GUTTED Socceroos defender Mark Milligan conceded that was the worst he’d felt after a loss in years.

Having been deployed in central defence by Bert van Marwijk after spending the last six years playing midfield for the Socceroos, the decision was justified.

Milligan produced a stellar performance at left stopper, providing twin pillars of poise alongside the outstanding Trent Sainsbury, as they snuffed out a host of danger from a world-class French attack, headed by Kylian Mbappe.

“It’s been a while since a loss has hurt that much. We put so much effort in. They’re such a good side, individually, across the park they’ve got talent everywhere,’’ Milligan said.

“There was so much made by all the media about how dangerous they are going forward. To be honest we kept them to two or three half chances, nothing clear cut.

“There were times we could be a bit more ruthless and that’s across the field. when we get the ball that’s one of our strengths.

“That’s a good thing for us, I think going forward, even though today was a good performance I think we’ve got a lot more to give.”

Milligan paid tribute to his former defensive midfield partner, captain Mile Jedinak, and Huddersfield Town’s Aaron Mooy for their outstanding patrolling work.

“I think we were in the game for large parts, I thought we executed quite well defensively, throughout the team,’’ he said.

“Mile and Mooysie were outstanding in shutting down those lanes into the front three and it really gives Sains (Trent Sainsbury) and I a chance to be aggressive when and it does come through.

“There’s always things we can do better, but overall to lose all the points is hard to take.”