It was like 1998 all over again Sol Campbell England rue bad luck

England lost on penalties to Portugal in the quarter-finals and Campbell said it was a "bitter pill to swallow."

"We will get this out of the system. Everyone will reflect on moments that might have been," he continued.

"But we'll put this behind us. The lads will be raring to go and determined to qualify for the next World Cup."

Campbell saw an injury-time header ruled out for a foul on Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo, just as he was denied a winner in the 1998 World Cup defeat against Argentina.

He added: "It is a bitter pill to take, the way that things panned out. It was like 1998 all over again with the way the goal was ruled out.

"I saw the linesman going back to the halfway line and was thinking 'it's a goal' and then play carried on. It was unbelievable."

The 29-year-old reserved special praise for Arsenal teammate Ashley Cole, who had questioned his own form for England but produced a magnificent display against the hosts.

"I think Ashley has been playing well for club and country. This tournament has just cemented that," said Campbell.

"I don't understand why he was saying what he was about his own performances. He has been doing really well."