England full-back Mike Brown has also taken to Twitter, external this morning to offer a rather lengthy, but heartfelt, thank you for the support...

I said in my introduction that the inquest had now officially begun but, in truth, it was already under way even before the final whistle last night.

And we have since compiled a selection of the best social media and pundit reaction, all which you can read by clicking here.

Owen Phillips
BBC Sport at the Leicester City Stadium

The Argentine presence is significantly outnumbering the Tongan support on a gloriously sunny day in Leicester. Argentina's fans are loud, proud and clearly up for a good time. Lots of singing, plenty in the way of stupid hats and curious face painting, various rugby paraphernalia from previous games and blue and white everywhere.

The chap taking to BBC East Midlands Today certainly made the effort.

I could be wrong but don't think they are too fussed about England going out last night. Maybe it's for the best I have no idea what they are singing.

Image source, Sandish Shoker, BBC

Image source, Getty Images

Humiliation is a word which has been used a lot in the last 12 hours or so. "Humiliated on home turf," says the Daily Telegraph. 

Image source, Daily Telegraph

"After all the hype and the hope, it wasn't even close," writes Tom Fordyce.

And it wasn't, really, was it? Out with a game to play? It all sounds a bit too familiar for English sports fans.

You can read more of Tom's post-match analysis by clicking here.

"Record Aussie rout as World Cup hopes end in humiliation," says the Daily Express of England's early World Cup exit. 

Image source, Daily Express

Image source, Getty Images

England captain Chris Robshaw admitted after his team's 33-13 defeat by Australia that they had "let the whole nation down".

"A lot of hard work has gone into it but, for whatever reason, we haven't got the results we wanted," said the Harlequins flanker.

"We feel we let the country down today. We apologise to them."  

So then, where do we start with England?

How are you feeling on this morning after the night before? Are you calling for calm or do you think heads should roll? What next for Stuart Lancaster and co?

Get in touch with us on Twitter by using #bbcrugby.

Image source, Getty Images

And the day's opening match does actually look an intriguing one, as Argentina and Tonga do battle in an attempt to squeeze out of Pool C behind pace-setters New Zealand.

The two sides sit second and third in the group, with one victory apiece and separated by a single point.

Today's tussle in Leicester could well prove decisive for whoever comes out on top.

Image source, Getty Images

The hosts are out. The post-mortem has begun. The inquest is under way.

The captain says they "let the nation down", the coach admits they "haven't been good enough", and the chief executive insists there will be no "hasty reaction".

But while we all continue to pick the bones out of England's World Cup disaster, still the show must go on. And go on it shall, starting here...