THERE was ecstasy followed by agony for soccer fans as England left them crying in their beer.

Football fans gathered in pubs across East Lancashire to watch England go to battle in their first game of Euro 2000, against Portugal.

But pints bought in celebration were finished off to drown fans' sorrows as England's two goal lead evaporated.

Drinkers in the Swan Hotel in Accrington, held their heads in their hands and were left rueing missed chances .

And red and white face-painted regulars at the Thatch and Thistle in Nelson, left the pub deflated after an ecstatic start to the night.