England did not win the World Cup but they did manage to inspire and unite a country that has often felt divided of late. A large part of their impact and charm over the last few weeks has been the way they have handled themselves on social media, their preferred means of communicating with fans. The players were humble, open and at times very funny. Over the last 12 hours, as they come to terms with their defeat to Croatia and what they have achieved at the World Cup, they have been expressing their emotions to fans, each other, their manager and the country.
Harry Kane
It hurts a lot. It will hurt for a while. We can be proud and we'll be back. Thanks for all your support. #ThreeLions #ENG #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/mJKOWtAOlK
— Harry Kane (@HKane) July 11, 2018
Jesse Lingard
Was an honour to represent my country at the world cup. The squad we have is a great bunch of lads who are willing to learn and give everything and we can hold our heads high. Thank you to everyone who supported our journey 👏🏾 we dont stop here! ⬆ #ThreeLions 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/QuZ6XOmgOj
— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) July 11, 2018
Harry Maguire
Devastated. Absolutely gutted. Thanks to the fans for your incredible support. 🏴🦁❤️ pic.twitter.com/8fiWVdXrAY
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) July 11, 2018
Dele Alli
Want to say a special thank you to the whole country for the support we've received so far, it's means to much to me and the whole team! 🦁🏴 pic.twitter.com/YNPy64RpI0
— Dele (@dele_official) July 8, 2018
Kyle Walker
We might live in a time where sometimes it’s easier to be negative than positive, or to divide than to unite, but England: let’s keep this unity alive. I love you.
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) July 12, 2018
Marcus Rashford
You’ve brought belief and the love of football back. Thank you boss from the whole nation ❤️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/2meUAFlIN5
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) July 12, 2018
Really tough right now but this team’s special.. we’ll be back. Hopefully this is the start of the future 🏴 #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/uqiK8GFN9S
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) July 11, 2018
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) July 11, 2018
Kieran Trippier
Last night hurt and will for a while but we must take positives from the last few weeks and look forward to the future.What a great set of @England teammates and staff, it's been a journey we can be proud of. Thank you to all the fans out here and back home for your support🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/Aw43gMvg4K
— Kieran Trippier (@trippier2) July 12, 2018
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Absolutely devastated that our journey is over! We enjoyed every moment as a nation, I’d like to thank all the staff and fans for being behind us. It has been an honour to be a part of this special team. We will be back stronger 💔🏴 pic.twitter.com/LErwj4QqZm
— Trent Arnold (@trentaa98) July 11, 2018
Jack Butland
Devastated to not be coming back here for the final on Sunday but this is just the beginning for this squad! To each and every @England fan, the support has been incredible and we can’t thank you enough! #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/BvKvO9AWVL
— Jack Butland (@JackButland_One) July 11, 2018
Jordan Henderson
Ashley Young
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Jamie Vardy
England
To everyone who supported us.
— England (@England) July 11, 2018
To everyone who believed this time was different.
To everyone who wasn't afraid to dream.
To everyone who knows this is only the beginning.
Thank you. We hope we made you proud. #threelions pic.twitter.com/jH8lYMB2E0