England fans in Uttoxeter were "gutted" as the Three Lions crashed out of the World Cup - but publicans were still celebrating at the pumps.
England may have in the semi-finals last night (July 11), but some pubs reported an estimated 50 per cent boost in takings.
England lost 2-1 after extra time to a talented Croatia team after an epic match at the Luzhniki Stadium, in Moscow, Russia.
Supporters consistently packed out Uttoxeter's boozers for all England's games at the World Cup, but some chose to watch in more unusual surroundings.
Oliver Withington put up a small marquee decorated with all the flags of the nations in the tournament.
He said: "It's been up for the whole tournament. When not at work we haven't missed a single game.
"We have every nation's flag up and fairy lights. It's been out own little fan-zone."
Luan Inskip watched the game with her family at a holiday park in Torquay.
Many flocked to the Three Tuns - traditionally one of the town's most popular football-loving watering holes.
Manager Sheila Greaves said: "We've been so busy throughout the World Cup and it's been a big boost for the pub.
"I'd say takings have been 50 per cent up compared to the few weeks before the tournament.
"Every time England have played, it's just gone mental. The atmosphere's been electric.
"The pub industry needs a boost and that's what the tournament's provided.
"We could do with a World Cup every couple of months.
"Last night the ups and downs of the game were huge and it was just amazing when we scored.
"There were a few sad faces at full time. It was such a shame the lads couldn't make it through to the final."
Pat Beech, of Bradley House Club, in Bradley Street, saluted the England players for their tireless efforts.
She said: "We were packed on Saturday (July 7) against Sweden and again last night.
"I reckon takings were up about 40 per cent during the England games.
"We had a huge range of ages, from a 10-year-old lad right up to some pensioners.
"And they all felt really positive, even at the final whistle, and proud of what the players had achieved.
"At the end of the day, they're young lads - some of them weren't far off half the age of some of the Croats."
What people have been saying on social media?
Sports clubs in the Uttoxeter area took to social media to express their admiration for the young Lions, who, with an average age of 26, were the youngest squad at the tournament.
Abbots Bromley FC tweeted: "Those lads may just have inspired a new generation! Let’s hope we can keep building and contend regularly #newgen #Englandisproud @FA."
And the players have been quick to Tweet about their disappointment.
Kieran Trippier, who got England off to a flying start with his excellent free kick - only to see t cancelled out by goals from Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic, said: "Last night hurt and will for a while but we must take the positives from the last few weeks and look forward to the future.
"What a great set of @England teammates and staff, it's been a journey we can be proud of.
"Thank you to all the fans out here and back home for your support."
Jesse Lingard Tweeted: "Was an honour to represent my country at the world cup.
"The squad we have is a great bunch of lads who are willing to learn and give everything and we can hold our heads high.
"Thank you to everyone who supported our journey - we don't stop here."
999 phone lines 'lit up immediately after final whistle
Ambulance bosses covering Uttoxeter saw a steep rise in 999 calls after the final whistle was blown on England's semi-final match.
The country was left heartbroken when England lost to Croatia in the World Cup semi-final - and it was a busy night for West Midlands Ambulance Service as some fans struggled to come to terms with the loss.
A spokesman said call numbers rose 15 per cent compared to the same time the previous week, with more than 1,100 calls received between 9.30pm and 4.30am.
Although there was "nothing out of the ordinary to report from Uttoxeter", according to ambulance bosses, they were called out to several "alcohol-related injuries" and two cases of domestic violence in Burton.
Assistant chief ambulance officer Nathan Hudson, who was in control of the trust, said: "Almost immediately after the final whistle, the phone lines lit up.
"We were called to more than 40 reports of assaults in the aftermath of the match.
"We also dealt with a number of serious road traffic collisions and other drink related incidents with people falling over, drink fueled cases of bravado leading to injuries.
"Sadly, we also saw a number of cases of domestic violence.
"The high levels of demand continued through until around 4.30am before returning to levels that we would normally have expected to see.
"The trust had put in place an extensive plan to deal with the evening with a large number of additional crews, managers and doctors on shift.
"The planning paid dividends with the trust able to cope with the significant rise in demand exceptionally well.
"I would like to thank all of the staff who came in on days off to assist us."
However, in Derbyshire it was a different story as they received less calls than the previous week - despite being prepared for a busy night.
A spokesman for East Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We received 238 calls during the match. However, we did not see an overall increase in the number of calls yesterday, Wednesday, July 11, despite expecting more phone calls.
"We had 2,508 calls in total yesterday, which was actually fewer than the same day last week."
