Marcus Rashford tweeted to say the boss had brought "belief and the love of football back" to a national set-up that had been mired in difficulty for too long.
It seems Southgate's efforts were extended beyond just his players in the camp. Jim Lucas, England's social media manager, revealed a wonderful personal, hand-written message the coach had given him prior to the tournament even starting.
Southgate’s heartfelt letter read: “The more I see, the more important it is that when ‘attacking this tournament’ we tell our own story.
“You’re capturing that brilliantly.
“Keep doing it and I hope this World Cup brings you unforgettable personal memories. Best wishes, Gareth.”
Lucas reaveled th letter was a daily motivation for him saying: "When we arrived in Repino a month ago, this was on my bed. I’ve looked at it every day since – and it was the first thing I looked at when we got back this morning. I am so proud to work for this team and this manager."
Football might not be coming home, but Southgate and his side might just get the warmest welcome England has given a football team in half a century.
