Michael Temlett
The results meant a draw for Scotland against France would be enough to take them into the last eight and the young Scots looked on course for the quarter- finals until Amine Gouiri netted deep into injury time.
The 2- 1 defeat came after Scotland clawed their way back into the game through Zak Rudden after Gouiri had opened the scoring for France.
France’s opening goal came when McCracken spilled the ball in the box and the 16-year-old admits he had to hold his hands up after the match.
The Norwich goalkeeper said: “I have to take responsibility for the first goal but thankfully the boys managed to dig me out of a hole with the equaliser.
“For long spells we were on top and I was always confident we could hold on because they didn’t look threatening until the last 10 minutes.
“They hit the post three times and then they scored and I was just feeling empty after it.
“It was a horrible feeling because we’d come so close and played so well – we were devastated.
“Football can be cruel and it was one of the worst feelings I’ve had.”
However, the former Wishaw Wycombe and Hamilton Accies goalkeeper was keen to take away positives from the tournament.
He said: “It was a great experience because we got the chance to test ourselves against the best teams in Europe and see where we are.
“It was obviously disappointing how it ended but when we look back on it we can be proud of ourselves.
“The squad we have right now is great and the next move will be to see how many players can make the jump for under-17 to under-19.
“I want to be able to prove to Scot Gemmill that I’m good enough to make the move up and hopefully my performances have shown that.
“At Norwich we also had a good season so I’m looking forward to a short break and then getting into it again next year.”