"If we've brought joy back home, which I know we have, then that's been worthwhile. We should be proud of that. We're hugely disappointed not to take the country one step further and give them everything they hoped for. But, in time, I'm sure we'll reflect upon the progress we've made."

Southgate admitted that Croatia deserved to win, having dominated for long periods of the match after Trippier's goal.

"Croatia are an excellent team with some outstanding players," he said. "A lot of them have been involved in important matches. We knew they would fight for everything. We had to withstand a very difficult onslaught in the second half.

"We managed to get through that and regain our composure. But great credit to them they created the moments that won them the game. They got through three consecutive matches that went to extra time to get to the final. That tells you about the qualities they have."

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