The Three Lions came close to a first major title since 1966 but will have to endure at least one more year of hurt
England endured Euro 2020 heartbreak as they suffered a 3-2 defeat on penalties to Italy after a 1-1 draw following extra time.
Luke Shaw had given Gareth Southgate’s side an early lead but it was cancelled out in the second half as Leonardo Bonucci scrambled home.
There would be no further scoring, and though England led 2-1 on penalties, Marcus Rashford hit the post before Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka had efforts stopped by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Fans were quick to take to Twitter to offer their congratulations to the Three Lions, though.
What was said?
Heartbreaking.
But this squad has a bright future and they’ve lifted the nation both on and off the pitch after a shocking year or so. Bring on The @FIFAWorldCup in Qatar. #ThreeLions— michael owen (@themichaelowen) July 11, 2021
Italy deserved winners, the best team in the tournament and the better team on the night. England can be proud of the giant strides they’ve taken and optimistic for the future.
— Gary Parkinson (@GaryParkinson) July 11, 2021
#ENG scored so early and didn’t seem to know what to do after that. Invited pressure and paid price, but this experience part of their growth. They will be back. #ITA impeccable under Mancini and deserved winners. Outstanding all through tournament. Auguri!
— Ben Hayward (@bghayward) July 11, 2021
What an incredible run. Gutted for the England team. Couldn’t have been much closer. Congratulations to Italy #EURO2020
— Vikkstar ★ (@Vikkstar123) July 11, 2021
Well, what a #EURO2020 you gave us @England .
You made history this tournament. Few have seen an England performance—or team—like the one you gave us this summer. You’ve inspired millions across the country, and London is so proud of you 🏴. pic.twitter.com/jF3OFMP35V
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) July 11, 2021
So sad we lost but congratulations England for coming so close and making us all so proud
And thank you Gareth Southgate for showing what leadership based on respect, humility, graciousness & truth can deliver #EURO2020 #Euro2020Final #Euros2021
— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) July 11, 2021
Imagine this team in a year’s time.
From strength to strength.
Bring on the World Cup.
Forwards. #euro2020 #Euro2020Final
— ʀ⎊ᴜ ʀᴇʏɴ⎊ (@RouReynolds) July 11, 2021
Commentators were also quick to defend the players who failed from the spot.
Bukayo Saka is 19 years old. I just can’t imagine. Devastated for him.
— Clint Smith (@ClintSmithIII) July 11, 2021
you know, it’s entirely possible that those were the right five penalty takers in the right order, and they just… missed
— Jonathan Liew (@jonathanliew) July 11, 2021
I love Bukayo Saka & this #ENG side. Cruel way to end but the game was pulled away from them after half time; they’ll be back & are making real, genuine progress. Mancini’s work with #ITA has been remarkable & they controlled most of the key moments.
— Harry De Cosemo (@harrydecosemo) July 11, 2021
Italy haven’t lost in 30-odd games. Been superb throughout the tournament. We did brilliantly and we’re an improving side. Gutted for Saka and Rashford but how they make people feel about England goes beyond winning this tournament.
— Matthew Stanger (@MatthewStanger) July 11, 2021
Protect Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka at all costs.
We’re all heartbroken tonight but every single member of that squad is a hero and has done us all proud on and off the pitch. Thank you for the joy, the hope and letting us all dare to dream. #ENGITA #EURO2020
— Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) July 11, 2021
Saka being the hero for me.
Brave to step up as a 19 year old to take the last penalty even tho it was a bad decision to let him take the last one. England has to stand behind him as he is at the start of a glorious career 👏🏽 #EURO2020— Nigel de Jong (@NDJ_Official) July 11, 2021
“What did you say in the huddle?”
“Just that no one is alone in this.”God bless Gareth Southgate, what a kind hearted man. #EURO2020
— Holly Brockwell (@holly) July 11, 2021
Inevitably, some scrutiny fell on Southgate, who decided to introduce Rashford and Sancho late in extra time in readiness for the shootout.
At the end of the day, making subs specifically for penalty shootouts is best left to the masters… pic.twitter.com/RABHpG4fgq
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) July 11, 2021
A coach live and die by decisions. Southgate been good making the the right decisions this tournament. Making “pen-subs” – if they score “genius”.
Giving responsibility to a 19-year old. If he scores: Genius.No goals= not genius
Of all people Southgate knows all about that
— Jan Aage Fjortoft 🏳️🌈 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) July 11, 2021
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