IT was a sad story of what could have been as loyal England fans clung on to the bitter end last night.

Despite watching the Three Lions agonisingly fall to defeat in their opening two group games against Italy and Uruguay, supporters were not put off from cheering on their team at Bolton’s pubs for last night’s swan song —which turned out to be a drab 0-0 draw against Costa Rica.

The only positive for the St George’s flag-waving crew is that some have rated this World Cup a contender for the best one ever — and there are still four rounds to go, with or without Roy Hodgson’s men.

And if that is not enough to cheer you up, there is always the European Championships...