come home.
Fans eagerly anticipate the big game. (Image: NQ staff)
Let's look on the bright side. England's run to the final may have been fairly straightforward in terms of the draw but even so, getting to the final was an achievement in itself.
A group of fans settle down to watch the match. (Image: NQ staff)
And one thing that has been a huge success throughout the tournament has been the many who have attended the fan zone in the Fibrus Community Stadium, Workington.
There were plenty of pints drank throughout the game. (Image: NQ staff)
There was a sense of excitement in the air before the game, as fans were already celebrating Workington Town's 14-12 win over Rochdale Hornets.
There were plenty of pints drank throughout the game. (Image: NQ staff)
There was entertainment on prior to the big game, with football chants ringing out loud as the crowd got ready to see what they hoped would be football coming home.
The fan zone was heaving throughout the afternoon and evening. (Image: NQ staff)
A sea of England shirts erupted with the England goal and it really did feel like football would come home for the best part of 30 minutes.
Families and friends enjoyed the game together. (Image: NQ staff)
Despite the result the whole event, as many of the other matches in the run up to the final, have been a huge success for the club with hundreds descending to celebrate in the sporting achievements of the three lions.
Harriet Dempsey, Ike Southward, Maisie Southward and John (Image: NQ staff)
Maria McCarron and Natasha Hardgrave from Workington (Image: NQ staff)
Some of the town players joined in on the fun
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