FOOTBALL fans were left crying in their beers after England's disappointing start to the European Championships.

Supporters at home and in pubs across the borough were drowning their sorrows after England's one all draw with Russia.

Hogarths pub, in Churchgate, was full to the rafters with fans singing and cheering on their heroes – and nearly everyone thought England would win.

Before the eagerly anticipated match, Steve Bell, from Bolton, aged 57, said: "I reckon 2 or 3-1 to England. I always watch the big games here for the atmosphere. It’s got to be Jamie Vardy to score first. It's just his season I think."

Adam Lea, aged 23, from Chapletown, was also sure England were going to win. He said: “100 per cent going to win it and Harry Kane will score first.”

The fans were kept on their toes with plenty of goal opportunities, which only further fuelled the chanting.

But at half time some fans were doubting manager Roy Hodgson’s team tactics.

Adam Woods, aged 27, from Westhoughton said: "I would say we are playing averagely well at the moment. We've had a few shots on target but we need to make more out of it. We need to get a bit further forward and support each other. Harry Kane shouldn't be taking corners though, ever. He is a striker."

One supporter, Mike Kershaw, aged 55, from Bury, who was dressed head to toe in England accessories, said he thinks it is England’s year. He added: "We have had 50 years of it. But I have always remained positive.

"The last time we won anything was 1966 in the World Cup. But were are going to win the Euro’s this time round."

After a nail biting game and a 73rd minute goal from Eric Dier the spirits of the fans were through the roof, until a 92 minute Russian goal threw a spanner in the works.

After the match Steven Holt aged 56, from Breightmet, who was in Hogarths with his wife Becky, aged 51, said: "It was a good performance by England but disappointing not to win in the last minute.

“It was like watching Bolton, really. But a good performance nonetheless. The Octopus that picks out the predictions for each game picked out that it was going to be a draw. It also said that England was going to beat Slovakia though so let's wait and see for that one."

Another fan said he thought England had been robbed. John Davies, aged 33, from Farnworth said: "We were robbed. We deserved to win 3-1. We had more chances than Russia."

England next play Wales on Thursday.