Hardy midfielder leaves England with tears for souvenirs

As Steven Gerrard soaked up thunderous applause from England's supporters at fulltime in Belo Horizonte, he looked surprised and relieved by the generous response to his team's dismal World Cup campaign.

The 17-minute substitute appearance in a meaningless draw against Costa Rica proved to be Gerrard's last England appearance after the Three Lions captain announced his retirement from international duty on Monday.

The 34-year-old took his last curtain call on the global stage when he waved in response to the England cheers that seemed so out of place in a tournament in which Roy Hodgson's team took only one point from three matches.