Mason Mount praised ‘heart and determination’ of his team as he led reaction of England players to their 2022 FIFA World Cup exit.
England last night (10 December) cruelly crashed out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup following a 2-1 defeat to France, amidst inept refereeing from Wilton Sampaio and a late penalty howler from Harry Kane.
As the reality began to settle in that their World Cup dreams were over, Mount praised his teammates for showing heart and determination to reach the Quarter-Finals.
Waking up today, it still hurts just as much… the heart and determination of this team has been nothing short of inspiring, we wanted to go further, but it wasn’t to be. pic.twitter.com/D7sEH5FPaT
— Mason Mount (@MasonMount) December 11, 2022
The support we felt this tournament pushed us more than ever, a special thank you to you all who were with us every step of the way. Proud to call this group not only my teammates, but my brothers. We’ll go again. There are so many special moments ahead together. We are England.
— Mason Mount (@MasonMount) December 11, 2022
Marcus Rashford meanwhile described the tournament as ‘a rollercoaster of emotions’ but felt that his team had simply ‘… got close but not close enough.’
The last few weeks have been a rollercoaster of emotions, each and every one of our team gave everything we had to be ready for what was thrown at us, we got close, but not close enough.
I’ll make a promise that we will come again!
Thank you for the unconditional support. pic.twitter.com/G964SZYiCL
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) December 11, 2022
Defender, Harry Maguire who had been out of form heading into the tournament meanwhile thanked manager, Gareth Southgate for his belief in him as well as his fans.
Last night hurt. Absolutely gutted. Special thanks to Gareth and you amazing fans who kept belief in me. I love my country and I hope we made you proud. 🏴🦁 pic.twitter.com/8qd4rJcaIm
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) December 11, 2022
Declan Rice noted that talent, aim and pain all go together in order to make a successful team as he insisted that this defeat won’t define the squad.
The greater the talent, the greater the aim. The greater the aim, the greater the pain along the path to reaching it. This is all part of the journey to us being successful as a team. Thank you to everyone for your incredible support. We gave it absolutely everything. ❤️❤️🏴 pic.twitter.com/ZvOSC2Vzfk
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) December 11, 2022
Jack Grealish who had been utilised as a substitute throughout all five of England’s matches at this tournament, tweeted that he is “absolutely devastated” to exit the World Cup after having believed that the Jules Rimet Trophy was theirs to lose this year.
Grealish though iterated that he wants to continue to create history for the fans at home with just 18 months until UEFA Euro 2024 is underway.
Absolutely devastated to go out, words can’t describe as I really thought this was our year 😢 I’m so proud to be part of this team and it’s been a privilege to be with this group of players and staff for the past 4 weeks. pic.twitter.com/tdjjhFZKcD
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) December 11, 2022
We all have a unbelievable bond and we look forward to the future because we want to make history for all of you at home. Thank you to every England fan for your support during the past 4 weeks ❤️🏴
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) December 11, 2022
Three Lions captain, Kane admitted to feeling ‘gutted’ to crash out of the competition following his disastrous second spot-kick, as he refused to hide from the fact that his mistake ‘hurts’ and will need time to recover emotionally.
Absolutely gutted. We’ve given it everything and it’s come down to a small detail which I take responsibility for. There’s no hiding from it, it hurts and it’ll take some time to get over it but that’s part of sport. pic.twitter.com/lw5Esl4fnA
— Harry Kane (@HKane) December 11, 2022
Kane also iterated that his priority is now to use the experience to ensure that he is on top form ready for UEFA Euro 2024, which realistically will be his final shot at international glory.
Now it’s about using the experience to be mentally and physically stronger for the next challenge. Thanks for all the support throughout the tournament – it means a lot. 🦁
— Harry Kane (@HKane) December 11, 2022
Rugby legend, Will Carling defended Kane’s penalty miss which denied him the chance to become England’s all-time goalscorer, as he tweeted:
Everyone should remember all the great goals Harry Kane has scored – one miss does not detract from that. He stood up. I personally will always admire him for that 👏👏👏👏👏
— Will Carling (@willcarling) December 10, 2022
The emotional reaction of various players were echoed by figures across UK media, sport and politics, as Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak praised the team for their efforts, whilst Adil Ray and Darren Fletcher featured amongst others to show their support.
Harry and the team gave it everything but it wasn’t to be. They can hold their heads high tonight.
Best of luck to France in the next round.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) December 10, 2022
Feel sad for England tonight. Didn’t go they way we all wanted but we should feel very proud of these young men. They represent us in the best way possible. Keep going guys 🤛🏾❤️🙏🏾
— Adil Ray OBE (@adilray) December 10, 2022
England football – extreme disappointment but no excuses and no blame, that’s sport.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) December 10, 2022
Devastated but proud
The boys were excellent and did enough to win
Fair play to France who dug in and got it done
The ref was a total piss take
But I’m a very proud England fan today #Eng— Darren Fletcher (@DFletcherSport) December 10, 2022
Well done France.
Fine margins.
England exits often produce criticism and finger pointing but they’ve been really good to watch at this #WorldCup.Southgate’s side have played some decent stuff and shown a real togetherness under a manager who remains the best man for the job.
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) December 10, 2022
Outstanding effort @England Feels like there is still so much more to come from this group. Respect to each and every member of on and off field team.
— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) December 10, 2022
So proud of this team. Massive future ahead of them. We were the better team but that’s football. Well done @England we’ll win it soon.🦁🏴#FIFAWorldCup
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) December 10, 2022
IndyCar driver, Jack Harvey meanwhile was fuming at Sampaio’s shambolic refereeing performance amidst praise of England’s superior quality despite defeat.
#eng no doubt the better team. Ref has a lot to explain.
Will always go into battle with my
🦁🦁🦁🏴🏴🏴❤️❤️❤️@England— Jack Harvey (@jack_harvey45) December 10, 2022
McLaren’s Extreme E driver and Aston Villa fan, Jake Hughes instead focused on the long picture as he hailed England’s progress since their disastrous exit to Iceland at UEFA Euro 2016 in the Round of 16.
Dominated that game. We’ve come a long way since 2016. Got to carry this on still, there’s a lot to like about our England team ❤️🏴
— Jake Hughes (@JakeHughesRace) December 10, 2022
Hughes also raised the question that every English national who also supports a club is surely asking themselves every time.
Also. I’ve supported England and Aston Villa all my life……when am I gping to see some trophies 😑
— Jake Hughes (@JakeHughesRace) December 10, 2022
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