Luke Shaw has joined Manchester United team-mates Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford in reacting to England’s painful World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.
The left-back started all five Three Lions matches at the tournament in Qatar and it is fair to say our no.23 was one of the team’s most consistent performers.
Shaw registered an excellent assist during the opening group-stage win over Iran before contributing to three clean sheets against the United States, Wales and Senegal.
Luke’s World Cup journey unfortunately came to end on Saturday night when England lost 2-1 to Raphael Varane’s France, who will now face Morocco in Wednesday’s semi-final.
Now that the dust has settled, Shaw has used his official Instagram account to share this message with supporters: “Gutted that it’s all over, not only because we couldn’t make it until the end but because I love being a part of this team, with every individual person that makes it possible for us boys to go out there and do what we love.
“It is so important and I’m so grateful that we’re more than just a team we’re a family! I have no doubt in my mind that we’re heading in the right direction to achieve our dream and yours.
“To the fans that both travelled and watched from home, you are the people we do it for, you make everything worth it - the highs and the lows, and everything in between! That’s why we will continue to push together!”
Rashford, who scored three goals at the World Cup in Qatar, has also posted on Instagram, writing: “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 we have received throughout the tournament, it hasn't gone unnoticed.”
Maguire, meanwhile, thanked England manager Gareth Southgate for his ongoing support: “Last night hurt,”
Harry wrote on Sunday.
“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.”
HAVE YOUR SAY
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are both preparing for their World Cup semi-finals with Argentina and France, respectively.
Who will win the ties - and how - to progress to Sunday's final? Vote in our polls below...