England football fans in Southampton said they were "sad but proud" after watching the Lionesses lose to Spain in the World Cup final.

Pubs across the city were packed on Sunday morning as supporters gathered to cheer on the women's team in the first England World Cup final since 1966.

The women's team lost 1-0 to Spain after Olga Carmona scored the one and only goal of the game in the first half's 28th minute.

Speaking after the match, fans at Shenanigans in Carlton Place said they were still proud despite the outcome.

Daily Echo: Kerry Leigh, 34, and Dominika Zasaola, 28Kerry Leigh, 34, and Dominika Zasaola, 28 (Image: Newsquest)

Kerry Leigh, 34, said: “It’s disappointing for sure, they didn’t have enough time to get into it. They took their chances but just didn’t manage to cross that line.

“It’s our first World Cup final so they should definitely be proud of themselves, it’s great that they have been able to make it this far.”

Tara Geoghegan, 21, said: “We wanted to see the girls fight, it is still very exciting they managed to get to the final. They did really well and did us all proud.

“They just needed to improve on the positioning, as they kept on losing the ball.”

Speaking to the Echo at halftime, some fans said they were hopeful for a turnaround in the game but pointed out what improvements were necessary for it to happen.

Daily Echo: Dominique Fry, and Russ HewittDominique Fry, and Russ Hewitt (Image: Newsquest)

Dominique Fry said: “England can’t relax, they really have to pay attention and push Spain at all times. Spain has a really good counter-offensive and [during the first half] they were really good.”

Speaking to the BBC, England manager Sarina Wiegman said: "I think everyone has seen an incredible game, a very open game, both teams who want to play football.

“Two different halves for us. In the first half, we really struggled to have a press on the ball.”

She added: "Of course, it feels really bad now, very very disappointing. You go into the final and you want to give everything and then you lose it.

“That happens in sports too but what we have done, how we have shown ourselves, who we are, how we want to play as a team, overcoming so many challenges, I think we can be so proud of ourselves now although it doesn't feel like it at the moment."