Jordan Henderson believes England’s young players have learned important lessons from their early World Cup exit which will make the team stronger in the future.
Despite some good moments, defeats against Italy and Uruguay left Roy Hodgson’s men facing their first group-stage exit since 1958.
Henderson admitted the feeling within the camp is one of disappointment at having let the England fans down but is confident the overall experience will stand the younger players in good stead.
"I'm sure everyone at home is feeling down," Henderson said.
"We feel as though we have let a lot of people down, but at the same time we have shown people how well we can play in a big tournament with young players coming through.
"We went out and played with no fear. We have a promising young side, hopefully we can gel together and in the future have many more happy memories.
"It doesn't really get much bigger than playing in the World Cup. It's been an unbelievable experience, but no matter whether we've had highs or lows, you have to learn from it as best you can.
"I'm sure the young lads here will learn from that and it will make them stronger and better as well."
Henderson acknowledged the mood in the camp was downbeat following their exit but paid tribute to England’s team spirit overall.
"Everyone is disappointed," he said. "We're really down because we are going home far too early.
"There was a lot of confidence going into the tournament, everyone has been getting on great and the team spirit has been brilliant.
"Team spirit is about people being together, not only when it's going well but also when things don't go so well and you need each other.
"It's not a great mood [around the camp] but it's a time everyone needs to stick together, everyone needs to stay strong.
"I'm sure there will be days when you'll wake up and it'll come back into your head, but at the same time, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and you have to keep going."
Henderson may not start the final group game against Costa Rica as Hodgson is set to shuffle his team with Frank Lampard in line to captain the side at the Mineirao Stadium.
Los Ticos, the tournament’s surprise package, are planning to rest players having already secured qualification for the last 16.
Despite that, the Liverpool midfielder stressed that England will enter the game determined to win and finish the tournament on a high.
"We'll be approaching the game the same as we have the other two and that's to go out and win the game," Henderson said.
"We'll not prepare any differently because we are out of the competition, we'll go out and finish on a high and get a win. We don't want to go home losing all three games.
"We want to show people how much we do really care and for everyone back home, give them some enjoyment in the final game. Give them something to shout about and put on a good performance."
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