This is a good group of players, nowhere near their peak. Theyll be back in four years - most of them - ready for another go. Maybe next time well do it. Be a bit smarter, a bit luckier

Well, it was fun while it lasted, wasnt it?

Smooth progress through the groups, a good performance againstSenegal.

Its fine. Were used to it. The years of hurt continue.

There are grounds for some optimism, though.

This is a good group of players, nowhere near their peak. Theyll be back in four years - most of them - ready for another go.

Theyve been through the mill now. Seasoned. They know how to handle the expectation, to bear the weight of an entire country.

Maybe next time well do it. Be a bit smarter, a bit luckier.

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In the meantime, this team can be proud of what theyve achieved.

Theyve handled themselves well,thereve been some great individual performances.

But its been about the team. A group of young men who have given their all for the shirt, for their country, for each other.

Gareth Southgate has put together a quiet, bright bunch who have been a pleasure to follow.

Theyve made us proud. France were just too good. That happens sometimes. Theres no shame in that.

It would have been great, though. This has been a World Cup of surprises and there was very little to fear in the semi-finals. It could have been done.

But theres a lot to be proud of. A team that came so close and has a lot more to give.

This team is a great example of the good things about this country. Skilful, tough, never-give-in.

Its tough at the moment but have faith. It will happen. Theyll end all those years of hurt. Theyll bring it home.

And with this group of players, sooner rather than later.

A strange cloud nine is how the mother of a 13-year-old girl who survived a terminal cancer diagnosis describes their mood.

There seemed to be no hope for Alyssa but six months after a world-first trial at Great Ormond Street, she is cancer-free.

The technology, the skills of medics and Alyssas spirit came together. And her story has given hope to families all over the world.

Enjoy cloud nine, Alyssa. Were proud of you and everyone who helped you get there.

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