Women's World Cup final: Winchester England fans react to defeat

The Lionesses, who won the European Championships last year, lost to Spain 1-0 in Australia.

Punters packed-out city centre pubs in the hope that they would win the World Cup for the first time.

However, at full-time there was a sense of an opportunity missed.

Calum MacDougall and Oliver Taylor-Wood watched the game in O'Neill's and had a front-row seat.

Calum, 34, from London, said: “It wasn't the best game, Spain were the favourites and dominated the game. It's a shame. After the penalty save, they got back into it for about five minutes but Spain were the better side. We never really created enough.”

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After 90 minutes, the referee gave 13 minutes of injury time which gave the crowds hope for an equaliser after England goalkeeper Mary Earps saved a penalty. However, at full-time people made quickly for the exit. 

Linda Game watched the match at The Exchange, in Southgate Street. Linda, 59, from Bar End, said: “I feel really sorry for Sarina, she's done that twice now. We played well, but I'm totally depressed. It would have been a great day. The team can hold their heads up, to get through to a final was brilliant.”

Best friends and women's football fans Karen Harper, 47, and Marie Cornlouer, 46, from Stanmore, returned to their lucky seats in The Exchange where they had seen England win the quarter-final and semi-final. However, this time their luck ran out.

Karen said: “We're devastated. I thought we were going to do it. The first half was absolutely shocking. The second half was better.”

Marie said: “Our passing wasn't great, it was very hit and miss. It just wasn't our day.”