Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has praised the performance of England at this summer’s World Cup, following their semi-final exit at the hands of Croatia on Wednesday.

England went a goal ahead after just three minutes via Kieran Trippier’s free kick, but Ivan Perisic levelled the scores with 20 minutes to go and Mario Mandzukic scored an extra-time winner for Croatia, who will now face France in the final.

It’s the first time since 1990 that the Three Lions have made the World Cup semi final, and the tournament will have left the entire country proud – however disappointed they may be to not go all the way.

Jose Mourinho has hailed Southgate’s men, saying they should return home with a lot of pride.

“England have reason to cry because they were so close to [reaching the World Cup final], but they have also have reason to be optimistic,” Mourinho told RT.

“The team improved a lot in relation to previous appearances. It’s a young team, the majority of the players will play in the next World Cup with more experience at club level.

“If I was in charge of the FA there would be no doubt that I would keep Gareth Southgate and Steve Holland in their jobs and give them the chance to take the team to the next Euros and the next World Cup.

“The players and the squad, everybody involved in the World Cup, have a reason to come back home with pride after giving everything and making the country proud.”