England are out of the 2018 World Cup
Despite all the hope, the performances and the memes, it is not coming home this year.
Kieran Trippier took the lead early on, only Croatia to equalise halfway through the second half, and went on to win the game in extra time.
However, this is definitely an England team for the nation to be proud of. A young team who have captured the hearts of the country, who given their all, and smashed every stereotype that gets wheeled out about lazy footballers.
And no more has that been summed up by the manager, Gareth Southgate. A relaxed, likeable presence, and an unlikely style icon to boot.
His conduct following the final whistle of Wednesday’s game has particularly gotten a lot of adulation.
Following his side’s defeat, he went around and comforted his own players. And then, far from being a sore loser, he proceeded to congratulate the Croatian players and staff.
Southgate, as classy as ever, walks over to congratulate Dalic and his players, embracing #cro matchwinner Mandzukic. Southgate's sporting nature has won #eng so many friends here and abroad.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) July 11, 2018
His actions have gone down incredibly well with with both those in the stadium and heartbroken England fans watching at home.
Gareth Southgate knows this feeling.
There for his team.#ENGCRO #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/QUeAvagZwr
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/Jonno_Reilly/status/1017147687572041731
Gareth Southgate is some guy ain’t he? What a fucking hero. Hugging/comforting every single player and thanking them. #ENGCRO
— JC (@JamesConlon_) July 11, 2018
Gareth Southgate has gone to congratulate Croatia's staff and players, and watch them as they drape themselves in flags, and play with their kids. That is: a) admirable and b) massively masochistic.
— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) July 11, 2018
Southgate is an absolutely top bloke, consoling Colombian players, going straight to the Croatian side to congratulate them.
What a great guy!! #CROvENG #WorldCup
— shahroz شهروز ☽🇵🇸 (@ShahrozSiddiqi) July 11, 2018
Very classy of Gareth Southgate to congratulate the Croatian coach.
— Kelle Salle 🇨🇲 (@KelleSWriter) July 11, 2018
No matter what state they were in, they were getting a hug.
Update: he has just given Ivan Rakitic, who for some reason only wearing his pants, a hug.
— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) July 11, 2018
Well done, Gareth.
