Defeat is cruel lesson
that that can happen.
“The team and the individuals will be better in a couple of years.
“Some of these big matches, you just have to go through them and live them to know how to react in the right way.
“There was a period in the second half, it looked like we had the lead and didn’t want to give it away rather than keep playing and we lost a bit of composure in that period.
“Croatia’s experience really told in the end. But we’ve learned from all of the things over the last couple of years and that’s a cruel lesson.
“But I’m really proud of what they’ve done.”
Skipper Harry Kane backed up Southgate’s determination to ensure their march to the semis is not a one-off.
“The aim now is not to have to wait another 20 odd years to get in another big semi-final,” said the striker.
“We must go again and try to achieve our dreams. This must be the start of something rather than the end of it.
“It is massive that we have had a good tournament and restored the pride of the nation.
“The fans are excited to watch us again, that’s how we have to keep it.”
Kane added: “We’re in a great place. We are a young team and no one expected to get this far.
“Now all we can do is try to improve. We owe that to ourselves – and I know we will.
“It hurts now but when we look back, there are positives we can take and experiences that we can learn from.
“In two years, if we are at the Euros, our aim is to go again. This gives us belief we can do it in the big tournaments.”
Gary Cahill will have talks about his international future with Southgate after tomorrow’s game.
The defender, 32, said: “It’s a good conversation for me to have with the manager in the coming month or so.
“Any time I get an opportunity to play for England, I want to do that. I can finish my England career knowing that I have played every possible game I can.”