Harry Kane admitted he was left devastated after England's World Cup journey came to a heartbreaking end with a 2-1 semi-final defeat to defending champions Argentina on Wednesday night in Atlanta.
Anthony Gordon's goal had put England tantalizingly close to reaching their first men's World Cup final since their triumph in 1966. But Lionel Messi orchestrated a stunning comeback, teeing up Enzo Fernandez to fire home from distance before delivering a pinpoint cross for Lautaro Martinez to head home the winner deep into stoppage time.
"Gutted for the boys, gutted for everyone - the team, the staff, the fans," England captain Kane told the BBC. "We played a good game, the large majority of it. When we went 1-0 up we seemed to try and hold on, which at this level is not enough."
The Bayern Munich striker, who netted six goals during the tournament, reflected on how Thomas Tuchel's side were ultimately overwhelmed by relentless Argentine pressure after taking the lead.
"After the goal, whether it was them putting more men forward or us not being able to match them man for man, it was just wave after wave," Kane said. "Lads were putting blocks in but, in the end, it just wasn't enough."
Kane insisted that sitting back was never part of the plan once England went ahead. "When we went ahead the messaging was to go again and get another goal," he explained. "Then once they scored their two goals it was to try and find something but we couldn't quite get the momentum back in the game."
The Three Lions skipper poured out his emotions over the manner of the exit, adding: "So, just gutted because we've worked so hard to be here and the lads have given every last bit of running, blood, sweat, tears."