After an enthralling European Championship tournament, Italy came out on top after beating England on penalties in front of an English crowd at Wembley. The Azzurri's victory at Euro 2020 helped them acquired their second title that left England's long wait for a first continues.
Following Luke Shaw's opener inside two minutes (fastest goal in Euro final history), all England fans were adamant that the European trophy was indeed "coming home" for the first time and finally clinching their first international glory since the 1966 FIFA World Cup. However, with the Italians continuous pressure and resilience, the entire Wembley stadium went into shock after Leonardo Bonucci's goal midway through the second half that tied the game. Despite both teams multiple attempts to break down each others defence, the game ended up going into penalties that went in Italy's favour.
The Three Lions came up short after Gianluigi Donnarumma saving the last two England spot-kicks from Manchester United's Jadon Sancho and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka to give his side their first Euro title since 1968.
Throughout the tournament, the entire nation was brought together by a very likeable young team that performed exceptionally well under the guidance of ex England defender turned manager, Gareth Southgate. Although it wasn't the result they would've wanted, the team showed great determination, courage, and heart which brought unity to the entire nation. Also, do not forget the starting XI who played against Scotland in the group fixture was England's youngest at a major tournament with an average age of 25 years and 31 days.
England took one step further than they did back in Russia and Southgate now has a good blend of youth and experience to work with ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Saka came of age as the tournament progress along with other young prospects including; Rashford, Sancho, Foden, Mount, Bellingham, and Grealish. On top of that, Sterling had a phenomenal campaign with Kane showcasing his world-class ability in tough situations and a central pairing of Stones and Maguire that helped them received the most clean sheets in the entire tournament that led Pickford winning the tournament's golden gloves.
With Southgate's guidance, England's progress has already been substantial with a World Cup semi-final three years ago and this year's Euro final. Although it's a hard defeat to get over, England can at least move forwards with optimism.
