England's heroes outnumbered the one villain for hundreds of fans watching the World Cup drama across Oxfordshire last night.

The ten Lionhearts left on the pitch after David Beckham's moment of madness had big screen-watchers alternately in rapture and agony as the match lurched to its unbelievable conclusion.

Student Rob Drake, 21, watching at Oxford Brookes University, said: "I have never seen England try for so long and still come away with nothing. We cannot be angry at the missed penalties, but I am sick at David Beckham, who let his country down.

"I am absolutely gutted. I cannot say any more."

Fellow Brookes fan Mark Thomas, 24, said: "I am so upset. I cannot believe it. We never win at penalties."

Hundreds of fans packed pubs across the county to watch England's soccer dream crumble into dust.

Many brave fans sang the anthem "Three Lions" after the game and drowned their sorrows. About 100 fans gathered in George Street, singing songs and sharing the emotion in an impromptu street party. There was no trouble and police even diverted traffic.

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