WE'VE been here many times before - but it doesn't get easier.

Hundreds of England fans gathered in Spark:York on Wednesday night - daring to dream that our team of young lions might be heading for World Cup glory.

But after an early goal and moments of promise, the more familiar nightmare started to unfold: football wasn't coming home.

York-based supporters, decked in England flags, watched on in despair as their hopes unravelled and England crashed to defeat.

One fan even decided it was time to part with his Gareth Southgate-style wastecoat, abandoning it in a bin.

But amid the tears and heartache, there was pride. This young team and its manager had achieved more than we could have ever hoped: we believed again.