Proud England Out Of World Cup - Reflection On The Tournament

There was a different feeling with this World Cup as England bowed out. I must admit, once it was known we'd be playing in white, I thought we'd struggle. Seriously though, this England side had restored hope to a Nation even before a ball was kicked against Croatia.

Youth was the key for this England side, with only two players from yesterdays starting eleven born before the 1990 World Cup. Significant because that was the last time England made the Semi Finals of the World Cup. Jordan Henderson becomes a third player as he was born a day after England held the Netherlands to a 0-0 draw in the second Group game of Italia '90.


Don't forget we still have the opportunity as the second most successful England side at a World Cup, and most successful on foreign soil. Italy defeated England 2-1 to secure third place, something England could get with a win on Saturday.

Either way the tournament for England has been a breath of fresh air. I had written about the need for youth to get a chance at a tournament when Fabio Capello was still managing the Three Lions. Gareth Southgate had the courage to do this, despite opposition from fans and several pundits, and it almost paid off.

The tournament in itself has been one to lift the nation. Bigger than that though, it has given some young England players, likely the core for another decade, some vital experience. Ashley Young aside, all the starting eleven used for the majority of the tournament were 28 or younger. Seven are 25 and under, which excites me for the future.

You also have to remember that we had, sitting at home, Adam Lallana, Jack Wilshire and the Ox. All of those were left at home for lack of game time but all would certainly fit into this side in two years time.

This wasn't the case with the main 11 in the 1990 campaign. An average age of 29, thanks to a 40 year old goalkeeper, meant not many would go to Sweden for Euro 1992. In fact, of the main starting 11 in Italia '90, only Stuart Pearce and Gary Lineker remained.

This time we have an average age three years younger than the 1990 side, with more players under 25 than over. Add to that the younger players coming up who were not involved this time, like Phil Foden and Kyle Walker-Peters for example. Along with two who were there and got some playing time in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

For me it is important the FA keep faith with Gareth Southgate and his team. This World Cup has been one which has returned confidence and pride to a Nation who have suffered embarrassment of some description in all recent, previous tournaments. There was nothing like the Iceland defeat this time around, and certainly no three and out disappointment from four years ago.

Adversity and experience gained in this tournament will no doubt be vital in two years time if we qualify for Euro 2020. So, while the trophy has not come home, pride and England's standing within the footballing world most certainly has.