Football may not be coming home but England did the country proud this summer.However, Croatia proved just too strong for Gareth Southgate’s side as they edged them out 2-1 after extra-time.The Three Lions will now face a third-place playoff against Belgium on Saturday, rather than a World Cup final against France on Sunday.But once the disappointment of defeat dies down, everyone involved in the England squad can hold their heads extremely high indeed.And that includes Gareth Southgate.Southgate was a fairly underwhelming appointment when Sam Allardyce got stung by undercover journalists.However, he’s transformed this England side into a really likeable team.What’s more, Southgate now has the backing of the entire nation.So much so that he’s made waistcoats an extremely sought-after item of clothing.But it’s not just his managerial ability that the country has enjoyed this summer. It’s the way he conducts himself.And there was yet another fine example of that after England crashed out of the World Cup.Instead of portraying his devastation, Southgate hugged all of his England squad before comforting each and every one of Croatia’s staff and players.It was something that journalists at the match spotted.First, Henry Winter from The Times wrote: “Southgate, as classy as ever, walks over to congratulate Dalic and his players, embracing #cro matchwinner Mandzukic. Southgate's sporting nature has won #eng so many friends here and abroad.”

Rory Smith from the New York Times followed that up with: “Gareth Southgate has gone to congratulate Croatia's staff and players, and watch them as they drape themselves in flags, and play with their kids. That is: a) admirable and b) massively masochistic.”

Before he gave a cheeky update: “Update: he has just given Ivan Rakitic, who for some reason only wearing his pants, a hug.”

That’s class from Southgate.

He must have been devastated but still made sure he congratulated the opponents for reaching the World Cup final.