Captain Harry Kane said England would use their defeat against France to be “mentally and physically better for the next battle” as they flew home from the World Cup in Qatar.
England was defeated 2-1 in the quarterfinals, with Kane missing a penalty kick in the 84th minute after tying England’s scoring record with 53 goals.
The team of Gareth Southgate checked out of their accommodation in Al Wakrah before their journey home.
“Gutted,” said Kane.
In a social media post, the Tottenham player added: “We’ve given it our all, and it’s come down to a minor detail for which I am responsible. There is no escaping it, it hurts and it will take time to recover, but such is the nature of the sport.
“Now, the objective is to utilize the experience to become mentally and physically stronger for the next obstacle. Thank you for your support during the entire tournament; it means a great deal.”
Alan Shearer, a former England striker, commented: “This is the existence of a centre-forward. You put Harry in these scenarios, and he will be haunted by them forever.”
England departed their hotel in Qatar around 12:30 p.m. local time on Sunday and are scheduled to arrive in the United Kingdom later that day.
Midfielder Jude Bellingham took the time to sign souvenirs as players waved to supporters gathering outside the hotel before boarding a bus.
England’s middle back Harry Maguire mirrored his captain’s sentiments and also paid special homage to Southgate, who has stated that he will “evaluate and reflect” on his team’s departure from the Football Association before deciding on his future.
Southgate, who has been England’s manager since 2016, is under contract until the finals of Euro 2024.
“Last night ached. Completely devastated. Special thanks to Gareth and all of you incredible fans who never lost faith in me. I adore my nation and I hope we have made you proud “Maguire stated on social media.
Under Southgate, England reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the Euro 2020 final before their elimination by the reigning winners in Qatar.
Maguire stated in an interview, “Gareth has been amazing with myself and every other player on the club.”
“I am confident that if you questioned every player in the team, they could not talk highly enough about him, his man-management, and how this team has been constructed and grown over time.
“Over the past five or six years under Gareth’s leadership, there has been significant growth. I am aware of how difficult it is to be the England manager, as every move they make and every squad they select is scrutinized with the phrase ‘he should be in’ or ‘he shouldn’t be in.’ Every team he selects, ‘he should play or ‘he shouldn’t play; this is what it means to be the England manager.
“He is capable of handling it. In this tournament, he has once again demonstrated that he makes the correct strategic and tactical judgments in every situation.”
Midfielder Declan Rice also expressed his support for Southgate, stating that he hoped his manager would remain in his position.
“If you guys could come in and see how great everyone’s been doing on it, you’d think we’d have gone all the way as a team, but I hope he remains,” he said.
“I do not know. There is a great deal of discussion about that. I believe he has been exceptional for us. I believe that most of the criticism is unjustified. I think he’s taken us so, so far. beyond what people would anticipate
“He got everything spot on again, it’s not on him. It has nothing to do with him – the strategy was correct and we played the game correctly.
“I hope he stays because the core group that we’ve got and what he’s developed for us, it’s so great to be a part of. I enjoy playing under his direction and for England.”
“We shall visit again”
Marcus Rashford was among the several England players who tweeted on social media on Sunday, with the Manchester United striker stating that the Three Lions “shall return.”
Rashford tied with Bukayo Saka for England’s scoring lead in Qatar with three goals.
“The previous two weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster; every member of our team contributed everything they had to be prepared for whatever was thrown at us; we came close, but not close enough,” he stated.
“I will assure you that we will return”
Jordan Henderson, a midfielder, stated that it was “difficult to take” and that “sometimes football isn’t fair.”
Earlier, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham stated that the team was “hurt” by the quarterfinal loss.
“Like all England fans, we share the anguish of this morning’s quarterfinal defeat, along with the coaches, players, and support staff,” he added in a statement.
“Throughout the tournament, Gareth and Steve [Holland] prepared the team incredibly well. The players were committed to winning the trophy, and Harry Kane is an excellent leader.
“However, the sport has delicate margins, and against the reigning world champions, it was not to be.
“This is a really promising young English group, and despite last night’s crushing defeat, they should be quite pleased with their efforts in Qatar.
“We are proud of Gareth, the players, the coaches, and the support staff for all of their hard work.”
