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FA release powerful statement after England World Cup exit.
In an incredibly encouraging message, Mark Bullingham, the head of the Football Association (FA), underlined his pride in England’s performances at the 2022 World Cup.
On Saturday night, the Three Lions were defeated by the defending champions France thanks to goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Olivier Giroud, sending Gareth Southgate’s team out in the quarterfinals for a record-tying seventh time.
Given that they performed much better here than they did against Croatia in the World Cup semifinal loss, England’s players may reflect on what could have been.
They were more than a match for France, whose manager Didier Deschamps acknowledged that his team got “a little lucky” after giving up two penalties, and they had a fantastic opportunity to equalize the game at 2-2 with just six minutes remaining.
However, captain Harry Kane, who had already sent one penalty kick past club teammate Hugo Lloris, was unable to score again from 12 yards out.
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In the immediate aftermath of the match, Southgate claimed that he would need time to “review and reflect” on England’s performances before deciding whether or not to stay in the position. However, it is now evident that he has the backing of English football’s governing body following the release of a statement from CEO Bullingham.
“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,” the statement began.
“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.”
France’s reward for beating England is a semi-final date with surprise package Morocco. The Atlas Lions upset the apple cart once more in Saturday’s early game, beating Portugal 1-0 have already seen off Spain in the round of 16.