England Euro 2020 fall-out LIVE: Overwhelming support for Three Lions stars Saka, Rashford and Sancho – latest reaction
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ITALY are Euro 2020 champions after beating England on penalties at Wembley.
Luke Shaw netted early for a rampant Three Lions, before Gareth Southgate's men were pegged back in the second half by Leonardo Bonucci.
And after a tense and hard-fought draw over the full 120 minutes, it came down to spot-kicks once again.
Ultimately it was to be heartbreak for England, with Gialuigi Donnarumma saving from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, while Marcus Rashford's penalty hit the post.
- Final score: England 1-1 Italy (2-3 pens)
- READ THE FULL REPORT HERE
Follow all the reaction with our live blog below…
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GOLDEN OLDIE
Cristiano Ronaldo has shattered the record for oldest player to win the European Championship Golden Boot.
The Portugal ace, 36, scored five times to beat Patrik Schick, Harry Kane and the chasing pack to the top scorer award.
SOUR GRAPES
Roy Keane criticised Jack Grealish for not taking a penalty in the Euro 2020 final because of 'sour grapes' over his Republic of Ireland switch, Trevor Sinclair has declared.
He told TalkSport: “As we all know, Roy Keane has got an opinion. But you can’t just accept that knowing it’s not the truth.
“Roy Keane’s not privileged, we are not privileged at talkSPORT to know what was going on in those meetings when we’re talking about penalties.
“I believe Jack. I don’t think he’s a shrinking violet. He’s a player who steps up to the plate. When you want to make a name for yourself, that's when you step up.
“I think with Roy Keane, with the fact Jack Grealish left the Irish squad, went to the England squad, I think there’s a little bit of sour grapes there personally.”
CLASH OF THE TITANS
A showdown between Euro 2020 winners Italy and Copa America kings Argentina is being planned to honour Diego Maradona.
The football world was in mourning last November when the diminutive talisman passed away aged 60.
His death was felt the most in both his Argentine homeland and in Naples in Italy after his exploits during his playing days.
Maradona produced the best football of his club career with Napoli and fired them to the Serie A title in both 1987 and 1990.
And by that time he was already a legend in his country after he almost single-handedly won the 1986 World Cup for them.
SAN HERO
Italy’s Euro 2020 hero Gianluigi Donnarumma has penned a farewell letter to AC Milan fans ahead of transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.
He wrote: “Some choices are difficult, but they are part of a man’s growth.
“I arrived at Milan when I was little more than a child, for eight years I wore this shirt with pride, we fought, suffered, won, cried, celebrated, together with my team-mates, my coaches, all those who have made and are part of the club, together with our fans who are an integral part of what has been a family for many years.
“In the Rossoneri shirt I also achieved personal goals, such as my debut at 16 in Serie A. I lived through extraordinary years that I will never forget.
“Now the time has come to say goodbye, a choice that was not easy, indeed, and certainly a post is not enough to explain it, or perhaps it cannot even be explained because the deepest feelings can hardly be translated into words.”
GOT IT RON
The official Euro 2020 Team of the Tournament was revealed by a Uefa panel on Tuesday – but, according to the stats, they got it wrong.
FED EXPRESS
Chelsea have reportedly been rebuffed by Juventus in their quest to sign winger Federico Chiesa for £85million.
The 23-year-old was one of the players of the tournament at Euro 2020 as he helped Italy win their first European Championship since 1968.
Chiesa is currently halfway through a two-year loan spell in Turin from Fiorentina, with the Old Lady having an obligation to permanently sign him next year.
That deal could be worth as much as £43million, and it has been claimed they have rejected an offer from the Blues almost twice as much as that.
According to Bild journalist Christian Falk, the West Londoners have identified the player as a key target with Thomas Tuchel looking to strengthen his side.
LOST LIONS
England fell at the final hurdle as they were one penalty shootout away from lifting a major piece of silverware and ending 55 years of hurt.
But perhaps they wouldn't have had these players - who all qualified to play for the Three Lions - switched allegiances.
A MATT-ER OF OPINION
Germany legend Lothar Matthaus believes England 'deserve the trauma' after losing their Euro 2020 final with Italy.
Reviewing the final in his column for SportBild, Matthaus wrote: "English fans were hostile to the little girl in the Germany jersey.
"They were whistling the opposing national anthems.
"Denmark's goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was blinded with a laser during a penalty that Raheem Sterling dived to get in the semi-finals.
"Add to that the racist hostility towards their own players after the final.
"Dear Englishmen, that was unsportsmanlike behaviour that we did not know from you and never want to see again.
"So, sorry for the players but you deserve the trauma after the final was lost on penalties."
ALL STARS
While many eyes were focused on Euro 2020 plenty of other stars were busy away on at the Copa America.
Lionel Messi helped inspire Argentina to the trophy to end the country's 28-year wait for silverware with a narrow 1-0 win over Brazil.
Here's their team of the Tournament...
PICK OF THE BUNCH
Jordan Pickford was thrown a mammoth welcome home party by his family and friends as he returned from Euro 2020.
The Everton keeper drove the Three Lions to the final from between the sticks with his heroic performances and was given a deserved surprise bash when he got home.
WAITING GAME
Manchester United fans are expected to have to wait until August 7 to catch their first glimpse of Jadon Sancho in action.
The star was at United’s Carrington training ground on Tuesday to take the next step in his career just two days after missing a penalty kick in the Euro 2020 final shoot-out against Italy.
There was no problem with the medical he underwent and now an official unveiling of him in the club’s new kit is imminent.
Those members of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad who were not involved in the European Championship have already returned to pre-season training.
But the 21-year-old will have three weeks off before returning to training with his fellow Euro 2020 Three Lions stars Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford.
Now it seems that Sancho will make his United debut in their final friendly before the new Premier League season gets underway.
And that will come at Old Trafford against the Toffees on August 7.
EXTRAORDINARY
Euro 2020 saw the most games go to extra-time EVER - with England's final showdown against Italy extending the record to eight.
Fans certainly got bang for their buck at the summer's tournament.
Of the 15 knockout stage matches, an incredible eight went to extra-time - with half of those going even further, to penalties.
No European Championship has ever seen so many games go to extra-time - with just FIVE the previous record, set at Euro 96 and Euro 2016.
And the tally of eight levels the major tournament record, set at the 1990 and 2010 World Cups.
MORE FROM ARTETA ON SAKA
Commenting on the racist abuse he was subject to, Arteta added: "Hopefully we can use this to make a strong statement and we have to stop racist abuse on social media.
"And people using social media to hide and put people in really bad places. Hopefully the laws will be stronger.
"We are all going to make a strong case out of that and it can make a big impact because I think it's the moment to put it right."
ART DEALER
Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s ‘strong character’ will help him withstand the racist abuse he has received online.
Asked by Sky Sports whether he has been in contact with him, the Spanish gaffer said: “Yes, I have. We all have.
“I have spoken to him and sent messages. He will be fine because he’s such a strong character.
“He has received a lot of love and support from the world of football, not only from Arsenal but with the national team and all the English fans because he doesn’t deserve anything like he has been through.
“He’s had a phenomenal season and in football if you want to be part of the greatest you have to know at 19 that you will lose more than you win unfortunately in this game and there’s no exception to that rule.”
WHAT A WEEK
Italy hero Federico Bernardeschi married his girlfriend just two days after scoring in the Euro 2020 shootout victory against England.
The 27-year-old, who was the last player to score a penalty in the final, has wedded TV star Veronica Ciardi.
SHAW THING
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hailed Luke Shaw’s Euro 2020 heroics.
And he believes the left-back can continue his terrific form back at Man United.
Solskjaer said: “I’m so happy for Luke. I was watching it and ‘what’s just happened?’”
“He started the attack and we’ve encouraged him to get into the last third.
“We know how technically gifted he is and skilful he is and he hit the ball very, very sweetly.
“He keeps his eye on the ball, straight laces and it’s margins again – off the post and in, not off the post and out.
“That’s football for you. Luke deserves all the luck he can get. He’s had a tremendous couple of years with us.”
LOK STOCK
Arsenal still want Italian Euro 2020 star Manuel Locatelli – but they are reportedly only willing to pay £40million.
The Sassuolo midfielder was one of the star performers as he helped his nation to win the European Championship for the first time since 1968.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a transfer move to both Arsenal and Juventus.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, who began their pre-season with a 2-1 defeat at Hibernian yesterday, are keen to get their hands on Locatelli.
But Football Daily claims they are only willing to fork out £40m for him.
Even if that fee is enough, they may face a tough task convincing the ace to choose them over Juventus.
Locatelli is understood to prefer a move to the Serie A giants due to them being in the Champions League.
But they are in dire straits financially and that could mean the Gunners are in a better position to secure his signature.
GOOD MORNING ENGLAND FANS
Three Lions ace Harry Maguire has exclusively told SunSport how his dad Alan was left with suspected broken ribs by ticketless yobs who stormed Wembley.
Maguire said: “It was not a nice experience — it shook him up. But he was fortunate as every game he has been to he has had my nephew or one of my kids on his shoulders.
“So I’m thankful that did not happen as it could have been a really serious moment.
“My dad was in the stampede. I have not spoken with him too much but I am pleased my kids didn’t go to the game.
“It was scary — he said he was scared and I don’t want anyone to experience that at a football match.
“I have seen a lot of videos and have spoken to Dad and my family. It was my dad and agent who suffered the most.
“I hope we can learn from this and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Meanwhile, Uefa have charged the FA over FOUR separate incidents which took place during Sunday's Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
European football's governing body has come down hard on the FA after a number of incidents before and during the clash between England and Italy.
Disciplinary proceedings have been opened over a pitch invasion, throwing of objects by fans, booing the Italian national anthem and the stadium break-in.
Finally, hundreds of well-wishers arrived at Marcus Rashford's mural for a Stand Up To Racism vigil yesterday after the England hero was targeted with vile abuse.
Crowds took the knee at the Stand Up to Racism demonstration as they showed their support for Three Lions stars who received sickening racist abuse.
RASH SURGERY
England and Man United star Marcus Rashford will be out until October after deciding to undergo shoulder surgery.
The striker is now set to miss the first two months of the new Premier League season after being plagued by the problem this year.
Rashford will go under the knife at the end of July after further scans showed extensive damage to the area.
EXCLUSIVE BY JOSE MOURINHO
The future is bright for English football — you only have to look at the number of excellent young players coming out of your academies to realise that.
Sure, there is sadness and frustration at losing the Euro 2020 final to Italy.
But if I compare the academies at Premier League clubs now to how they were when I first arrived in England in 2004, then the improvement is vast.
I hope leading Premier League managers don’t just think of their own clubs but also the national team and that they give these young English guys more chances.
EXCLUSIVE BY CHARLIE WYETT
Harry Maguire has paid tribute to England’s penalty takers — and admitted he would not have taken one for his country at such a young age.
Maguire said: “When I was 19 or 20, I would have been standing there saying ‘I don’t want to take one’.
"There is no chance I would have been putting my hand up at their age.
“So look at the courage and bravery of these young lads, look at the age of Bukayo, Jadon and Marcus.
“The things I have gone through have made me more confident and have given me belief.
“I am able to handle those situations better, now I am happy to take one and I executed it well.
“These people who are being abusive would not be able to handle the pressure.
“It is the highest amount of pressure you will feel, so to do it at their age and to show such bravery should be applauded.
“I spoke with the three lads afterwards. I have checked up with them and seen how they are but they are courageous lads.
“They should be applauded rather than criticised.
“I took a penalty in a play-off final shootout for Sheffield United when I was 19 but doing it for England is completely different.”
EXCLUSIVE BY NICK PARKER
Harry Maguire spoke of his joy tonight at being reunited with his family - and seeing one of his girls walk for the first time.
Maguire said: “It has been tough in that department - not seeing your families or your kids.
"I have come home and one of my little ones is walking. I did not see that. It is all part and parcel of the journey.
“What we did in camp was the correct decision because we didn’t have any positive tests which was important for the journey and creating history like we did.”
EXCLUSIVE BY CHARLIE WYETT
Harry Maguire believes Euro heartache means England will be even better prepared to win the World Cup.
He said: “All the disappointments tend to stick around and you always think about them. I still think about Russia and I will still think about this final for many years to come.
“I wish we could have made it a memorable night. We did everything we could but it was not enough. It still feels raw. I’m still feeling the emotion and I’m still feeling the disappointment.
“To not lose a game over the tournament and not come out as champions is really disappointing.
“But we are in a lot better place compared to after Russia.
“Hopefully we will come back from Qatar in an even better place than now.
“This tournament we won three knockout games and lost one on penalties. This shows the way we have gone forward as a team.
“We are a young team with a bad experience of losing the final. But we will learn from it.
“For me personally, I felt a lot better playing in the final than I did against Croatia in the semi-finals in terms of my mental state, confidence and belief.
“I am sure if we get to another knockout game, the lads who have got to this tournament will learn and improve. The World Cup is only 16 months away.”
EXCLUSIVE BY CHARLIE WYETT, KATE FERGUSON AND JONATHAN REILLY
Furious Harry Maguire called for a clampdown on social media giants — saying they make it too easy for racists to abuse footballers online.
He said: “Something needs to be done. The companies need to verify every account.
“It is too easy to troll and abuse. To be racist is just too easy to be done and get away with.
“The amount of times we lose a football match with Manchester United and it happens — something needs to be changed.
“There are so many good sides to social media. We want to show fans what we are doing in-camp and want to interact and tell them how we feel.
“There is a negative side but it can be stopped and changed. We need it to change.”
EXCLUSIVE BY CHARLIE WYETT AND NICK PARKER
England ace Harry Maguire has told how his dad Alan was left with suspected broken ribs by ticketless yobs who stormed Wembley.
Maguire said: “It was not a nice experience — it shook him up. But he was fortunate as every game he has been to he has had my nephew or one of my kids on his shoulders.
“So I’m thankful that did not happen as it could have been a really serious moment.
“My dad was in the stampede. I have not spoken with him too much but I am pleased my kids didn’t go to the game.
“It was scary — he said he was scared and I don’t want anyone to experience that at a football match.
“I have seen a lot of videos and have spoken to Dad and my family. It was my dad and agent who suffered the most.
“I hope we can learn from this and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”