CARING England stars showered hotel staff with gifts as they left to fly home from Qatar following an agonising World Cup exit.
The Three Lions departed as classily off the pitch as they had on it with their unlucky 2-1 quarter-final loss to France.
England players handed out signed shirts and hugged workers, who in turn said Gareth Southgate’s 25-man squad had “made them feel like princes” and became “like family”.
Midfield sensation Jude Bellingham urged fans to “stick with us” as he went over to chat outside the hotel and sign autographs.
But Southgate says he is “reviewing” his future with FA chiefs, adding this was normal procedure after major tournaments.
Whatever happens, the Three Lions briefly put their disappointment to one side as they said their goodbyes to hotel staff.
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A source also told the Mail how England players had danced with workers after beating Senegal in the last 16, and were always “appreciative” of the service they received.
Skipper Harry Kane had most to rue after firing one penalty equaliser against France but blazing high when attempting a second one late on.
But the Tottenham striker and Bellingham were among those giving out kit and other presents.
And the Borussia Dortmund hero, 19, was praised by fans after keeping his and their spirits up when he walked over to them next to the team hotel.
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It’s understood Manchester City widemen Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, plus Old Trafford centre-back Harry Maguire left early to join their clubs for warm-weather training.
And in fact it was a piecemeal departure as some players went by team coach, others by taxi. Southgate departed the hotel with a consoling arm around defender Kieran Trippier.
And although he’s popular with his squad, the 52-year-old is weighing up if he should stay in charge.
He said: “After every tournament we’ve sat down and reviewed and reflected.
“So we need a bit of time to make sure everyone makes the right decisions.”
“Whenever I’ve finished these tournaments I’ve needed time to make the correct decisions because emotionally you go through so many different feelings.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
