The whole of England is still coming to terms with yesterday evening's devastating 2-1 loss in the World Cup semi-final to Croatia.

Gareth Southgate had the nation singing his praises in the first half, after Kieran Trippier's free-kick gave the Three Lions a fifth minute lead.

That joy soon turned to despair though, as Ivan Perisic levelled the match in the second half, before despair turned to anguish in extra time following Mario Mandzukic's winning goal.

From half-time onwards, Croatia's experienced midfield of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic took control of the game as English legs began to tire, which set the wheels in motion for a late, late winner for the Croats.

In a month where the country's footballing population came together again to celebrate the progression of a national team that has floundered for many years, it's up for debate that the expectations simply became too much for a young England team.

But there's always one player or figure at the ready to become the voice of reason at tough times.

Capped 115 times by five different permanent managers, David Beckham was arguably one of England's greatest ever midfielders in his playing days.

Beckham has always been in the public eye long after his on-field career was over, and has amassed a following of nearly 50 million people on the social media platform Instagram.

And he's taken to his page to post a heartfelt message looking back - and forward - on England's 2018 World Cup.

"Gutted, now I truly know what it feels like to be watching a team as a fan not just a player," stated Beckham.

"The boys did us so proud and there is so much to be excited about. A semi final of the World Cup is incredible!

"There is also a great crop of young players coming through having won major youth tournaments so the future is bright for this generation and for the next 10 years.

"Never stop believing because the country has had an amazing 5 weeks watching the boys play. We can be proud."

If there's one man that can lift a nation back to it's feet with his words, it's David Beckham.