TRUST ME, IT’S JUST THE START,
TEARS didn’t seem far away as an emotional Kieran Trippier sifted through the wreckage of England’s World Cup dream. Tottenham’s rampaging right-back (left) announced himself on the global stage with some stunning displays in Russia. It climaxed with a sensational semifinal free-kick strike against Croatia that took Gareth Southgate’s team to within 22 minutes of progressing to the biggest match in football.
But while Trippier was left devastated by the extra-time semifinal defeat, he was still able to mount an impassioned argument for why English football has rediscovered its heart and soul during 33 unforgettable days in Russia.
“The most important thing has been the togetherness of the players and fans,” said the 27-year-old dubbed ‘the Bury Beckham’ for the consistent excellence of his set-piece delivery. “It’s like a bond. This team really is very special – and it all comes from the manager.
“Gareth Southgate is an unbelievable manager. It’s just the way he handles the team. I really can’t speak highly enough of him. He sets the tone, it all comes from him, and he really has brought this team together.
“I hope the fans see it. I certainly think we’ve been communicating with the fans a lot better.
“We just tried to do as well as we could for the whole nation. We have said yes. First we had to get out of the group. “We also hadn’t won a knockout game for a long time and we had never won a penalty shootout at the World Cup – so these are things we have now overcome. “But ultimately we have now got to start beating the top nations if we are going to win World Cups and European Championships. “We have come close. We played top teams in friendlies after qualification – Germany, Brazil, France, Spain, Italy and Holland – and obviously we have played Croatia out here. “History tells you that teams knock on the door of tournaments before they become winners – look at Spain and Germany. “The average age for a team winning a World Cup or European Championship is between 27 and 28. “We are a bit light on years and caps. “By 2020 we should have more of both.” overcame a lot of hurdles in the tournament and it can only benefit the players. “It is so frustrating to lose in the semi-final and when I look at my team-mates I feel absolutely devastated. “But I am just so proud to be part of this team. I couldn’t be prouder. “I am proud of the fans back home and the fans that came over to Russia to support us. “In the future, for sure, with this