Thursday 2 July 2015 13:05, UK
Following England’s cruel exit from the Women’s World Cup on Wednesday night, we run through how Twitter reacted to their 2-1 loss against Japan.
Defender Laura Bassett's injury-time own goal handed the holders a last-gasp victory in Edmonton, denying Mark Sampson’s side the chance to become only the second England team to reach a World Cup final.
But their achievements of the reaching the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time drew widespread acclaim. Here's how some of their male counterparts responded via the world of social media to the agonising defeat…
Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge: "@england ladies you made everyone proud of you. Hold your heads up high because you're all stars. #Lionesses"
Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere: "You've still made us proud @england ladies. #Lionesses #ENG"
Stoke City and England goalkeeper Jack Butland: "congratulations to @england women and @stephhoughton2 because only positives can come from what you've done this summer! #Lionesses #beproud"
Aston Villa and England right-back Micah Richards: Did anyone shed a tear then??? Cruel. Well done England
Former Bayern Munich, Everton and USA international Landon Donovan: "Absolutely devastated for @laurabassett6 We all make mistakes and I hope she doesn't let this define her"
Former Everton, Spurs, Barcelona and England captain Gary Lineker: "Despite the gut-wrenching nature of the defeat, England's women were terrific and should hold their heads high. Great effort!"
As well as a whole host of current and former Premier League and international players, many stars of the women’s game, past and present, also took to Twitter to sing Sampson and Co’s praises:
Arsenal Ladies and former England Kelly Smith forward: "@laurabassett6 Hold your head up high girl. You have lead by example and been IMMENSE all tournament. We ❤️ you"
Arsenal Ladies and England defender Casey Stoney: "If anyone did not deserve that today it was @laurabassett6 she is the most honest, hard working, professional who is an amazing team mate!!!"
Former US international Mia Hamm: "Watching the post match interviews by the England players & coach. Pure class. You represent yourselves and your country brilliantly.thank u"
Former Arsenal Ladies and former England captain Faye White: "Have felt pain like that and wouldn't wish it on anyone. The margins at the top are so small. We win and lose as a TEAM. #ENG"
Laura Bassett did respond to all the words of sympathy that came her way... just not that Laura Bassett…
Laura Bassett: "Guys I'm not Laura Bassett the soccer player. But feel free to continue tweeting at me it's kinda fun"
Even actor Danny Dyer expressed, in his own unique way, his disappointment at England’s exit: "Putting aside that freak jammy undeserved goal...Men of Roy Hodgson...that...is how you wear the England shirt. #treacleworldcup"
