FOOTBALL fans in East Lancashire had all day to drown their sorrows after Brazil dumped England out of the World Cup with a 2-1 win.

Supporters set their alarms for the 7.30 kick-off and gathered in pubs and workplaces for the crunch match.

Town centre pubs were packed but the fans' cheers turned to groans as the Brazilians thwarted England's plans for World Cup victory.

A tearful Lisa Thomas, 28, of Manchester Road, Burnley, said: "I am just gutted. I thought they would win especially after the first half but I am proud of them."

John Tattersall, 31, of Nelson, said: "It is my birthday today and I was hoping for a birthday present from England. I am disappointed. Maybe next time. Bring on Germany in four years."

Andy Dee, 21, of Swaine Street, Nelson, said: "The performance could have been better from England but the Brazilians played the whole game."

More than 130 youngsters packed into Christ Church Primary School, Colne, were loyal to the end.

Tom Cleaver, 11, said: "I expected them to win 1-0 and I am really gutted that they are going home. I thought we were going to win the World Cup this year. I think Brazil will win it now."

Andrew Frost, 11, said: "I am devastated. I thought we would win 2-1. I think probably Brazil or South Korea will win now.

"I think Ferdinand played best and I think Seaman should have saved their goals."

Ian Swinton, 10, said: "I thought they would win. I think they've both played very well, its just disappointing that England didn't play better.

"We've just got to wait and see who will win now."

Sophie Roberts, 10, said: "It was exciting at the beginning especially when we scored our goal but it got a bit tense towards the end. At least we scored first."

Girls were in tears at Waterfoot's Royal Hotel and its newly opened sports bar when England lost to Brazil -- but the men tucked into a full English breakfast washed down with lager.

Co-owner Maria Stannard said: "We had about 250 people in the hotel, it was a match we wanted to win so badly.

There were scenes of joy when Michael Owen put England in front in the first half - but after the South Americans came back to win, the elation turned to depression.

Nearly 300 workers at Ultraframe in Clitheroe gathered in the canteen to watch the crucial game -- and bosses laid on free bacon and sausage butties.

Manufacturing manager Darren Howarth, of Whitehall, Darwen, said: "There was a cracking atmosphere, getting everyone together to watch the match has done a lot for morale on the shop floor."

Children at Blackburn Royal Infirmary forgot about their ailments during the game. They all had their faces painted and sat around televisions on the children's ward in England shirts.

Nurses managed to juggle their many duties while keeping one eye on the televisions.

Daniel Smith, 11, a St Joseph's Primary School, Darwen pupil has just had his appendix out but was cheered up by seeing his hero Michael Owen score.

Davy O'Meara, 12, is a St Christopher's High School pupil, who was feeling miserable until the game as his appendix operation was cancelled last night.

He said: "Its taken my mind off it all but I couldn't cheer as loud as I would like to have done."

Maxine Buckley, staff nurse, said: "It has been nice for the children and it takes their minds off everything."

A packed Pitchers Pub in Blackburn town centre erupted with ecstasy at the first goal after chants of Come on England.

"You just can't describe it" said Stuart Bailey, 37, of Feniscowles. "The tension was just unbelievable!"

Kemson Piper, 19, of Greystoke Avenue, Blackburn, said: "My stomach was in my mouth. I just can't believe the first goal. What a fabulous start!"