Tom Richmond: How humanity of Gareth Southgate's pride of Lions have inspired our nation

And it is their team unity – and also how Gareth Southgate’s side reached out to the country at large with their humility – which deserves to be the abiding memory, and legacy, of this Russian adventure rather than tired legs being over-run in extra-time.

The youngest team in the tournament, the youthful optimism and vigour of the Three Lions became infectious as they drew a line under the more inglorious campaigns of the recent past when it was clearly a chore for some of football’s biggest names to wear the England shirt.

Here, there were no egos despite the riches enjoyed by these multi-millionaire Premier League players. Instead this ‘band of brothers’, led by the impeccably polite Southgate, sought to match the pride, joy and hope which Sir Alf Ramsey’s working class heroes gave to the nation in 1966.

And this is what the current England squad have achieved at the start of a sporting journey which deserves to ultimately end in triumph. There now exists an emotional connection with football fans – and all sections of society – that has been so integral to Team GB’s Olympic and Paralympic success.

This is a team with a social conscience illustrated by the tweet that Sheffield-born Kyle Walker posted on Tuesday, 24 hours before the biggest match of his life, when a Thai youth side – and their coach – were successfully rescued from a cave after a daring rescue described as ‘mission impossible’. “Amazing news that all of the Thai kids are out of the cave safely! I’d like to send out shirts to them! Is there anyone who can help with an address? @England,” he posted. He clearly trusts his humanitarian instincts rather than relying upon PR flunkies to post insincere sanitised messages. And then the composure to tweet after England’s loss: “We might live in a time where sometimes it’s easier to be negative than positive, or to divide than to unite, but England: let’s keep this unity alive. I love you.” Fair play.

This is a diverse side, from all backgrounds and walks of life, that understand their social responsibilities. Dele Alli, who endured a very troubled childhood, spoke of this before the semi-final when he recalled going to games as a youngster and asking players for autographs. “When I was younger, if I wanted a picture or someone I’d hope they wouldn’t be rude. Hopefully I can be a good role model,” said the 22-year-old who was also at ease when asked for an impromptu TV interview while he walked to the shops near England’s training camp. What a refreshing change.

And this is a collective which understands the importance of school sport – and all those who sacrificed so much time on their behalf. This was self-evident when staff and pupils at the Sheffield primary school once attended by Harry Maguire spoke about the defender’s return visit. Reluctant to address the whole school due to shyness, he evidently spoke to youngsters in smaller groups and, in doing so, gave them the motivation to enjoy their sport and pursue their dreams.

These are just three anecdotes but they encapsulate the ethos of Southgate’s side and how sport can inspire and motivate.

Unlike the country’s back-biting politicians, there will be no recriminations. This is a team that wins and loses as a squad – they even agreed to ban mobile phones from team meals and meetings so they could get to know each other better.

And this stems from the values set by Southgate, an archetypal English gentleman. A throwback to the past, the manager who has turned waistcoasts into a new fashion has nurtured a team of players who have put in the hard yards at non-league and lower league clubs and every player used interviews to acknowledge the support of their family, friends, clubs and coaches.

A former international player who lives in Harrogate, and who goes out of his way to help others, the studious Southgate is perhaps fortunate to have taken on the England job when the national team was at its lowest ebb. But he has travelled the world to glean insight from top coaches – if only our politicians could do the same before they make their next policy faux pas – and he’s tried to be open with the media, and the supporters.

He’s also conscious of the importance of football reaching out to all communities and has praised his players for being “brilliant ambassadors”. “Our country has been through some difficult moments recently in terms of its unity, and sport has the power to do that (unite people),” he observed. “Football in particular has the power to do that.”

This became apparent when I turned onto my street just before kick-off on Wednesday. For the first time in an age, the road was blocked by a football goal as youngsters took part in their own penalty shootout before the big match.

Gareth Southgate, and his players, would have been proud – football has, in fact, finally come home to the streets of England thanks to a team of heroes whose prowess is matched by their humanity and empathy. And that is a prize worthy of national celebration.

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