World Cup 2018: I’m immensely proud… and totally devastated – England can hold their heads high despite semi-final defeat
Former England captain says Three Lions 'gave everything' in brilliant Russia performance
I’M IMMENSELY proud . . . and totally devastated.
England gave everything and can hold their heads high.
But we had no answer to Croatia’s midfield genius Luka Modric. He was immense, the player of the World Cup so far.
We were great in the first half but the second half was so different. We sat back and were punished for it.
Croatia weren’t really into it in the first half but the second half it was all Croatia. We were hanging on when Ivan Perisic hit a post and we needed extra time to regroup.
Yes, we had one headed off the line by Croatia — but Modric was absolutely superb.
The way he controlled the game in the second half was a master-class. He put his foot on the ball, he could pass it and move.
But there’s nothing to be ashamed of — Gareth Southgate’s men are all heroes. They’ve exceeded everyone’s expectations and given everyone so much enjoyment.
I’m as disappointed as they are, though. I thought Croatia would tire after having coming through against Russia after extra time and penalties.
They’d already had one shootout against Denmark and they are an ageing team.
But they got some strength and energy from somewhere and once Modric got hold of the game nobody could get near him.
Perisic, too, is a quality player who grew into the match and caused us problems.
Look, Croatia are a good side there’s no doubt about that.
We lacked some experience and I thought we also lacked legs and energy in the second half — which is understandable.
I’d still say France will be favourites on Sunday — but Croatia deserve to be in the final.
People might think this is an opportunity missed for England. But I say we grasped an opportunity.
Nobody expected us to get this far before the tournament started — I didn’t. As it’s gone on, it became clear this was a brilliant chance for us. Now, we might look back and think ‘if only’.
I hope the players have loved every minute of it, though, and it’s given them the taste for more.
There’s a lot to do between now and the next World Cup in 2022 if we are to challenge again but this is a young side which will get better.
I said before the tournament that if they give everything, then there can be no recriminations.
Everyone back home knows they have done just that. So, too, do all those fans who travelled to Russia.
I’ve lost my voice, I was screaming that much.
Yes, I’m disappointed they didn’t go that final step but it’s been a great experience for everyone and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Gareth had to use his subs last night with Marcus Rashford coming on for Raheem Sterling, who caused problems in that first half but Jesse Lingard didn’t offer too much and Harry Kane looked dead on his feet.
He had one chance but other than that he looked knackered.
I’m not sure Gareth could have done anything else, it just wasn’t to be.
Kieran Trippier’s free-kick which put England ahead was brilliant. He had me out of my seat.
I’ve been asked if you can compare the disappointment of going out of the World Cup as a player to watching as a fan — and I can tell you it’s far more nerve-racking being a fan.
I was screaming and shouting, jumping up and down, still kicking every ball. I’m shattered, too.
At least when you’re on the pitch you can do something about it.
England now face Belgium on Saturday but I’m not sure about the merits of a third-place play-off.
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For the players’ sakes I hope they can lift themselves and go and win it because they deserve to be third.
Whether they’ll want to even play it is another matter, though. I suspect Gareth might give some of the other lads in the squad a run-out.
Gary Lineker played in the 1990 third-place play-off and will tell you it is a waste of time.
Probably all the players want to do now is get on a plane and go home.
Once we got to the semi-final, we were here to win it. Now third and fourth place feels like it means nothing.
There will be a huge welcome for them all when they get back to England — and so there should be.
For a month they’ve had the whole country on the edge of our seats.
There’s not one player you can say did not perform. They’ve actually given more than could be reasonably expected, everything and a bit more.
So well done boys, well done.