SIR - Russia 2018 has proved to be successful from an organisational perspective, and the quality of the football has been of a high standard, with many unexpected results. Russia as the host nation reached the quarter finals, exceeding glum prognostications and were only defeated on penalties by Croatia, who then beat England to reach the finals for the first time.

Gareth Southgate had restored pride in playing for England, and against all expectations a semi final place was secured in the World Cup for the first time since 1990.Had England taken their chances in the first half against Croatia, without doubt a final place would have been secured against France.

Russia 2018 is the 21st World Cup and it is the first time that neither Germany, Brazil or Argentina had reached the semi finals; Spain had also been eliminated earlier and Italy failed to qualify. Such an opportunity may never again present itself to England.

But now is the time to express our our appreciation and pride and not dwell on what may have been.

Alec Suchi, Allerton Road, Bradford