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.
https://twitter.com/henrywinter/status/1017148132617056257
His actions have gone down incredibly well with with both those in the stadium and heartbroken England fans watching at home.
https://twitter.com/BBCMOTD/status/1017150694388887553
https://twitter.com/Jonno_Reilly/status/1017147687572041731
https://twitter.com/JamesConlon_/status/1017147158808727562
https://twitter.com/RorySmith/status/1017147843805630465
https://twitter.com/chobaii/status/1017149672266305544
https://twitter.com/Kelle_S6/status/1017148051209752577
No matter what state they were in, they were getting a hug.
https://twitter.com/RorySmith/status/1017148095673569280
Well done, Gareth.
Well done, Gareth.
