England’s effort to end a 55-year drought for a major trophy ended in the familiar anguish of a penalty shootout defeat as Italy won the Euro 2020 title at Wembley Stadium.
On a night of suspense, stress, and final heartbreak in a frenetic atmosphere, England appeared to be on track for their most joyful day since 30 July 1966, when Luke Shaw gave them the perfect start after two minutes.
Italy, who had gone 33 games without losing, gradually clawed their way back into the game, drawing level in the 67th minute when Leonardo Bonucci pounced after England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford put Marco Verratti’s header against the post.
After a tense extra time period failed to produce a winner, it was down to penalties and painful heartbreak for England manager Gareth Southgate and his team, who had entered the final with great expectations and strong emotions.
Three of England’s five penalties were missed, with Marcus Rashford hitting the crossbar and Gianluigi Donnarumma thwarting Jadon Sancho, before Arsenal youth Bukayo Saka saw his spot-kick saved by the gigantic Italy goalkeeper.
England’s Harry Kane and Harry Maguire scored, while Italy’s Domenico Berardi, Bonucci, and Federico Bernardeschi scored, while Pickford kept England’s hopes alive with saves against Andrea Belotti and Jorginho.
Saka, a weeping 19-year-old who had shown such bravery in stepping forward, was consoled by his teammates and manager, but there was no true comfort for them or the awaiting supporters at Wembley Stadium.
