LUKE SHAW has revealed what Gareth Southgate told England’s heroes in their team huddle after they lost the Euro 2020 final on penalties.
The brave Three Lions slipped to a heartbreaking defeat against Italy on the lottery of spot-kicks.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all missed their efforts as England lost 3-2 after five penalties apiece.
And now Shaw – who scored the opening goal of the match in the opening two minutes – has revealed what Southgate told his heroes before they collected their runners-up medals.
After Saka’s decisive penalty was saved by Player of the Tournament Gianluigi Donnarumma, Southgate gathered the England players in a huddle.
And Shaw, 26 today, revealed Southgate told the squad to ‘keep their heads up’ and look to the future, with the 2022 World Cup just 18 months away.
Shaw said: “He just said to keep our heads up.
“He also said what a fantastic group everyone is a part of and of course things are going in the right direction.
“The squad in general, the togetherness, is definitely there.
“You could seen that even after the game and that huddle and the way we were with the lads who missed.”
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On Monday morning, Southgate confirmed he wanted to stay on as England boss until at least the end of the 2022 World Cup.
However, the boss – who took full responsibility for the choice of penalty takers – insisted he would not ‘outstay his welcome’.
Southgate revealed: “I don’t want to commit to something longer than I should.
“I never want to outstay my welcome.”
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When asked about the World Cup immediately after Sunday’s defeat, Southgate said: “That feels a million miles away.
“For certain this team can be better and can improve.
“You have seen the young players we have blooded in this tournament and been absolutely fantastic.
“The players have been incredible to work with and tonight is going to be extremely difficult of course and you have to feel that disappointment because the opportunities to win trophies like this are so rare in your life.
“But when they reflect what they have done they should be incredibly proud of themselves.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
