Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham has praised the efforts of Gareth Southgate and the England team despite crashing out of the World Cup on Saturday.
The Three Lions bowed out of the tournament courtesy of a 2-1 defeat against France at the Al Bayt Stadium, with Harry Kane missing a late penalty to condemn the Three Lions to a quarter-final exit.
Aurelien Tchouameni had put France in front with a terrific 25-yard effort, before Kane levelled from the spot to bring England back into the game. However, Les Bleus re-took the lead against the run of play as Antoine Griezmann's cross was met by Olivier Giroud, who powered an effort into the corner to put his side ahead.
Then Kane had another chance from the penalty spot to bring England level for the second time in the tie. But the Tottenham forward blazed over the bar as the Three Lions' World Cup adventure came to a crashing end.
After the game, FA CEO Bullingham has delivered his verdict on England's defeat and hinted that Southgate has his full backing despite losing in the last eight. This is the third time Southgate has guided the Three Lions to at least the quarter-final of a major tournament, although it is two steps back on their final finish at Euro 2020.
"Like all England fans we feel the pain of losing a quarter-final, along with the coaches, players and support team who are hurting this morning," Bullingham said in a statement.
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"Gareth and Steve (Holland) prepared the team exceptionally well throughout the tournament. The players were committed to winning the trophy and were very well led by Harry Kane. But sport can have fine margins and on the day, against the current world champions, it was not to be.
"This is a very exciting young English squad and, despite the intense disappointment of last night, they should be very proud of their performances in Qatar. We are incredibly proud of Gareth, the players, the coaches and the support team and appreciate all the hard work they put in."
Southgate's England future has since been questioned after the defeat with his current deal out in 2024 after the next European Championships. The 52-year-old took over from Sam Allardyce in 2016 and has posted a 60% win rate during his time in charge, winning 49 of his 81 matches at the helm.
When asked about his immediate future, Southgate revealed he would sit down with the FA to discuss and said: "Whenever I finish these tournaments, you need time to make the correct decision. Emotionally, you’re going through many different feelings. The energy that it takes in these tournaments is enormous. I want to take the right decision, whatever that is, for the team."
