World Cup heroes share heartbreak with fans

ENGLAND players have shared their pain on social media after Wednesday night’s World Cup semifinal defeat to Croatia.

United Midfielder Jesse Lingard said: “Was an honour to represent my country at the World Cup. The squad we have is a great bunch of lads who are willing to learn and give everything and we can hold our heads high.

“Thank you to everyone who supported our journey - we don’t stop here!

“To see scenes we’ve witnessed over the past month means everything to us as players and staff. The love and support we received from everyone will live long in the memory and it’s great we have come together as a nation to create new memories. So thank you”

Reds team-mate Marcus Rashford posted: “Really tough right now but this team’s special.. we’ll be back. Hopefully this is the start”

He then posted a message thanking England manager Gareth Southgate which said: “You’ve brought belief and the love of football back. Thank you boss from the whole nation”

City defender Kyle Walker took some time to reflect on the defeat and said yesterday morning: “I’m still heartbroken and never felt so gutted. But there’s something I want to say. This past month, I’ve seen videos going around, photos been sent to me. That felt so good for us here in Russia, and united us more and more, just like it did in our country.

“We might live in a time where sometimes it’s easier to be negative than positive, or to divide than to unite, but England: let’s keep this unity alive. I love you.”