ENGLAND, in the end, fell short of World Cup glory.
There was lots of debate in the build-up as to what formation manager Gareth Southgate should pick.
SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT has been reporting from the Three Lions camp all tournament and has seen every minute of action.
Here, he runs the rule over the performances of the squad members.
JORDAN PICKFORD
Not the busiest but made key saves. Might feel he could have done better for Aurelien Tchouameni’s opener for France but it was an excellent shot. 7
KYLE WALKER
City star came in against Wales having not played since October 2 and did a fine job against Kylian Mbappe. 7
KIERAN TRIPPIER
Played first two games and did OK but could not complain over losing spot. 6
LUKE SHAW
Has made the left-back spot his own. Decent enough tournament but he struggled against France. 6
TRENT ALEXANDER- ARNOLD
Liverpool man enjoyed just one appearance as a 57th-minute substitute against Wales, so little chance to make an impact. 5
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JOHN STONES
Excellent World Cup. Delivered some outstanding defending and can return home with his head held high. 8
HARRY MAGUIRE
Lots of questions over his selection but Gareth Southgate was vindicated by fine showings from Maguire. However, he got beaten by Olivier Giroud for France’s winner. 7
ERIC DIER
Two late arrivals as a sub against Wales and Iran but little chance to shine as England did not play with a back three. 5
JUDE BELLINGHAM
Arguably the young player of the tournament. Scored versus Iran, proved maturity beyond his years and sprinted to console Kane (right) after penalty miss. Will be a massive player and a future captain. Grew into France quarter-final but could not make extra difference. 9
MASON MOUNT
Started the first two games and lost his place to Henderson. Will be a bit frustrated but still has a good international future. 6
KALVIN PHILLIPS
Scraped into the squad after his fitness issues and restricted to two sub appearances v Senegal and Wales. 5
DECLAN RICE
Stepped up here in Qatar. Little wonder that he will get his wish to move to a top club next summer. Had a great second half against France. 7
JORDAN HENDERSON
Hendo made a big impact in the Wales game. His introduction helped Bellingham flourish as the youngster had less defensive duties. 7
PHIL FODEN
Terrific flashes of what he is capable of but he still has so much more in his locker. Failed to hurt France. 6
BUKAYO SAKA
A fine World Cup. Scored three goals and caused France all sorts of problems in the second half before going off. A terrific player. 8
JACK GREALISH
Scored against Iran and made some reasonable cameo appearances. Many fans would have liked to have seen him feature earlier against France but came on as a late sub. 6
HARRY KANE
Delivered strong, all-round performances and equalled Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals. Sadly, though, Kane’s World Cup will be remembered for that penalty miss. 7
MARCUS RASHFORD
Two goals against Wales and three in total. But star was only a late sub against France and it is clear Southgate does not entirely trust him. 6
CALLUM WILSON
Made a decent impact against Iran but only played once more and frustratingly suffered more fitness issues. 5
RAHEEM STERLING
Dropped after the first two games, returned to England following a burglary. Was a poor sub against France. 5
DID NOT PLAY: Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope, Conor Coady, Ben White, Conor Gallagher, James Maddison.
MANAGER – GARETH SOUTHGATE
England played some excellent football under Southgate. Ultimately they came to win and failed to do so although it is all about fine margins. 7
STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
THE future is bright for England with the 19-year-old emerging as one of the stars of the tournament.
He has ranked No 1 for the Three Lions in seven key categories in their five games.
From Southgate’s 26-man squad, only five players clocked up more minutes on the pitch than the Borussia Dortmund teenager too.
