Ref. 30899-59The streets of Swindon were quiet as fans watched England's big game against France. TAMASH LAL reports

DELIGHT turned into disbelief as Eng-land's opening bid for Euro 2004 glory ended in defeat.

Pubs and bars were at bursting point as Beckham and the boys took on France in Lisbon.

It may have been a glorious summer's evening, but Swindon's streets were deserted, with all eyes on the game.

The party heaved in the Steam Railway in Newport Street.

Surrounded by flags, screaming fans hugged and yelled as Frank Lampard deftly turned Beckham's free kick into a goal.

"We've had a brilliant first half, I know we can do it," said an optimistic Richard Blackford, 45, who would later, sadly, have to eat his words.

Pub manager Chris Bathe was thrilled with the turn out.

"The last time it was like this was for the rugby," he said.

"England are pulling all the stops out."

Around 650 revellers packed the Walkabout in Fleet Street.

"We've got 23 TVs and a big screen," said manager Shane Thompson.

"We've been packed since 4.30pm."

Inside, the tension rose as Beckham prepared to take his penalty.

But then a save by French goalie Fabien Barthez left fans groaning in despair.

"I can't believe it, I can't believe it, he missed!" screamed Chris Paginton, 20, who was draped in a giant flag.

"We can still win, 2-1, I reckon."

Richard Kirby, 23, added: "He should have got it in.

"We're struggling to hold on now.

"It's a shame, we've got a really strong squad."

Proving that women can yell as loud as the men was Marie Titmuss, 38.

"We're playing brilliantly," she said.

"We'd better win I've got a bet on."

But despite a strong start, France came back with a dramatic last-minute victory.

There were anguished cries as Zidane booted his team to a 2-1 win via a free-kick and a penalty in injury time.

But while most bars echoed with the sound of despair, jubilant cheers could be heard coming from one Old Town pub.

French fans in the Roaring Donkey in Albert Street were euphoric.

But Frenchman Yves Paquier and his friends admitted it had not been an easy game.

"We were lucky, both teams played well," said the 24-year-old engineer, who has lived in Swindon for three years.

"I knew it would be a tough game.

"We took over in the second half.

"I think we could have played better.

"Henry did really well though."

Listening to the French fans celebrating was dejected England supporter Andy Maule, 30.

"The rot set in when we missed that penalty," he said.

"France were lucky to come back so late in the game."

Tamash Lal