Milner and Cole say things must improve

The former Leeds United winger was left to reflect on what might have been after the 4-1 humbling by Germany in the last-16 match at the Free State Stadium and accepted that England must learn their lessons well.

"We came here with high expectations and are disappointed to go out," said the Aston Villa midfielder. "We have not performed like we can. But you have to look forward and we move on."

Milner was replaced by Joe Cole who claims there are "a lot of issues" that need to be addressed after England crashed out.

The departing Chelsea midfielder was devastated after the defeat and is adamant that England "need to improve" if they are to make a bigger impression at major tournaments.

Cole said: "We have to look at ourselves as a group and we weren't good enough from the start of the friendlies, the six games we've played, so it is back to the drawing board.

"I don't know why this is. If I knew, I'd put it right. We will go away and start again but we have to address the problems that are there.

"It is not for me to talk about it but we need to just step up. We're all in it together – everyone who has been involved with England from the qualifying campaign.

"We got to the last 16 of the World Cup. We got to the last eight last time so we need to improve.

"I am bitterly disappointed. There are a lot of issues. We wanted to do well and sometimes we just weren't good enough, plain and simple.

"It is hard to say we were second best. No one likes to admit it, but that's life unfortunately."