England have failed in their bid to win the rights to host the World Cup finals in 2018.
Their three lions of Prince William, footballer star David Beckham and Prime Minister David Cameron had wowed FIFA delegates on the last day of campaigning trying to see off joint favourites Russia along with rivals Spain and Portugal.
The drama intensified when the announcement from FIFA President Sepp Blatter was slightly delayed as the 22 delegates deliberated in Zurich.
When Russia eventually emerged victors, it was a bitter blow to the England camp, leaving glum faces all round.
Blatter praised all the bids involved and said they had been impressed by England’s late charge which, it was argued, would have been the most profitable.
The decision sparked scenes of jubilation in the Russian delegation.
Qatar were later named as the shock hosts of the World Cup 2022.
