We Were Wrong

International football is a strange paradigm. The same fans who pushed England to the brink of their best result in 55 years are the same fans that have brought nothing but disgrace to themselves and the nation after Sunday nights heartbreaking exit at Euro 2020. After just 1 minute at 37 seconds, Luke Shaw raised a nation to it’s feet, only for Italy to bring us crashing back down to our sofas with our heads in our hands 66 minutes later. Despite the outrageous home advantage, it was always Italy’s game to lose and with a 33 game winning streak on the line, they showcased not only why they are the best team in Europe, but maybe even on the planet - something our young lions may one day possess (just not in the immediate future).  

There were several major errors both on and off the pitch that ultimately cost the lions their first international trophy since 1966. In fact, England’s problems started long before any ball was placed on a penalty spot. After a scintillating 45 minutes that managed to turn even the most stubborn of England haters, Southgates side looked lacklustre and passionless after the break, who instead of trying to create more chances, put up the defences, raised the drawbridge and aimed to hold on until the final whistle. Well timed substitutions by Roberto Mancini ensured that there was always fresh legs going forward for the Italians, whilst Southgate held out until the 70th minute before making his first error. 

Saka for England at Euro 2020 - paininthearsenal.com

Don’t get me wrong, Bukayo Saka is a great English talent and has a bright footballing future ahead of him. However, after a initial strong performance against the Czech Republic, Saka’s performances would seem fairly adequate from then on, something I would expect from a 19 year old wunderkind at his first international tournament. As for most of these young players, it is a sink or swim situation and unfortunately for Saka, his performance sunk way before his walk to the penalty spot. 

Luckily, Englands squad was deep with experience, and the addition of Jordan Henderson was more of a motivational move by Gareth Southgate, hoping the Liverpool captain could inspire and lead the lions home. Henderson’s performance did not correlate and he was outclassed in the midfield for the remainder of Euro 2020. 

Henderson for England at Euro 2020 - liverpoolfc.com

Extra time brought about even more changes for the Italians, ensuring they continued to dominate possession and give little to no chance for England to counter. The addition of England golden boy Jack Grealish was a last ditch attempt from Southgate to install any kind of excitement into English fans, but after over 100 minutes on the bench in his first international final, the £100 million man failed to deliver. 

Grealish for England at Euro 2020 - talksport.com

Then came the penalties. As the 120th minute came to a close, 60 million English held their head in despair, as the hurt of a trophy-less 55 years was to be decided over the weakness of any England team - the penalty spot. Here lied Southgate’s final and devastating error. The selection of Rashford, Sancho, and Saka to take the final 3 English penalties is a decision I could easily support - if they had come on in normal time that is. To rest the hopes of a nation on the shoulders of players who had played a combined 181 minutes throughout an entire international tournament was an unfair move by Southgate and the outcome was unfortunately inevitable. 

Rashford, Saka, Sancho, Kane After Euro 2020 Defeat - skysports.com

As an Englishman it hurts, but as a football fan it brings me nothing but joy. Italy were by far the best team of the tournament and their story of resurgence is not one that should go untold. For the young lions, inexperience and managerial error cost them in a time of great need, but for the first time in over 5 decades, we can finally say that we are proud. England conceded 2 goals in regular time throughout their entire journey to the final and Jordon Pickford once again proved his worth as England’s number one choice for years to come. The upcoming talent of this England side is only comparable to the likes of the biggest powerhouses in Europe and this is definitely not the last time we will see the famous white and blue in finals to come.