South East football fans reflect on final loss

Football fans in the south east of England have spoken of their pride for the national team despite the defeat in the Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Following a turbulent tournament, England made it to the final in Berlin, but lost 2-1 on Sunday.

Across the region, most fans agreed the better team won, but were still firmly behind their side.

Maidstone United Raiders manager Lorraine Humm said: "When they scored, we could hear all the houses around celebrating, someone even let fireworks off."

She added: "It just goes to show how passionate people are about English football."

Ashford United press officer Paul Osgood said: "It's a bit of a stressful time for people so it's a nice little break to be able to forget about a few things."

Ms Humm said she was "very proud" of the country.

"I think anyone that says they are not, I think they need to wobble their head a bit."

Mr Osgood agreed that the players could leave with their "heads held high".

BBC Radio Sussex spoke to residents in Crawley about England manager Gareth Southgate, who grew up in the town.

Resident Dinesh James Tagarsi said he thought Southgate had done a "really spiffing job".

He added: "You're not going to get another good manager like him. I don't care where you go in the world. Gareth is home-grown, home-spun, my hero."

Fellow resident John Fitzgerald said: "Well done Gareth. Think seriously about what you're going to do and don't be influenced by very recent events."

Meanwhile, BBC Radio Surrey visited Molesey, where defender Luke Shaw once played for Molesey Juniors Football Club.

Resident Mark Trusler said having a player in the squad who played for a local side made him "really proud" and was a "great thing" for the area.

However, he said Spain deserved to win, while England were a bit too "conservative" and should have "pushed a bit more".

"We had our chances... it just didn't work in the end," he said.

Resident Maureen Rumpling was surprised but "very pleased to hear we've got a star amongst us" and said England did "extremely well".

Unfortunately there were "several" reports of criminal behaviour and disorder at the end of an event in Haslemere where fans gathered to watch the match.

Surrey Police said a man in his 40s was taken to hospital after being seriously assaulted by two men, and another person was in custody after being arrested on suspicion of public disorder.

Ch Insp Dallas McDermott said: "[The event] was unfortunately ruined by the appalling behaviour of the minority."

He added: "This behaviour is simply not acceptable, and we will fully investigate any offences that have occurred."

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