Harry Kane says England restored pride during their run to the World Cup semi-finals and can use the tournament as a springboard for sustained success for a talented young generation.
Playing in their first World Cup semi-final for 28 years, England blew a golden opportunity to reach their first final since 1966, surrendering a 1-0 half-time lead to lose 2-1 to Croatia after extra-time in Moscow on Wednesday.
The tournament's top goalscorer with six goals, Kane himself missed a huge chance to give England breathing space in the first half.
But he believes even brighter days lie ahead for the third-youngest squad on show in Russia.
"It hurts now but I know when we look back there are a lot of positives, (a lot of) experience we can take. That's the aim, in two years' time in the Euros to go again and win big tournaments," said the Tottenham Hotspur striker.
"We've shown we can do well in these tournaments and the aim is now not to wait another 20-odd years to get to another big semi-final. It's to go again and try to achieve our dreams."
"We should be proud and hold our heads up high because we've come a long way from two years ago. Even out there the fans singing after a defeat, it's a proud feeling." -
'Special' Southgate -
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"It all comes from the manager. Unbelievable manager... I can't speak highly enough of him. He sets the tone, he brought this team together. Everybody knows how close our team is and that all comes from him."