THIS was the moment England's national glory was transformed to from hope to dismay.

The beautiful game took the ugly twist long- term fans feared it might as Kevin Keegan's dream 11 raised hopes with a 2-0 lead - and smashed them by throwing it away.

Supporters in the Northern Wall, in Fossgate, began celebrations early after the unmarked Paul Scholes headed into the Portuguese net for the evening's first goal.

After McManaman fired the ball into the roof of the net 15 minutes later, they thought England's moment had come and the team was set to cruise to victory and the top of Group A.

But only four minutes after that reality bit as the Portuguese began to test England's defence, and the first of their three goals found the net.

Northern Wall manager Chris Fall said: "It was a great start, and obviously a very sad ending.

"Hopefully they'll do better on Saturday. Hopes are still high, they have to do better and everybody in the Northern Wall will still be cheering them on against Germany."

The emotional extremes felt by supporters in the Northern Wall were shared in pubs and front rooms across North and East Yorkshire as the country watched England's Euro 2000 opener.

The team now has to prepare for Saturday's crucial match against Germany, who managed to hold Romania to a 1-1 draw yesterday.

Mr Fall said: "I'm hoping England had a shock last night, and they'll pull their socks up for Saturday's game."

England's final game in the group stage will be played against Romania on June 20.

PICTURES: (TOP)WINNING: England fans celebrate an England goal in the Northern Wall in Fossgate, (BOTTOM) LOSING: Fans look on in disbelief as England squander their two goal lead