World Cup 2026: Dan Byrne says England semi-final defeat ‘disappointing’

England have lost in the semi-finals of two of the last three World Cups, and lost in the finals of the 2021 and 2024 European Championships.

“There’s not much to say – everyone is worried,” England captain Harry Kane said.

“When you’re so close, 10 minutes away and it’s out of your hands like that, obviously the kids are devastated.

We did well for 60 minutes. We should have scored and taken the lead, then we struggled to keep the ball, we struggled to put pressure on the ball and it allowed us to create more momentum and chances in the final third.

“We need to know how to improve in these situations. Maybe that’s the part that’s been missing for the last four or five races.”

Bayern Munich striker Kane has scored six goals at this World Cup and could still win the Golden Boot – although both Argentina goalscorers Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappe are on eight.

Kane, who turns 33 at the end of this month, refused to be asked whether he would still play at the 2030 World Cup.

“It’s too early to talk about that – it’s going to be a year-by-year thing for me,” Kane said.

“The national team is my pride and joy, it’s what I love the most.

“Four years is a long way and I’m 33 in the summer, but as you can see with Leo (Messi), he’s still at a high level (at 39).

Like Kane, Jude Bellingham scored six goals for England in this tournament.

“The lads did everything they could during the tournament – I can’t fault the effort and the fight,” said the Real Madrid midfielder.

“That’s the life of a footballer at this level. The more beautiful the journey, the more heartbreaking the end. I’m proud of all my team-mates – they’ve made an incredible difference in the last few weeks.

“I wanted to be part of the England team which he finally did and I finally got it online. It’s sad to be here telling the fans the same thing they’ve been hearing for years and years.”