LONDON -- Whenever England lose at a large sporting event, the reaction is normally widespread grumbling and weary, well-what-did-we-expect-anyway style negativity.
Not on Thursday, though. Despite the absolutely heart-wrenching way in which the England women's football team exited the World Cup on Wednesday night, the reaction has been refreshingly supportive and positive.
Here's what people had to say:
A lot of people were keen to show support for Laura Bassett.
Amazing to see how proud the Nation is of the #Lionesses especially the support or @laurabassett6 who has been outstanding, a true hero!— Natasha 'Mo' Hunt (@NHunt09) July 2, 2015
.@laurabassett6 So proud of you Laura - the whole country is. Hold your head up high and laugh. Next time, eh? #Lionesses we heard you roar.— Jason Isaacs (@jasonsfolly) July 2, 2015
This is not on you @laurabassett6 This was never on you. Your whole country is proud of you #Lionesses— Girls on the Ball (@GirlsontheBall) July 2, 2015
@Mark_Sampson @laurabassett6 you and the other #Lionesses should be proud #inspirednation #ENG pic.twitter.com/2dIxcFo8DX— CIM Web Design (@cimwebdesign) July 2, 2015
Many people wanted to congratulate the team on what they've done for women's football.
The fact that so many people are up at 2am tweeting about the pride they have for the #Lionesses shows how far women's football has come— Rebecca (@RebeccaKnight01) July 2, 2015
Women's football the lead item on @BBCSport this morning. That's the victory that really counts #Lionesses— Wendy Michallat (@wmichallat) July 2, 2015
Overall, we owe the #Lionesses a big thank you. Have done their bit for women's football & women's sport in general. Magnificent tournament.— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) July 2, 2015
Laura Basett and all the #Lionesses have done so much to raise the profile of women's football in the UK. Hold your head up high! #roar— Ruth Kibble (@RuthEKibble) July 2, 2015
Gutted for @england & @laurabassett6 Forget the OG this team have inspired a generation of girls to play the beautiful game. #Lionesses— Paddy McGuinness (@PaddyMcGuinness) July 2, 2015
.@england's #Lionesses have inspired a nation. Their story and success will have an impact wider than they'll ever know #WeCanPlay— Polly Fildes (@pollyfildes) July 2, 2015
Gutted for the girls but so so proud. What they have achieved for women's football this summer is absolutely amazing. #Lionesses— EmilyBrady. (@EmilyJaneBrady) July 2, 2015
There will be girls playing football in schools today for the first time because of you brave and courageous ladies #Lionesses #proud— sally ward (@Sally_ann_ward) July 2, 2015
Overall, everyone wanted to show how proud they were.
@england ladies you made everyone proud of you. Hold your heads up high because you're all stars. #Lionesses— Daniel Sturridge (@D_Sturridge) July 2, 2015
GUTTED. Didn't deserve to go out like that. They did us proud. #Lionesses A— antanddec (@antanddec) July 2, 2015
Despite the gut-wrenching nature of the defeat, England's women were terrific and should hold their heads high. Great effort!— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 2, 2015
Absolutely gutted for the #Lionesses. They should all be immensely proud of what they have achieved on and off the field....We all are!!— Charlotte Edwards (@Lottie2323) July 2, 2015