England LOSE Euro 2020 Final on penalties: Italy extend the Three Lions' 55 years of hurt with Rashford, Sancho and Saka missing kicks - like Gareth Southgate in 1996 – but Prince William tells the team: 'Hold your heads high'
- England missed three consecutive penalties crowning Italy champions in front of 60,000 fans at Wembley
- 19-year-old Saka was consoled by Gareth Southgate as penalties came back to haunt the manager
- In bitter irony it was the substituted penalty specialists Rashford and Sancho who failed to score before Saka
- Saka, Rashford and Sancho, all black men, have since been bombarded with grimly familiar racial abuse
- Prince George looked shattered as William and Kate comforted him after first half had the royal box rocking
- But after Luke Shaw's stunning early goal, England's nerves were shot to pieces in the second half
- They were dealt a hammer blow on the 67th minute as Leonardo Bonucci equalised with a scrappy goal
- Three Lions hung on to extra time, and could have scored, but in cruel twist Southgate faced penalties again
- Boris Johnson said England 'played like heroes', adding: 'They did the nation proud and deserve great credit'
- For live commentary of the match please click here
England's dreams of Euro 2020 glory were shattered at Wembley last night as they lost to Italy on penalties - extending the '55 years of hurt' but leaving the nation expressing pride at the Three Lions' achievements.
Despite two spot-kick saves from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, England's Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all missed their efforts to hand the Italians a 3-2 shootout win after a nerve-shredding 120 minutes had ended 1-1.
The actions of a minority of fans cast a shadow over the event as dozens of ticketless fans stormed the stadium before kick-off, 19 police were injured covering it and England's trio of penalty-missers, all black men, suffered racist abuse after the game.
But for the vast majority of the 60,000 inside Wembley and the millions at watching home, the disappointment at another defeat on penalties was tempered by the satisfaction of England making their first major final since the 1966 World Cup win.
In the royal box, Prince George looked shattered at the end as Prince William and Kate Middleton comforted him, after a first half that had the Cambridges rocking.
Nineteen-year-old Bukayo Saka is consoled by manager Gareth Southgate after he missed his penalty. Twenty-five years ago it was Southgate being consoled by Terry Veneables following his penalty miss in the semi-finals of the same tournament
Marcus Rashford puts his face in his hands after missing his penalty by striking the post
Prince George looked shattered as William and Kate comforted him after a first half that had the royal box rocking
England fans are dejected after England lose the game on penalties at Vinegar Yard, London
Italy's Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci carry the trophy and celebrate with team-mates after winning the penalty shoot-out after the UEFA Euro 2020 Final at Wembley
After the match, William wrote: 'Heartbreaking. Congratulations @Azzurri on a great victory. @England, you've all come so far, but sadly this time it wasn't our day.
'You can all hold your heads high, and be so proud of yourselves - I know there's more to come.'
The loss was felt particularly acutely by manager Gareth Southgate, whose own penalty miss saw England knocked out of Euro '96 to Germany.
Nineteen-year-old Saka was consoled by Southgate - as Terry Venables had comforted him 25 years earlier on the same pitch.
In a bitter irony it was the substituted penalty specialists Rashford and Sancho who failed to score before Saka's shot was saved. The teenager broke down in tears afterwards as senior players rallied round him.
Last night Saka, Rashford and Sancho were bombarded with grimly familiar racial abuse on social media. The FA lashed out at the perpetrators, telling them they were not welcome as fans. The police vowed to investigate.
It had all started so well. But after Luke Shaw's stunning early goal - the fastest ever in a European final - England's nerves were shot to pieces as the Italians ran them ragged in the second half.
They were dealt a hammer blow on the 67th minute as Leonardo Bonucci equalised with a scrappy goal, leaving the Three Lions hanging on until the full-time whistle.
A frantic two periods of extra time followed, with both sides capable of seizing victory, before the match ended with the dread penalties.
Boris Johnson said England 'played like heroes', adding: 'They have done the nation proud and deserve great credit.'
But tears flowed along Wembley way after the heart-breaking finish to go along with the despair of thousands of fans who ended up locked out of the stadium.
Delia Smith told MailOnline as she left: 'There is a a lot to be hopeful for. We should be very proud of the team.'
Two schoolboys were hurried along in tears and held their father's hands. The man told MailOnline: 'It's going to take some work to be lifting these boys. They had so much hope just like the rest of the country. But once again we just crashed at the last moment. Are we ever going to win anything?'
It comes after chaos before the game as hundreds of fans were seen breaching security and rushing into the stadium, with Wembley admitting a 'small number' had managed to get into the stands.
But it's feared that many legitimate ticket holders may have missed out on a chance to watch the final because of the thugs who rushed through the barriers and caused gridlock at the entry gates.
In another black mark against England's fans, the streets of London were trashed throughout Sunday as riot police were deployed during and after the game to quell growing unrest.
Beer bottles and cans were hurled at officers and the streets around Trafalgar Square were strewn with empty plastic bags that people had brought to the unofficial fanzone - despite police warning them not to. Nineteen officers were hurt and nearly 50 people arrested.
Nineteen-year-old Bukayo Saka is inconsolable after failing to score his penalty kick and handing victory to the Italians
Bukayo Saka is comforted by Harry Kane after missing his spot kick and giving Italians victory and looking dejected, right
Nineteen-year-old Saka was consoled by his team mates after failing to score his penalty, handing victory to Italy
Prince George looks forlornly over the balcony as his mother touches the back of his head, while William puts his hands on his son's shoulders after an exhausting night for the seven-year-old
Devastated Jordan Pickford sits on the ground as the Italian side celebrate in front of him after Donnarumma saved Saka's shot
Italy players celebrate with their fans end of the Euro 2020 final at Wembley
Harry Kane consoles his wife Katie in the stands
Football fans celebrate on the streets of Naples, Italy, after beating England in the final
Brave Italian fans celebrate victory in Piccadilly Circus central London surrounded by riot police
Thousands of England fans pour out of Wembley on a heartbreaking night for the Three Lions to add to their tally of major tournament failures
Italy fans celebrate in Rome after winning the Euro 2020 final
A youngster is carried home by his father after England lost on penalties in the final
The Italian player clamber onto each other after Saka's penalty was saved by Donnarumma
England's shattered fans can't bear it anymore. Nerves are already shattered after the Italians ran England ragged in the second half, dealing them a hammer blow on the 67th minute through a scrappy goal from Leonardo Bonucci.
Marcus Rashford is consoled by a family member after missing the first of three consecutive penalties that went begging in the shoot-out
England manager Gareth Southgate stands dejected alongside Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish
An England fan in tears at Luna Springs in Birmingham watching the UEFA Euro 2020 Final
England supporters are devastated after losing the final against Italy
Broken England fans sit and watch the aftermath after heading into central London to watch the final
Focus now will also turn to what happened on the pitch and the manner in which England were once again trounced on penalties.
They crashed out to shootouts in major tournaments in 1990, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2006 and 2012. They ended that losing streak by beating Colombia on penalties in the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup, but the pain has quickly returned.
Gary Willins, 27, of East Ham, said: 'It is a shocking end. And the penalties were shocking. We do this every time. We always get let down.
'It doesn't matter about what Gareth Southgate has done. We are just losers once again.'
Alicia Southern, 17, wiped away tears as she said: 'This is so painful. I can't help crying when I think about the players and how much they have lifted us.'
Lisa Sparkes, 44, a college family officer from Camberley, Surrey, said: 'The players can still hold our heads up high.
'And so can we as a country. We have been all brought together in such a lovely way and that is the big positive out of all this.
'Okay we didn't win the cup competition, but that's not always what matters most. He has been a wonderful four weeks and we should all be so proud.'
There was heartbreak as well for hundreds of thousands in central London, many of whom had travelled from across the country to the capital to soak up the atmosphere.
Outside The Queens Head pub near Piccadilly Circus, supporters screamed in disappointment and the sound of glass shattering could be heard along with chants for the England team and the Three Lions song.
One man dejectedly removed England flags from his car before getting into it, while another was seen throwing traffic cones in the main road in frustration.
Stephanie Moothoosawmy, 24, from Essex, watched the game with friends in Oxford Circus on her phone.
She said: 'It's disappointing and I'm sure many people are really emotional. There was a lot riding on this match and England still played a great game.
'The important thing is that we don't let this loss define us. I'm still really proud.'
In Trafalgar Square some fans began singing the national anthem, cheering the Three Lions' accomplishments despite the defeat.
In Ashton-in-Makerfield, near Wigan, Greater Manchester, Mary Thomas, 64, said: 'To lose it at the last kick of the game, last kick of the tournament, is a sickener.
'That was a horrible way to end it.'
Great-great grandmother Mary Hurst, 84, said: 'That's so disappointing. I feel for the players who missed the penalties.
'Football is only a game, but it's also cruel.'
Distraught fans at the Newcastle PaddyPark fans' zone offered their applause to the players, but some looked bereft and one shouted: 'I cannot do this any more.'
When penalties began, members of the crowd at BOXPARK Croydon huddled together in a line, with their hands on each other's shoulders.
Cheers soon became downturned faces as Italy were declared the winners.
In Birmingham, many fans slumped to the floor while others lay on tables in despair at the Luna Springs big screen venue.
As elation turned to deflation in little more than a minute, many supporters headed straight for the exit to head home.
Teenager Jack Smith said: 'I feel sorry for the lads who had to take a penalty after coming on cold.
'I thought some of the bigger names would've stepped forward. It's just a heart-breaking way to lose.'
Southgate's strategy will be analysed for years to come in a nation still waiting for a first major title since the 1966 World Cup.
Rashford and Sancho were brought in the 120th minute just in time to take penalties.
Rashford had to play at right back with Kyle Walker sacrificed for the looming shootout.
Liverpool's Premier League and Champions League winner, Jordan Henderson, was deemed less suitable for a penalty than Sancho.
It was a big ask of Rashford and Sancho after spending most of the night sitting on the bench.
They both missed penalties before Saka as England lost 3-2 in the shootout.
'It's down to me,' Southgate said. 'I decided on the penalty takers based on what we've done in training. Nobody is on their own. That's my call and it totally rests on me.'
Alan Shearer, who scored England's first penalty before Southgate's miss at Euro '96, doubted his former teammate's strategy on Sunday night.
'Mentally you have to get yourself right,' Shearer said on the BBC. 'You've not kicked a ball for a few hours.'
Southgate added: 'In terms of the players, they've given everything they could have - not only tonight but through the whole tournament. They should hold their heads high.
'They're a team who have pulled together, given the country some incredible evenings but of course tonight the devastation of getting so close and not being able to give our country the trophy we wanted to is difficult to put into context.
'You can imagine how the dressing room is so that of course is difficult to put into words at the moment but in terms of the players they've given absolutely everything and I'm very proud of them'.
Asked what he told them in the post-match huddle, Southgate said: 'At the moment the players are, understandably, really quiet.
'The Duke (of Cambridge) has been down to see them in the dressing room and has rightly thanked them for what they've done and been fulsome in his praise.
'I just said to them that we could have no recriminations. We win and lose together. Nobody is left out on their own and the calls for the penalties were mine.
The Duke of Cambridge tries to explain who might be taking the kicks to his wife as Prince George watches on
Prince William appears to be counting the penalty kick takers on his hands as Kate and George look on
Leonardo Bonucci dealt the hammer blow for the Italians on the 67th minute, leaving the Three Lions shell shocked after Luke Shaw delivered the dream start
Distraught England fans put their heads in their hands as Italy deal a hammer blow after bossing the second half against England
A woman draped in the England fan can't bear to watch as the game ticks on into extra time
England fans in agony as they hope their side can comeback while watching at a Newcastle screening
Fans in Newcastle looked distraught as Italy equalised in the Euro 2020 final, with the game now going into extra time - and possibly the dreaded penalties
Gutted fans watch the game in Croydon
Upset fans hide their faces in their hands as Italy take the lead
A streaker interrupted play with ridiculous antics towards the end of the second half as England fans watched on desperate for a comeback by their team
After a nerve-jangling second half a streaker interrupted play before the final whistle to further prolong the agony
Distraught England fans can't believe what they're seeing as the Italians run riot in the second half
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford appeared to have made a terrific save before the centre-half rattled in the scrappy follow-up goal off the back of a corner
The goal has set up a nail-biting finish to the match at Wembley - pushing the game into extra time and maybe penalties. England fans were seen head-in-hands moments after Italy's goal went in
Jubilant Italian fans celebrate their equaliser at the Piazza del Popolo in Rome
Italy's Leonardo Bonucci2nd right, celebrates with Italy's Giorgio Chiellini, right, after scoring his sides first goal during the Euro 2020 soccer championship final
England fans despair after Italy equalise in the PaddyPark fanzone beside the River Tyne, Newcastle, watching the Euro 2020 Final
England football fans are racked with anxiety as the minutes ebb away
Grealish writhes in agony after a grubby challenge by Jorginho who raked his studs down the Englishman's shin
England's Harry Maguire is shown a yellow card as nervous minutes of extra time tick by
The experiences and guileful Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini hauls back the shirt of English danger man Bukayo Saka
Southgate imparts some wisdom to Kalvin Phillips as frayed nerves set in among the Three Lions
Shell-shocked England fans can't believe their eyes as the Italians go level
A devastated England fan holds her head in her hands
Luke Shaw netted a stunning goal on the break to settle early nerves in front of 60,000 fans as the Three Lions look to secure their first major trophy in 55 years
Prince George laughs with joy with his father Prince William as Kate Middleton claps the Luke Shaw goal which gave England their early lead
Prince George celebrates the goal with mother Kate and father William in the royal box as jubilation grips Wembley after Luke Shaw knocked in an early goal
A jubilant Prince George threw his arms around his mother Kate as Prince William beamed from ear-to-ear, while Boris Johnson went wild beside wife Carrie as thundering chants of 'It's coming home' rattled around the national stadium
Prince George goes wild in the royal box as Luke Shaw gives England an early lead for their dream start in the final
Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Italy reacts in front of Gareth Southgate, Head Coach of England during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Final
'My decision. My decision to ask the players to take the penalties that they did.
'They've got to walk away from here heads held high. They've done more than any other team in the last 50 or so years, so in terms of the players they should be incredibly proud of what they've done.
'Tonight's hard, of course, because to get so close... you know those opportunities in your life are incredibly rare but a credit to Italy. I think they've been outstanding the whole tournament.
'The way they used the ball tonight was a little bit better than us and I think they were strong enough in defence to stop us really creating anything consistently on their goal.'
Southgate repeatedly stressed none of the players are on their own and took the blame, promising to look after 'super boy' Saka after the teenager's saved penalty wrapped up Italy's win.
The former defender believes the players should see this tournament as a success having reached their first ever European Championship final, three years on from getting to the World Cup semi-finals.
'Well, look, I think we built strong bonds in Russia and I think that's continued through this tournament so I don't know of course,' Southgate said.
'Tonight the balloon is burst isn't it and the feeling around the country will be very empty I know.
'That's hard for everybody to take. We wanted to give everybody one more night that would continue the biggest party ever.
'We haven't been able to do that so. But I hope that we've given everybody some incredible memories and the players especially should feel very proud of what they've done.'
It was a defeat that came after gaining the perfect platform to surge to glory when Shaw scored in the second minute.
It looked like Southgate's tactics were paying off by reverting to a back three for the final, with Shaw deployed as a left wing back. He was set up for the goal by Kieran Trippier's cross from the other flank.
But England also took the lead early in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals against Croatia when Trippier was the scorer in the fifth minute.
Just like that 2-1 loss three years ago, England failed to build on a position of strength.
'At times we didn't keep the ball well enough,' Southgate said. 'That invited more pressure. It's something we have to be better at.'
For a squad hyped up for its attacking threats, England became timid in the search for a second goal.
'To get all those attacking players on you have to do it late,' Southgate said. 'It was a gamble but if we gambled earlier we may have lost the game in extra time any way.'
Striker Harry Kane didn't even have a shot on target until he scored his penalty.
'We should be extremely proud of what we have achieved,' the captain said. 'It will probably hurt for the rest of our careers.'
Riotous scenes in central London as the England game drags on into extra time
A man is led away in handcuffs after wild scenes among football fans in central London
Police officers monitor the wild England supporters standing outside St. Martin-in-the-Fields church on the edge of Trafalgar Square
Riot police stand guard in Trafalgar Square amid chaotic scenes
Riot police with shields are out in force as England fans mob the streets of London
Riot police in central London as England fans get out of control
He added: 'Penalties are the worst feeling in the world when you lose. It's been a fantastic tournament - we should be proud, hold our heads up high. It's going to hurt now, it's going to hurt for a while.'
For Italy, their redemption story was complete as they won the European Championship for the second time.
'It's coming to Rome. It's coming to Rome,' Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci shouted into a TV camera amid the celebrations, mocking the famous lyric 'it's coming home' from the England team's anthem.
After the misses of Rashford - he stuttered up to the ball and then hit the post - and Sancho, whose shot was saved by Donnarumma again down to his left, Jorginho had the chance to win it for Italy.
Incredibly, the midfielder who converted the decisive penalty in a shootout win over Spain in the semi-finals also failed to score as Pickford tipped the effort off the post.
It was Donnarumma who then made the crucial saves and within minutes he had also been named player of the tournament, the first goalkeeper to be so honoured.
So instead of coming home, the trophy is headed to Rome.
'We'd heard it day in, day out from Wednesday night - we heard it would be coming home to London,' Bonucci said. 'I'm sorry for them, but the cup will be taking a nice flight, making its way to Rome so Italians all over the world can savour this.'
Italy's jubliant players headed to the other end of the field to celebrate in front of their fans after the match.
It was less than four years ago that Italy plunged to the lowest moment of its soccer history by failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in six decades.
Now, they are the best team in Europe and on a national-record 34-match unbeaten run under Roberto Mancini, their suave coach who has won an international trophy in his first attempt to add to the country's other European title - in 1968 - and its four World Cups.
Mancini joined his players on the podium as Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy to the backdrop of fireworks and tickertape.
'It was impossible even to just consider this at one stage,' Mancini said, 'but the guys were just amazing. I have no words for them.'
From joy to despair for George: Prince, 7, is consoled by William and Kate as his jubilant cheers make way for disappointment after England's loss
By STEPHANIE LINNING
Prince George reflected the mood across the nation as his exuberant joy made way for despair as England lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
Joining his parents Kate Middleton and Prince William in a VIP box, seven-year-old George cheered in jubilation as England took the early lead - but ended the night looking devastated after the team lost on penalties.
A solemn-faced Prince William, who has been vocal in his support of the Three Lions, put his hands on his son's shoulders in a moment of support as the game reached its dramatic conclusion.
Kate, who had spent the day at Wimbledon with her father, stood with an arm around her husband.
William's personal disappointment was clear in an Instagram post he shared minutes after the end of the match, which read: 'Heartbreaking. Congratulations @Azzuri on a great victory. @England, you've all come so far, but sadly this time it wasn't our day. You can all hold your hads high, and be so proud of yourselves - I know there is more to come. W.'
The royals joined VIPs including David Beckham, Kate Moss and Tom Cruise, as well as Boris and Carrie Johnson, in the box at Wembley tonight.
The game ended on a 1-1 draw and went into extra time before ending in penalties. Despite two saves by Jordan Pickford, England missed three consecutive penalties and Italy were crowned the champions of Europe in front of 60,000 fans at Wembley.
Disappointment: Reflecting the mood of football fans across the country, seven-year-old George cheered in jubilation as England took the early lead - but ended the night looking devastated after the team lost to Italy in penalties
Such a promising start... It was a different story in the early minutes of the match, when George celebrated Shaw's early goal
What's to come: William counted out on his fingers ahead of the penalty shootout, while George was thoughtful
How it unfolded: Kate listened intently as William explained something, while George had his eyes fixed on the pitch
Prince William's personal devastation was made clear in this Instagram post, which read: 'Heartbreaking. Congratulations @Azzuri on a great victory. @England, you've all come so far, but sadly this time it wasn't our day. You can all hold your hads high, and be so proud of yourselves - I know there is more to come. W'
The royals started the evening in high spirits, with Prince George allowed to stay up late for the special occasion. George, who also joined his parents for the England vs Germany match, looked smart in a blazer, shirt and striped tie for the occasion, in a look that mirrored his father's own smart ensemble.
Meanwhile Kate looked elegant in a white Zara blazer, white top and red statement earrings from London-based independent jewellery designer Blaiz - in a nod to the England colours.
After joining his parents for the national anthem, George threw his arms out and shouted in pure joy as Luke Shaw powered England to an early lead over Italy in the opening minutes.
The young royal then hugged his mother Kate, 39, in a moment that captured the unbridled excitement of millions across the nation before the night eventually ended in disappointment after England lost in penalties.
Earlier Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli revealed that Prince William wanted his son George to wear an England shirt to tonight's match - but Kate Middleton was 'not so keen'.
For her part, the Duchess of Cambridge looked typically polished in a white Zara blazer, top and statement red earrings by London brand Blaiz - in a nod to the colours of the England strip.
She made a quick dash across London to make it to Wembley in time for the final, after joining her father at Wimbledon today to watch Novak Djokovic win the men's singles trophy.
Earlier, the Duchess of Cambridge cut an elegant figure in a Beulah London dress and £30 heels from Aldo, but she swapped the summer outfit for a more practical Zara blazer and trouser combination for tonight's game.
Speaking today, Ms Bartoli revealed Prince George wanted to wear an England top to the match, rather than the smart shirt and blazer he ended up wearing.
She shared the revelation while providing commentary at the men's singles final at Wimbledon this afternoon between world number one Novak Djokovic and Italy's Matteo Berrettini for BBC Radio 5 Live.
Observing that just a handful of spectators at Centre Court were wearing Three Lions shirts, the French tennis star said: 'Yesterday I had an afternoon tea with the duchess and it was very much a discussion whether George will be allowed to wear the jersey tonight at Wembley or not.
Prince George hugged his mother as England went 1-0 up against Italy in the opening minutes of the Euro 2020 final
Prince George looked thrilled as he cheered on Luke Shaw's goal in the opening minutes of the match at Wembley tonight
The seven-year-old prince's face was a look of pure joy as he gazed up at his father Prince William in the moments after
Kate Middleton leaned down to celebrate with Prince George after England's early opening goal this evening
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have brought their son Prince George to cheer on the Three Lions at Wembley tonight
The young royal is an avid football fan and supports Aston Villa like his father. Tonight marks his second outing at the tournament, following the England vs Germany match. He dressed to match his father Prince William (right)
'William was for it, Kate not so keen, so we'll see.' She also revealed that Kate likes her tea with 'just a dash of milk' while the Duke of Cambridge 'puts some sugar in it'.
It is unclear if Ms Bartoli broke royal protocol by revealing what she discussed with the Duchess of Cambridge.
George, seven, did not attend last week's football semi-final against Denmark, but went to Wembley to watch England's clash against Germany at Wembley with his parents - dressed in a suit, tie and shirt.
As she arrived at Wimbledon today, Kate crossed her fingers for England's bid for Euros glory while her 'excited' husband William praised Gareth Southgate's squad and enthused: 'The whole country is behind you'.
William shared a video message on Twitter in which he wished manager Southgate, Three Lions captain Harry Kane and 'every member of the England team on and off the pitch' the 'very best of luck'.
The duke, who is also the President of the FA, appeared to be crossing his fingers for victory while at Wimbledon yesterday, where he and Kate attended the grand slam to watch Australia's Ashleigh Barty win the tennis Championship in an epic three-set final against Karolina Pliskova.
William said: 'Gareth, Harry and to every member of the England team on and off the pitch, just want to wish you the very best of luck tonight. What a team performance it's been, everyone in the squad has played their part. All the backroom team as well have been truly essentially.
The Duchess of Cambridge made a quick dash from Wimbledon to join William and George at Wembley tonight
The Duchess of Cambridge leaned down to speak to her son as Prince William chatted to UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin
'I can't really believe this is happening. So exciting and I just wish you the very best of luck. You bring out the very best of England and we are all behind you. The whole country is behind you. So, bring it home.'
The duke's grandmother the Queen paid tribute to the 'spirit, commitment and pride' of the squad in a good luck message. In her written message, the monarch recalled presenting the Jules Rimet trophy to Bobby Moore after England beat then West Germany in the World Cup - almost six decades ago.
She said: 'Fifty-five years ago I was fortunate to present the World Cup to Bobby Moore and saw what it meant to the players, management and support staff to reach and win the final of a major international football tournament.
'I want to send my congratulations and that of my family to you all on reaching the final of the European Championships, and send my good wishes for tomorrow with the hope that history will record not only your success but also the spirit, commitment and pride with which you have conducted yourselves.'
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Southgate and the players had 'already made history' by reaching the final, writing: 'You have lifted the spirits of the whole country, and tomorrow we know you can lift that trophy too. We are not just hoping or praying. We believe in you, Gareth, and your incredible squad.'
Unfortunately it wasn't enough and England ended up losing the match on penalties.
English hooligans fighting outside Wembley and tra...
by Lord Smuggler 11064