World Cup 2018: Poignant moment Gareth Southgate is consoled by wife Alison as pair embrace in empty Luzhniki Stadium after England’s heartbreaking loss to Croatia
THIS is the poignant moment Gareth Southgate was consoled by his wife after England's heartbreaking World Cup exit.
The pair were pictured locked in an embrace in an empty Luzhniki Stadium after proud Three Lions supporters filtered out of the ground.
Southgate has won the hearts of the nation after guiding England to the semi-finals.
Alison, his wife of 20-years, waited patiently for the boss to comfort his players before taking him in her arms.
His devoted children, Flynn and daughter Mia, were also present to offer solace to their dad.
Southgate managed to raise a smile knowing he has exceeded expectations as the nation fell back in love with the national side.
He transformed a side of no-hopers to a team on the brink of their first World Cup final since 1966.
Southgate would be keen to deflect the praise heaped on him onto his heroes that gave their all throughout the tournament.
The 10,000 England fans who witnessed the defeat in Moscow made their feelings towards the manager well known after the full-time whistle.
With Southgate going over to supporters, as he has done in every match, they belted out songs in support of the gaffer.
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Those in England proved their backing for Southgate by flocking to buy the waistcoat he has been synonymous with since the start of the tournament.
Official supplier Marks and Spencer's rapidly sold out as fans rushed to the retail giant to purchase the waistcoat.
Fans took to Twitter to praise Southgate as they prepare for their third and fourth place play-off clash against Belgium on Saturday.
One said: "It's him I'm most gutted for. He has been magnificent."
Another wrote: "Give it four years with these players and who knows. I've waited 20 years to have a football team that cares, or at least seems to. Players care, manager cares. Fans do too. All down to manager philosophy."