CNN.com - Beers and tears for England fans
Andrew Mccoy
Published Apr 12, 2026
| ||||
LONDON, England -- Dejected England fans were silenced across the country as they saw their World Cup dreams shattered by 10-man Brazil.
Millions of supporters got up early to watch Friday's match believing England could beat Brazil and reach the semifinal for the first time since 1990.
But at 9.20 a.m. local time the truth dawned in pubs that had opened early, schools that had set up big screen TVs before lessons and offices that had shown the match live to encourage staff into work.
About 22,000 pubs had thrown open their doors for breakfast beers and in London's Trafalgar Square a crowd estimated by police at 12,000 watched the match on a giant screen.
| |||||||||
Hopes were raised when England took the lead, but Brazil's comeback meant there were no celebrations. (Match report)
In London, accounts worker Dan Brook watched as Brazil sealed their 2-1 win. "This is absolutely terrible, I was truly hopeful. I can't believe we lost to such a bad goal. I'm sulking now. I'll go back to work but drown my sorrows this evening." (Seaman says sorry)
IT worker Suraj Awilliath 26, said: "I feel lost and dejected. But England have done well and I'm proud of them."
Business analyst Ade Dania added: "We let ourselves down. I might just go home now. I'm not in the mood for work."
Staff at the Co-operative Bank in Manchester, northwest England, watched the game in a conference room. Employee Karen Appleton said: "It was a roller coaster of emotions. I have supported England all the way, but Brazil are just class, they are in a class of their own."
The Samaritans, which offers advice for people suffering emotional problems and suicidal tendencies, warned England's defeat could trigger calls to its helpline.
CNN's Richard Quest, who watched the match with fans in a London sports cafe, said: "The mood is grim and drunken."
