Well, it was fun while it lasted, wasn’t it?
Smooth progress through the groups, a good performance against Senegal.
But France were a bridge too far.
It’s fine. We’re used to it. The years of hurt continue.
There are grounds for some optimism, though.
This is a good group of players, nowhere near their peak. They’ll be back in four years - most of them - ready for another go.
They’ve been through the mill now. Seasoned. They know how to handle the expectation, to bear the weight of an entire country.
Maybe next time we’ll do it. Be a bit smarter, a bit luckier.
In the meantime, this team can be proud of what they’ve achieved.
They’ve handled themselves well, there’ve been some great individual performances.
But it’s been about the team. A group of young men who have given their all for the shirt, for their country, for each other.
Gareth Southgate has put together a quiet, bright bunch who have been a pleasure to follow.
They’ve made us proud. France were just too good. That happens sometimes. There’s no shame in that.
It would have been great, though. This has been a World Cup of surprises and there was very little to fear in the semi-finals. It could have been done.
But there’s a lot to be proud of. A team that came so close and has a lot more to give.
This team is a great example of the good things about this country. Skilful, tough, never-give-in.
It’s tough at the moment but have faith. It will happen. They’ll end all those years of hurt. They’ll bring it home.
And with this group of players, sooner rather than later.
Alyssa’s tale of hope
“A strange cloud nine” is how the mother of a 13-year-old girl who survived a terminal cancer diagnosis describes their mood.
There seemed to be no hope for Alyssa – but six months after a world-first trial at Great Ormond Street, she is cancer-free.
The technology, the skills of medics and Alyssa’s spirit came together. And her story has given hope to families all over the world.
Enjoy cloud nine, Alyssa. We’re proud of you and everyone who helped you get there.
