NEWCASTLE United star Fabian Schar told of his pain after Switzerland's penalty shootout defeat to England but will return to the North East proud of his country's efforts this summer.

United's centre-half scored from the spot but Jordan Pickford's save to deny Manuel Akanji proved decisive as England booked a last four date with Holland on Wednesday night.

Schar is hurting but says Switzerland should be more than satisfied with their performance in Germany and believes his country can take great confidence from coming so close to reaching a semi-final.

"It's still hard to find the right words," he wrote on Instagram.

"Sometimes football can be cruel and it will take a few days to get over it, but I am also proud of this team."

READ MORE:

Schar and the rest of Newcastle's internationals will be given an extended break before reporting back for the start of pre-season.

And the 32-year-old has told England to forget about trying to tempt his club boss Eddie Howe into international management.

There's every chance this will be Gareth Southgate's final tournament in charge of England and FA bosses are known to admire Newcastle's head coach, who will feature prominently in their thinking when it comes to replacing the current manager.

If that was the case, Schar would be desperate for Howe to knock England back and continue with his work at St James' Park.

"I actually hope he will stay at Newcastle," he told the Daily Mail.

"Because if you see the work he has done at Newcastle over the last few years, he has a lot of quality and knows how to handle a big club and a big team.

"For myself as well, he has done so well. I am really happy to have him as manager. Hopefully he stays at Newcastle, that is the only thing I can think of."