World Cup 2018: Belgium stars celebrate leaving with a medal while England players reflect in contrasting social media posts
Goals from Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard saw Belgium bag third place in the World Cup, while England were left to reflect on what might have been
BELGIUM defeated England to secure third place at this summer's World Cup - and judging from their players' reactions, it was far from a 'nothing game'.
Both teams will have felt that but for a bit of luck, they could have been contesting the final over in Russia.
But instead the two European teams were competing to see who would finish third and who would finish fourth.
In the end goals from Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard meant it was Belgium who secured bagging rights, and secure their second tournament victory over England.
A solitary strike from former Manchester United man Adnan Januzaj saw Belgium defeat England top top Group G back on June 28.
After today's second game some of Belgium's players shared their delight on social media at getting the third-place medal - while there was dejection for Gareth Southgate's battlers.
Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany, in what is probably his last World Cup, tweeted: "I’d like to thank my teammates, all staff members and supporters for this incredible journey in Russia.
"I’ll remember our time together for the rest of my life. One hell of a team!"
And midfielder Axel Witsel wrote: "Third place. World Cup 2018!!
"What an achievement for our BELGIUM! Proud & honoured to have represented these colours and to have made everyone back home happy with our performances this past month.
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"We made history. We did it all #REDTOGETHER. We will be back."
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, one of the stars of this summer's World Cup, simply wrote "history" and shared photos of him with his medal.
Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen posted: "Very proud to make Belgian football history. Loved being with this team for the past 4 weeks.
"Now it’s time to relax and go again next season."
Tottenham defender Tonyt Alderweireld wrote: "Bronze medal. Good way to end this World Cup! Thanks all for the amazing support!"
But there were contrasting messages from the England lads.
Captain Harry Kane, who is likely to finish as the Golden Boot winner, tweeted: "Not the way we wanted to finish but so many positives to take from this experience.
"Travelling fans and everyone back home have been great - thank you."
Another star of the tournament, Harry Maguire, posted: An incredible journey. The highs and the lows... the joys of football.
"Massive thankyou for your support throughout. Special mention to the manager for giving me this opportunity.";
Raheem Sterling chose to pay respects to his Manchester City club-mates, writing: "Well done @VincentKompany & @DeBruyneKev .... to all the England fans, thanks for the support.
"The future is bright for England and may the success continue."