England players share pain with fans online after World Cup defeat

England players were quick to share their pain on social media after Wednesday night’s heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia.

Kieran Trippier’s early free-kick put the Three Lions in the driving seat in Moscow, but Ivan Perisic levelled midway through the second half and Mario Mandzukic’s extra-time strike sent Croatia through to Sunday’s final against France.

Captain Harry Kane, who has over two million Twitter followers, wrote: “A lot of emotions today. First of all I’m so proud of this team and staff for giving everything we could over a long period of time together. We have overcome so many challenges that have haunted England in the past…

A lot of emotions today. First of all I’m so proud of this team and staff for giving everything we could over a long period of time together. We have overcome so many challenges that have haunted England in the past… pic.twitter.com/LuBl6QWDY0

— Harry Kane (@HKane) July 12, 2018

“We have reconnected with our amazing supporters and have enjoyed this incredible experience together. It wasn’t the outcome we wanted and as painful as it is right now, I’m sure we will learn an awful lot from last night’s game.

“It’s time now to hold our heads high as a nation and be proud of each other. I’m excited to be part of this team and the challenge to improve going forward. Thank you all for your support!”

Was an honour to represent my country at the world cup. The squad we have is a great bunch of lads who are willing to learn and give everything and we can hold our heads high. Thank you to everyone who supported our journey ?? we dont stop here! ⬆️ @england #ThreeLions ???

A post shared by JLingz ? (@jesselingard) on Jul 11, 2018 at 3:07pm PDT

To see scenes we’ve witnessed over the past month means everything to us as players and staff . The love and support we received from everyone will live long in the memory and its great that we have come together as a nation to create new memories. So thank you ❤❤❤ pic.twitter.com/5NpFfq86rL

— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) July 12, 2018

He added on Thursday afternoon: “To see scenes we’ve witnessed over the past month means everything to us as players and staff . The love and support we received from everyone will live long in the memory and its great that we have come together as a nation to create new memories. So thank you”

?

A post shared by Marcus Rashford (@marcusrashford) on Jul 11, 2018 at 3:21pm PDT

You’ve brought belief and the love of football back. Thank you boss from the whole nation ❤️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/2meUAFlIN5

— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) July 12, 2018

He then posted a message thanking England manager Gareth Southgate on Thursday morning, which said: “You’ve brought belief and the love of football back. Thank you boss from the whole nation”

Absolutely devastated that our journey is over! We enjoyed every moment as a nation, I’d like to thank all the staff and fans for being behind us. It has been an honour to be a part of this special team. We will be back stronger ???????? pic.twitter.com/LErwj4QqZm

— Trent Arnold (@trentaa98) July 11, 2018

Full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold said: “Absolutely devastated that our journey is over! We enjoyed every moment as a nation, I’d like to thank all the staff and fans for being behind us. It has been an honour to be a part of this special team. We will be back stronger”

Devastated. Absolutely gutted. Thanks to the fans for your incredible support. ???????❤️?

A post shared by Harry Maguire (@harrymaguire93) on Jul 11, 2018 at 3:22pm PDT

Devastated to not be coming back here for the final on Sunday but this is just the beginning for this squad! To each and every @England fan, the support has been incredible and we can’t thank you enough! #ThreeLions

A post shared by Jack Butland (@jbutland_) on Jul 11, 2018 at 3:44pm PDT

Gutted….. Thank you to every one of you who have been there each step of the way! The support at each game has been incredible ??? Sorry we couldn’t cross that final hurdle. Congrats to Croatia and good luck to you in the final ? #England

A post shared by Jamie Vardy (@vardy7) on Jul 11, 2018 at 3:48pm PDT

I’m still heartbroken and never felt so gutted. But there’s something I want to say. 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, just like it did in our country. pic.twitter.com/6pY10XaXZq

— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) July 12, 2018

Defender Kyle Walker took some time to reflect on the defeat and said on Thursday morning: “I’m still heartbroken and never felt so gutted. But there’s something I want to say. 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, just like it did in our country.

“We might live in a time where sometimes it’s easier to be negative than positive, or to divide than to unite, but England: let’s keep this unity alive. I love you.”

Last night hurt and will for a while but we must take positives from the last few weeks and look forward to the future.What a great set of @England teammates and staff, it’s been a journey we can be proud of. Thank you to all the fans out here and back home for your support??? pic.twitter.com/Aw43gMvg4K

— Kieran Trippier (@trippier2) July 12, 2018

Right back Trippier added: “Last night hurt and will for a while but we must take positives from the last few weeks and look forward to the future. What a great set of @England teammates and staff, it’s been a journey we can be proud of. Thank you to all the fans out here and back home for your support”