We can hold our heads high: Kane
TWO STEPS TOO FAR
It ended in tears for Gareth Southgate’s young England brigade. Devastated, England players, however, said the tournament helped rebuild a few burnt bridges between the national team and its fans.
Skipper Harry Kane said the tournament will be a big learning curve for his side. “It hurts and it will hurt for a while; but we can hold our heads up high. It was a fantastic journey; we got further than anyone thought we could. We have just got to learn from it.”
Midfielder Eric Dier said: “We believed that we could get all the way. To get this far was special but we wanted it to continue. Obviously we are disappointed.
“There will come a time when we will be able to look back and see what’s good has come from this,” said Dier.
“After France, the way we left the tournament is quite in contrast to the way we are leaving this one. I feel like we have reconnected with the fans. The relationship between England and the fans has been so negative for so long. We have reignited that reconnected with them. It makes playing for England so special; having that mutual feeling between us and them.”
With two general elections and a highly divisive referendum over Britain’s exit from the European Union polarising the country during the last three years, Dier said the power of the World Cup has helped bring the country together.
“When we look back, it gives us pride that we have brought the nation together. The country is going through a difficult time at the moment. I feel that we have given the people something to cheer about, something to enjoy and take their minds away from everything else over the past couple of weeks,” he remarked.
Harry Maguire said England exceeding expectations helped ITALIA 1990: Against West Germany, Andreas Brehme’s shot hit defender Paul Parker and looped over Peter Shilton into goal. Gary Lineker equalised with 10 minutes left to force extra-time, but the eventual champions won on penalties. A weeping Paul Gascoigne provided a poignant moment in the tournament.
EURO 1996: Hosts England’s hopes for a first major title since the 1966 World Cup were dashed by Germany in the semis. Alan Shearer’s third minute strike was cancelled out by Stefan Kuntz (18th). Gareth Southgate’s failure to convert the sixth try led to defeat in penalties.
unify the country.
“People at the start were expecting a tough tournament for us and not to get really us. But we have got people together; they have been right behind us from minute one, it has been incredible. We have been in this together,” he said.