Heartbreaking loss for England's Lionesses as football fans across the region come together for historic occasion

Across the region, football fans watched on in eager anticipation of seeing the trophy brought home this Sunday, but sadly, it wasn't meant to be this tournament.

Despite the Lionesses best efforts to equalise in the second half, the Spanish defence held firm, much to the frustration of both the players and crowds alike.

This marked the first time that a senior England side had reached a World Cup final in 57 years – since the men's England team beat West Germany 4-2 in 1966.

Emotions were running high on Sunday morning as crowds packed out the pubs, proudly displaying the three lions on their England football shirts.

In The Crown pub in Bridgnorth, members of AFC Bridgnorth Spartans, as well as their friends and family, came out in force to show their support for England's women.

Young players, from the ages of seven all the way up to 15, were donning their England hats and scarves – and some had the England flag painted across their faces.

Regardless of the result this weekend, England's women continue to be an inspiration to young girls everywhere.

Anne Johnson, lead for female football at Bridgnorth Spartans and mum-of-two, was watching the match with her nine-year-old daughter Chloe.

When asked about the Lionesses achievement in reaching the final, she said: "It's just unbelievable because when I was 10, I was banned from playing football.

"To go from that to seeing my daughter Chloe who's nine, playing football. There's just opportunities for girls now, I remember saying to my mum and dad that I wanted to play football but it was never mainstream for women.

"In the Euro's last year they (Spartans girls') watched it together, they know all the player's names, they have the t-shirts, they know what's going on. They play for the teams, some play for girl's academies."

Anne has experienced her fair share of wins and losses during her time playing for Wolves Women – for 16 years – and more recently as captain for the Kidderminster Harriers.

"I have been coaching since last year while I have been injured, but I don't want to stay out of the game for too long" Anne said, "it's brilliant – every single game they've wanted to watch.

"It's just available now and it's mainstream. We recently saw Wolves Women and they signed their autographs and their shirts."

Anne went on to say that the Spartans are looking to develop a mum's team this year, made up of women who played football at school and might've dropped out or weren't previously able to.

After the match, Bridgnorth Spartans took to social media to thank The Crown for hosting them.

They said: "Well what a few weeks of amazing football with the Lionesses.

"A hard result for all of our young Spartans to take as we had gone so far, but as they all will soon get to realise that following England is never an easy ride but one we love.

"Thank you so much to everyone that has helped and supported us in an amazing few weeks of radio, press and bringing the children to Crown Bridgnorth to support the football and be with their friends.

"A special thank you to Anne Johnson and her girls who have been immense this week.

"Thank you so much to Andrew and the team at the Crown for making us feel so welcome, we are looking forward to Spartans Takeover at The Crown Bridgnorth next week.

"We would love to see all of you Spartans there to celebrate the end of summer and the start of the new season together. We go again."

The Crown pub was the base for AFC Bridgnorth Spartans during the UEFA Euro's tournament in 2022, so it seemed fitting that the club would return this year.

On the day of the final, the pub was fully-booked, with a designated area for AFC Bridgnorth Spartans, as well as tables reserved for locals.

Owner Andy Corfield, who has been running The Crown for six years, said: "It's the first cup final in my lifetime and the first one since 1966.

"It's brilliant for Bridgnorth Spartans especially and Spartans is all about community and inclusivity and that's what The Crown is about as well.

"It's been great to welcome them and to enjoy it together along with our regular football sporting crowd. It's a nice, full venue which is always good post-Covid."

Across the border into Staffordshire, a number of venues were screening the final including Sandwell Valley Showground, which had put up a giant screen.

Other participating venues included the Hogshead, Wolverhampton, Royal London, Wolverhampton, Lawnswood in Stourbridge, the Nickelodeon in Wednesfield and the Pear & Partridge in Perton.

Pub chain Greene King was offering a free drink to anyone that goes to one of their sports pubs on Sunday to watch the final whilst wearing England colours, face paint or a kit.

It may not have been the result football fans and England's Lionesses were hoping for, but a historic achievement nevertheless.