Cries of disappointment could be heard echoing across Kent as England’s Euro 24 dreams were dashed in a 2-1 defeat against Spain.
There were tense scenes in pubs, bars and homes across the county as England fought in vain to claim glory in the historic match.
Fans’ joy after the Three Lions netted a 72-minute equaliser turned to despair as Spain scored a second goal at 86 minutes, bringing the final score to 2-1.
The men’s squad carried the weight of a nation’s hopes on their shoulders, having not won a major tournament since 1966.
But it wasn’t meant to be, as England fell at the last hurdle for a second European Championship final in succession.
Tens of thousands of fans made “epic” journeys to be in Germany for the final, while many pubs and bars across Kent were at capacity.
The Prince of Wales, who attended the match in Berlin alongside his son Prince George, told England’s football team “we’re all still so proud of you”, adding “It just wasn’t meant to be.”
National pride was strong in the county in the lead up to the match, where homes, cars and even roundabouts were adorned with St George’s flags.
In Maidstone, The Ashes sports bar was filling up hours before kick-off, with one fan saying they had never seen it so busy so early in the day.
Before the match, Eddie Waddell, 28, from Langley, said: “Atmosphere is buzzing, really looking forward to the game. Think it’ll be a close one. I think 3-2 England. I hope it comes home! Up the Three Lions.”
Other large venues including Folkestone’s Harbour Arm and the Casino Rooms in Rochester were packed with eager England fans.
The King, the Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister were among those to have sent well-wishes to the England squad ahead of the match.
In Kent, high-profile figures posted of their excitement on X, including newly-elected Labour MPs Tristan Osborne, who represents Chatham and Aylesford, and Dartford’s Jim Dickson.
Companies also got in the spirit, with Southeastern temporarily changing the names of some of its railway stations to honour the players, including Folkestone Central to “Foden Central”.
Ahead of the match, England manager Gareth Southgate issued a rallying cry to fans.
In a video posted on social media by the England football team, Southgate said: “To all of the fans that travelled to the games, I know there have been some epic journeys, hours and hours of travel, so grateful for that support.
“It’s meant so much to us in the stadium, and it’s so important for the players, so same again please for the final.
“To everybody at home, we’ve for a long time wanted to create memories for everybody.
“I think we’ve shown amazing resilience, never say die spirit, composure under pressure at different moments.
“So, we’re looking forward to this challenge. We know we’ve got to be exceptional again against Spain. But we’re in here fighting and we hope to do you proud again.”
Captain Harry Kane told a press conference he is “extremely proud to be English”, saying a win would be “incredible” for fans.
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British Beer And Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “On what promises to be a hugely exciting day for the country we expect an incredible 10 million extra pints to be poured in our pubs this Sunday to toast England’s Euros final.
“A huge £48 million in additional trade for pubs and breweries will be generated by fans across the nation.”
The men’s side have never won a European Championship, with the World Cup win in 1966 their last and only major silverware.
It is the first time the men’s side has reached a final outside England.
