ENGLAND failed to beat Macedonia last night in the Euro 2004 qualifier at St Mary's - but super Southampton turned out to be the winner.

As the city took centre stage in front of millions of people, the call to England from local supporters rang out loud and clear: "Come back soon."

The sell-out match at the Friends Provident St Mary's stadium was watched by an estimated ten million television viewers, with a record 32,000 tickets for the clash sold within two hours.

Last night's Euro 2004 qualifier proved disappointing for England because it ended in a 2-2 draw.

But coverage of the edge-of-the-seat clash provided a welcome publicity boost for the port city and the £32m football stadium, which is now in its second season.

Soccer pundits from the BBC1 - which showed the match live - all heaped praise on the quality of the Saints' pitch and top-level facilities, as did the England team.

Now it is hoped that FA chiefs will consider making Southampton a favoured host for future games involving the national squad, with Wembley Stadium not due for completion until 2006.

One fan, Julian Langton, 20, from Romsey, summed it up: "Having an England game in Southampton is great for the city."

Another, Wayne Ware, 36, from Sussex, said: "The Saints' ground is brilliant."

The game made history for two reasons - it was the first international game in the city in 101 years and more than 300 officers were drafted in, making it the biggest police-related operation ever in Hampshire.

It was estimated that nearly £1m was spent in Southampton alone as fans flocked to the area.

Supporters splashed out on England merchandise, such as shirts and flags, and in pubs, restaurants, hotels and shops.

Police made just 15 arrests, and later gave public credit to fans for being well behaved.

One of the biggest cheers of the night at the stadium was for former Saints hero, Matt Le Tissier.

He was guest of honour - and got to shake the hands of all the players as they lined up in readiness for the national anthems.

It was indeed a night when some dreams came true - and others were shattered.

SEE TODAY'S DAILY ECHO FOR OUR SPECIAL 8-PAGE SUPPLEMENT ON ENGLAND V MACEDONIA.