Stevie: I'll carry on as captain
Steven Gerrard today vowed to continue as England's captain as he reflected on their quarter-final heartbreak against Italy.
The Three Lions were eliminated from the tournament on Sunday night after they went down 4-2 on penalties to Cesare Prandelli's side after 120 minutes of tense action failed to yield a goal.
Nonetheless, Gerrard successfully took England's first spot-kick in Kiev and is considered by many to have been the Three Lions' star man during their four matches in Poland and Ukraine.
And following a chat with manager Roy Hodgson, Liverpool's No.8 confirmed he has no plans to relinquish the armband following the penalty shootout defeat on Sunday night.
Gerrard said: "I've loved it (being captain). I've loved the responsibility and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I've tried my best and gave everything I've got - I gave it my best shot.
"I've had a brief chat with the manager. I am available as long as I'm wanted at this level. The manager has told me he wants me to continue and carry on - and I'm there and available."
Gerrard was instrumental in helping England finish top of Group D ahead of France, Ukraine and Sweden, setting up three goals for his teammates.
Asked how he felt he'd performed in the tournament, Gerrard replied: "I think performance wise I am reasonably satisfied with the level I have played at but it still doesn't cover over the hurt and pain that I'm feeling and have done at previous tournaments.
"At the moment I'm in a zone of hurt, frustration and disappointment because we came so close to ending that quarter-final hoodoo."
England's approach to the clash with Italy has been the subject of much debate in the aftermath of the defeat.
While Gerrard admits the Three Lions do require improvement on their ball retention, he's adamant their determination and pride cannot be brought into question.
"I think we gave a good account of ourselves (at the tournament)," he said. "At times the football hasn't been fantastic and we haven't blown people away but we've stuck together, fought hard and gave every inch of effort we could give.
"At times it has been difficult without the ball. Possession stats speak for themselves. Moving forward as a nation we do need to try and improve with the ball.
"But as captain of the team, I look around the dressing room and everyone has given everything they've got and that's all you can ask for."
Asked whether he felt the overriding emotion amongst England players and fans would be one of pride or disappointment, Gerrard replied: "I think both. I think the supporters will agree with me that we have played for the shirt.
"We gave a lot of effort and pride out there - but it will be mixed (feelings) because we' ve gone out in a quarter-final again to a penalty shootout.
"We are all hurt and disappointed. If you look at the big picture from when we met up four or five weeks ago, everyone has given it their best shot. We've performed at a better level than at previous tournaments, for sure."