England players and fans say Three Lions will roar back from World Cup defeat under Gareth Southgate
The England manager was given heart by players and fans alike, with ace Marcus Rashford summing up the national feeling, saying: 'You’ve brought belief and the love of football back. Thank you from the whole nation'
ENGLAND players and fans rallied around manager Gareth Southgate today and vowed the Three Lions would roar back from their World Cup semi-final exit.
Striker Marcus Rashford spoke for millions as he told the boss: “You’ve brought belief and the love of football back. Thank you from the whole nation.”
The Man U star, 20, added: “This team’s special. We’ll be back. Hopefully this is the start of the future.”
Wife Alison gave Southgate a comforting hug in an empty Luzhniki Stadium after Wednesday’s 2-1 extra time defeat by Croatia.
Today, fans led calls for him to be knighted — as PM Theresa May lined up a Downing Street reception for the squad.
Southgate, 47, swapped his smart waistcoat for an official top as he stood by a “Rise of the Fearless” billboard at the team’s Repino HQ today. In his debrief he thanked staff and players and urged them to bounce back.
Defender Kyle Walker, 28, tweeted: “I’m still heartbroken and never felt so gutted.
“But this past month, I’ve seen videos going around, photos been sent to me. That felt so good for us here in Russia, and united us more and more.
“We might live in a time where sometimes it’s easier to be negative than positive or to divide than unite, but England: let’s keep this unity alive. I love you.”
Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, 19, added: “We will be back stronger.” Semi- final goal hero Kieran Trippier, 27, tweeted: “It’s been a journey we can be proud of.”
Captain Harry Kane told fans: “I’m so proud of this team for giving everything. We have overcome so many challenges that have haunted England in the past.
“We have reconnected with our amazing supporters. It’s time to hold our heads high as a nation.”
Apprentice star Sir Alan Sugar tweeted today: “The question is, will it be Sir Gareth Southgate?”
Fan Steve Osborne said: “A huge thank you to Sir Gareth Southgate who has restored this nation’s passion for our national side. What a bloke.”
A spokeswoman for the PM said: “She thinks he did a fantastic job and the players and fans can look forward to a bright future.”
Fans want an open-top bus parade but the FA says there are no plans.
Nearly 31 million watched the match on ITV. And 10,000 England fans stayed on in the stadium to sing Three Lions and Oasis’ Don’t Look Back in Anger to the players.
Tearful stars including Rashford, goalie Jordan Pickford and defender Harry Maguire were comforted by family. Boss Southgate also consoled his young team on the pitch.
He and Alison, 51, wed in 1997. She helped him get over his missed penalty against Germany at Euro 96.
The couple live in a £3.75million six-bed manor in North Yorkshire with children, Mia, 19, and Flynn, 15.
Newcastle fan Glen Stidolph said he spoke to Alison in the stands on Wednesday. He added: “Gareth came over. He was smiling and affable. I said, ‘Thanks mate, the tournament’s been a blast, really cool’.
“I gave him a hug and took a selfie. He’s worked wonders with this team. The future’s incredibly bright.”
Just 600 England fans have so far bought tickets for Saturday’s third-place play-off against Belgium.
But many hold high hopes for the Three Lions at Euro 2020.
Mick Martin, 58, from Aylesbury, Bucks, said: “We’re on the cusp of something. There’s a real connection between Gareth and the players that had been lost by previous managers.”