FA issue statement after England World Cup 'heartbreak' | OneFootball

Mark Bullingham was quick to express his gratitude to players, staff and fans

Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham said he has been left ‘heartbroken’ after England were knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina.

The Three Lions came into the semi-final looking to secure their place in a World Cup final for the first time since 1966, but could not get the better of Lionel Scaloni’s men despite scoring first.

Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock early in the second half, opening up what until then had been a cagey affair.

England chose to sit back after going in front, though, and Argentina eventually turned it around through late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez after laying siege to Jordan Pickford’s goal for almost 40 minutes.

On the whole, it is a disappointing result for England, who had touted manager Thomas Tuchel as the missing piece of the puzzle needed to get them over the line in major tournaments.

In a statement released after the full-time whistle, Bullingham made sure to thank England’s players and staff for their performances, also acknowledging those fans who had shelled out tens of thousands of pounds to follow them around the United States and Mexico.

Bullingham wrote: “It is heartbreaking to be so close. The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament.

“I would like to thank them all - and also give my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful fans here in the USA and at home. We felt your support every step of the way and we are all so disappointed not to go further.”

Bullingham has served as the FA’s CEO since 2019 and led the recruitment process which saw Tuchel hired as Gareth Southgate’s successor. Tuchel has come under fire for his approach to the Argentina match, but has declared in a post-match interview that he will lead the side into the 2028 Euros.

England’s World Cup campaign is not yet over. They must now refocus and prepare to face France in the third-place play-off on Saturday in Miami.