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England star Owen Farrell hopes the team have done the country proud after Saturday night’s shock defeat to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup semi-final.
The 2003 champions were in front for most of the match after excellent kicking performances from their fly-halves.
However, England shattered their hopes and dreams of reaching their second consecutive final when Andre Pollard scored a last-minute penalty.
South Africa led 16–15, meaning that instead of Borthwick, they would face New Zealand in Paris next Saturday.
Owen Farrell’s kick wasn’t enough as England lose to South Africa at Rugby World Cup
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“I am incredibly proud of this group and what they have done together over the past few months,” he said.
“As everyone knows, it hasn’t all gone our way, we’ve had everything thrown at us – it’s been a rollercoaster.
“I’m glad we’ve come this far, but sad that we won’t be able to achieve anything bigger next week.
“I’m very proud of this group and I hope everyone back home does the same.
“We came up with a plan during the week and the weather conditions also played a part in it.
“We started the game very well, we surprised them a few times and they made some changes to change what they were doing.
“But it’s a credit to them that they battled back into it and found a way to win in the end.”
On playing for England and what it means to him, he said: “I’m very proud of the support we’ve had during the World Cup and this performance shows how much we value being English and wearing this shirt. Proud.”
“I think we have started to move forward and there is a lot more to come from this group.”
England coach Steve Borthwick also thinks the future is bright – and said his team thought they were going to win even before kick-off.
“In any game like this you have to give credit to the opponent who found a way to win in the end,” he said.
“South Africa are the current world champions and world number one for a reason. We thought we were going to win tonight and we came here believing we were going to win.
“The players deserve a lot of credit for that. I think the thousands of England fans watching here tonight and the millions watching at home will be very proud of their team.”
“We have a very smart group of players that are learning very quickly because we have to do it very quickly.
“The opposition has four years and we have four months. So the players deserve immense credit.
“I asked the players to approach training differently and they accepted it.
“Of that 23, we have seven players aged 25 or younger. That’s the most of any semi-finalist, so we have a good mix of experience and young players.
“We are disappointed but extremely proud of these guys and will look forward to continued progress.
“I care about these players a lot so I’m really sad for them and their families but I’m proud of them.
“I really care about English rugby and our supporters.
South Africa breaks England’s hearts with victory in Rugby World Cup semi-finals
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“There have been some tough times and we have work to do but you see how concerned those players are about representing their country.”
England will now face Argentina in the third-place play-off on Friday night.
Their old rivals New Zealand were eliminated from the competition.
England have many reasons to be optimistic about the future given their excellent performance in France.
However, for now, that will be little consolation.
