FROM toddlers to pensioners, generations felt the pain of a 4-1 England defeat to Germany on Sunday.

The optimism visibly drained from fans’ faces at Verwood Sports and Leisure Club, off Black Hill, as two second-half goals were conceded to Thomas Muller in quick succession.

Hopes of glory dashed, many retreated to the garden long before the final whistle.

Darren Robson, from Verwood, said: “The first half was very exciting. But the disallowed goal deflated everything.

“By Germany’s fourth goal we all got fed up and went to sit outside.”

Post-match, the attitude was of bleak disbelief and resignation, and those wearing England shirts removed them in despair.

Criticisms ranged from lack of passion to poor coaching decisions and the controversial decision to disallow Frank Lampard’s shot at goal.

Jim Burgess, from Verwood, said: “Germany were the worst draw we could have got, going on past results.

“I think we could have made more of the match, but we played all right.

“Fabio Capello’s substitutions were unjustified – why bring Emile Heskey on?

“Wayne Rooney’s been over-rated the whole tournament.”

Club chairman Boyd Mortimer said: “The crowds have been brilliant here, really invigorating.

“They’re very active and vocal, and it brings families together.

“The game was just something else.”

In Bournemouth’s lower gardens, football-phobes had gathered to watch the Marilyn Monroe classic Some Like it Hot.

Perhaps England fans can find solace in that film’s famous closing line: “Nobody’s perfect.”