Media lauds England’s World Cup efforts ...

LONDON: Gareth Southgate’s England team were hailed as heroes by British media, who acclaimed their achievement rather than dwell on disappointment after their heart-breaking World Cup exit.

England’s hopes of reaching only their second World Cup final were dashed by Croatia as Mario Mandzukic scored the deciding goal in a 2-1 extra-time win for Zlatko Dalic’s side on Wednesday.

Despite failing to make the most of arguably their best chance of reaching the final since 1966, British media hailed the team as heroes with Mirror Sport declaring them “National Treasures”, while the Daily Mail saluted their efforts.

The Telegraph’s front page called for England to “Hold your heads high” while the Guardian captured supporters’ mood with the headline “The hurt goes on”.

The widespread optimism is a far cry from the reaction England received following their Euro 2016 exit, when the team and then manager Roy Hodgson were criticised heavily for their underwhelming performance in the competition.

England’s valiant effort also drew praise from Britain’s Prince William, who said the team’s performance gave fans “something to believe in”.

The team were backed by various pundits, celebrities and former players, including Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Jermain Defoe.

“This team have taken us to a place we never thought we’d ever imagine we’d get. England had never overachieved, but this team have in reaching the semi-final...” Neville, a pundit on ITV, said.

“Three weeks ago, there wasn’t even a connection with the England football team.” Reuters