IT WAS the nearest yet - but still so agonisingly far for England, their tears for souvenirs accompanied this time by silver medals.

But as the bitter disappointment subsides from Euro 2020, the fans and players can look back on a group who restored hope - with the promise of a lot more to come.

Here’s how we rated the squad after a month when football got so close to coming home.

JORDAN PICKFORD: 8/10

The Golden Gloves winner of the tournament with five clean sheets and pulled off big saves at key moments against Scotland and Germany. Had a little wobble in the semi-final against Denmark but the one-time Bantam was back to his best in the final and could not have done much more in the penalty shoot-out.

KYLE WALKER: 8/10

One of the unsung heroes of England’s campaign, Walker just went about his business quietly and without fuss and was a consistent presence in the back three/four/five. Mr Dependable at the back.

LUKE SHAW: 8/10

What does Jose Mourinho know? The full back derided by the Special One was a revelation on England’s left flank.

Left out for the opener against Croatia, Shaw seized his opportunity with his superb delivery from out wide and deserved the goal in the final.

JOHN STONES: 7/10

There were big question marks about England defensively going into the Euros and Stones was viewed as a possible weak link.

Stones played every game and should have had a goal when he hit the post against Scotland.

HARRY MAGUIRE: 8/10

Came into the tournament recovering from injury and there were worries the defensive talisman might not be fully fit for action.

But he was a strong, reassuring presence, ready and willing to throw his body on the line while also posing an attacking threat at corners and free-kicks. He provided a thumping header in the 4-0 crushing of Ukraine.

KIERAN TRIPPIER: 7/10

Surprisingly started against Croatia at left back but more comfortable on the right when Gareth Southgate opted for wing-backs. A good outlet down that side.

TYRONE MINGS: 7/10

Stepped into the breach in the opening games with Harry Maguire not ready and played his part in England’s defence not conceding a goal in that time.

REECE JAMES: 6/10

The Chelsea full back started just the one game against Scotland and made a vital goalline clearance from Lyndon Dykes to preserve the clean sheet during England’s worst performance of the tournament.

DECLAN RICE: 8/10

A player who can go under the radar but formed a crucial partnership with Kalvin Phillips to break things up in front of England’s defence. Produced a string of consistent displays to neutralise the attacking threat.

JACK GREALISH: 7/10

There was a constant clamour to play the maverick midfielder from the off but Gareth Southgate preferred him in an impact role off the bench. His skills and fast feet proved weapons to unlock tiring defences, none more so than in the semi-final win over Denmark.

JORDAN HENDERSON: 6/10

He may be a Champions’ League-winning captain with Liverpool but Henderson had to play second fiddle to England’s “sitters”.

Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice struck up such a good understanding there was no way either could be left out.

But Henderson still provided one of the highlights with the fourth goal against Ukraine – his first at international level on his 62nd cap.

KALVIN PHILLIPS: 8/10

The Leeds hero was an England ever-present and ran further for the cause than anyone – covering 83km in their seven games.

Loved to get a foot in to break things up and was also not shy of having a shot if the chance was there. Surely a regular for years to come.

JADON SANCHO: 6/10

Secured his big move to Manchester United midway through the Euros but was chiefly kept in a back-up role. Will need to get over his penalty miss.

MASON MOUNT: 7/10

Mount’s post-match chat with Chelsea pal Billy Gilmour forced him into isolation after the Scot tested positive, meaning he missed the Germany game. Tidy rather than spectacular but kept the ball well and corners were good.

PHIL FODEN: 6/10

With his Gazza-style dyed hair, Man City’s Foden was tipped to be the shining star for England as Paul Gascoigne had been.

But he lost the starting jersey after the Scotland game and found himself in a bit-part role as the competition wore on.

BUKAYO SAKA: 7/10

The Arsenal teenager was a breath of fresh air with his carefree approach and keenness to run with the ball and take on defenders.

Ultra-positive in possession – hopefully he will not be scarred by his failure from the spot and the ridiculous abuse that followed.

JUDE BELLINGHAM: 6/10

The 18-year-old’s time will undoubtedly come good like so many of England’s wonder kids but Bellingham saw less than an hour of Euro 2020.

DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN: 6/10

We saw very little of the Everton target man who was limited to just 18 minutes of action in two substitute appearances.

MARCUS RASHFORD: 6/10

With Kane and Sterling in such good goalscoring form, his opportunities were limited to cameos as a substitute – and came on and missed his penalty in the final.

HARRY KANE: 7/10

Rewind a few weeks and the world (of social media at least) was screaming for Kane to be dropped because of his lack of form.

But class is permanent as he showed by coming good when it mattered. His late header to clinch victory over the Germans released the pressure valve for the business end of the competition.

RAHEEM STERLING: 9/10

To think that he came into the Euros out of form for his club. Sterling kick-started England’s campaign with their first three goals and demonstrated that he is lethal on the biggest stage as he teased and tormented defenders. Our player of the tournament.