FA release powerful statement after England World Cup exit
The chief executive of the Football Association, Mark Bullingham, has expressed his pride at England's performances at the 2022 World Cup in an extremely supportive statement.
The Three Lions were eliminated by holders France on Saturday night, as goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Olivier Giroud condemned Gareth Southgate's side to a quarter-final exit for a record seventh time.
England's players will perhaps look back at what might have been, with their performance here far superior to the one put in against Croatia when losing in the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup.
They were more than a match for France, whose boss Didier Deschamps admitted his side got a "bit lucky" after conceding two penalties, and had a great chance to level the game at 2-2 with just six minutes to go.
But captain Harry Kane was unable to convert for a second time from 12 yards out having already dispatched one spot-kick past club teammate Hugo Lloris.
Southgate said in the immediate aftermath of the game that he'd need time to 'review and reflect' on England's performances before deciding whether or not to continue as manager, but it's clear that he has the support of English football's governing body following the release of a statement from CEO Bullingham.
“Like all England fans we feel the pain of losing a quarter-final, along with the coaches, players and support team who are hurting this morning," the statement began.
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"Gareth and Steve [Holland] prepared the team exceptionally well throughout the tournament. The players were committed to winning the trophy and were very well led by Harry Kane. But sport can have fine margins and on the day, against the current world champions, it was not to be.
"This is a very exciting young English squad and, despite the intense disappointment of last night, they should be very proud of their performances in Qatar.
“We are incredibly proud of Gareth, the players, the coaches and the support team and appreciate all the hard work they put in.”
France's reward for beating England is a semi-final date with surprise package Morocco. The Atlas Lions upset the apple cart once more in Saturday's early game, beating Portugal 1-0 having already seen off Spain in the round of 16.