Euro 2020

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.
Luke Shaw has revealed what Gareth Southgate said to his squad after they lost the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Getty
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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Southgate is very much looking forward to the future with England hoping to make waves at the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: Reuters
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ITALY LEGEND Alessandro Altobelli has slammed England for thinking that their one ‘rusty’ trophy in 55 years makes them the greatest.The ex-striker launched his unprovoked rant after his country narrowly beat the brave Three Lions 3-2 on penalties in the Euro 2020 final, after a tight 1-1 draw in normal time at Wembley.
Altobelli taunted England for only winning one trophy after Italy defeated them in the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Rex
England were left devastatedCredit: Getty
He lambasted the nation for clinging onto the heroic 1966 World Cup triumph which he claims is paltry compared to the Italians four trophies in the same competition.
The 65-year-old, who only won one World Cup trophy himself with Italy in 1982, revealed it was a joy to watch his countrymen humble Gareth Southgate’s troops on their home turf.
Football Italia reported he told RAI Sport: “It’s joyful winning at Wembley against England.
“Who always think they are the best, the greatest, the most talented, the most beautiful.
“And yet if you look in their trophy cabinet there’s one rusty cup from 1966! Go look at our trophy cabinet, it’s packed!”
The Juventus veteran’s attack follows a barrage of tasteless jibes from the Azzuri towards the Three Lions after their first-ever Euro trophy win.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, who clinched the Italian’s victory when he saved Marcus Rashford’s and Bukayo Saka’s spot-kick’s in the tense shoot-out began the trolling.
The 22-year-old couldn’t resist belting out England’s anthem ‘It’s Coming Home’ shortly after the game.
His childish antics were followed up by Chelsea star Jorgino and Leonardo Bonucci who remixed the national treasure by singing ‘It’s coming to Rome.’ while Giorgio Chiellini wore a crown to their parade.
Bonucci continued the onslaught of taunts by posting a picture of himself on social media with the trophy with the caption: “Cup, croissant and cappuccino, Italians do it better.”

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Meanwhile, the Three Lions were dealing with the heartache of coming within touching distance of the European Cup.
They were in no mood to be rewarded for finishing runners-up and some players quickly removed their medals upon receiving them.
It was clear to see a runners-up medal was not the reward England wanted for their valiant efforts over the last four weeks.
The Italian veteran managed to win one World Cup in 1982Credit: PA:Empics Sport
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LUKE SHAW says he and his England team-mates will be there for ‘devastated’ Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.And when the pain has eased, the Manchester United defender, 26, is looking forward to the Three Lions’ young squad embarking on a ‘new adventure’ towards next year’s World Cup.
Luke Shaw has revealed the England squad will support Saka, Rashford and Sancho after their missed penalties in the Euro 2020 final shootoutCredit: Getty
Shaw, who has become close to Arsenal teenager Saka during the five weeks in camp, said: “He’s devastated.
“But I think the most important thing is for us now as a team to be there for him and give him a big hug and tell him to keep his head up. 
“It happens. It is a penalty shoot-out – anything can happen, as a lot of people know.
“It is an experience he will learn from but we will all be behind him, he knows that.
“It is not just him, though. There’s Rashy and Sanch also. We’re with them all. With this team there are no individuals who cost us.”
For Shaw, it was the second time in a matter of weeks that he had suffered the agony of defeat in a final on penalties.
United lost a dramatic, long shootout against Villarreal in the Europa League and Shaw said: “It is devastating. Gutting. 
“It is of course not what we wanted. I think we felt very confident about the final.
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Saka was left crestfallen after his fifth and decisive penalty was saved by DonnarummaCredit: AP

“We felt like we were going in the right direction with our performances. We are devastated. We gave everything and just came up short.
“But it was a step in the right direction in terms of what we wanted to achieve – a [European] final, that’s the first time in history that has happened. 
“But it is not just me, it’s the team. That is not enough. We wanted to win but as I say we came up short.

“We are all really gutted tonight and it hurts a lot.”
Manager Gareth Southgate gathered the England players in a huddle before they were presented with their runners-up medals and tried to help them look forward with confidence.
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 see that even after the game and that huddle and the way we were with the lads who missed.”
Shaw and the England players will not have long to lick their wounds, with the new Premier League season due to begin on August 11.
And on September 2 they will be in Hungary for a qualifier for the World Cup in Qatar that will start in November 2022 – barely 16 months away.
Saka was consoled by Southgate after his penalty was saved in the shootoutCredit: AP
Shaw said: “First and foremost I obviously hope we made the nation proud – that is always important to us. 
“Like I said, it wasn’t what we wanted and I’m sure it wasn’t what they wanted.
“But I hope this tournament brought smiles and joy to people even if it ended on a low. 
“I think overall, the experience we have all had as a team with the fans being here will be memories we won’t forget. 
“But we know as a team we can always keep improving. 
“The good thing about the team is there are a lot of good young players in the squad that are only going to mature and grow up and gain experience from matches like tonight. 
“It is going to hurt for a while but I think we are back in camp towards the end of the next month and a new adventure in the World Cup and we want to qualify for that.
“We know there are things to improve on as a team but I am sure we will get there.”
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BBC and ITV pundits celebrate Luke Shaw’s opening goal in the Euro 2020 final More

ENGLAND stars have left their team hotel and will finally be able to see their families again after six weeks.The Three Lions have been shacked up in a Covid-secure bubble since before the start of Euro 2020.

Gareth Southgate waves goodbyeCredit: PA
Jordan Henderson departsCredit: PA
Kalvin Phillips was immense this summerCredit: PA
Assistant coach Chris Powell was emotional as he left The GroveCredit: PA
Having gone all the way to the final, stars had to be away from their loved ones for a month and a half.
A selfie from the stands is as close as Harry Kane’s partner Kate has been able to get to the England skipper.
But they, among others, have finally been reunited today as the tournament comes to a close.
Disappointed players were pictured trudging out of the Grove Hotel’s front entrance this morning, after their gut wrenching penalty shootout defeat to Italy last night.
But they can exit with their heads held high after achieving England’s best tournament performance since 1966.
Arsenal teenager Bukayo Saka showed great bravery to step up and take the decisive penalty last night, which was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
But the Three Lions’ togetherness fostered by Gareth Southgate and strengthened over the last six weeks was on full show after, when Kalvin Phillips and Luke Shaw immediately consoled their devastated pal.
England’s 26-man squad will now get some well earned rest, after a gruelling campaign that followed a virtually non-existent off-season last summer.

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Assistant coach Chris Powell was clearly emotional as he left The Grove, as he spoke to staff after a whirlwind few weeks with England.
Southgate also left the hotel and offered a wave to the camera.
And the 50-year-old will have much to ponder ahead of next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
The Three Lions boss has created an incredible team spirit, and taken the nation as far as it has gone in decades.

But he will be desperate to go one better again next time around.
Southgate has confirmed that he wants to lead England again in Qatar.
And by that point he could be a knight of the realm, with such an honour ‘being considered’.
Mason Mount waves for the cameraCredit: PA
John Stones made a low-key exitCredit: PA
Ben Chilwell leaves The Grove after not playing at all at Euro 2020Credit: PA
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Watch Kalvin Phillips sprint to console tearful England pal Bukayo Saka after penalty miss against Italy at Euro 2020 More

JORDAN HENDERSON has claimed ‘this is just the beginning’ for England while hailing his ‘courageous’ team-mates for stepping up take penalties.The brave Three Lions slipped to a painful Euro 2020 final defeat on the lottery of spot-kicks at the hands of Italy on Sunday night at Wembley.
Jordan Henderson has promised ‘this is just the beginning’ for England after their Euro 2020 final defeatCredit: AP
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka missed their efforts – sparking a barrage of sick, racist abuse on social media.
But Liverpool captain Henderson was full of praise for his England team-mates and promised fans more is to come with the 2022 World Cup on the horizon.
In a string of tweets, Henderson – who was subbed off in extra-time after only coming on in the second half himself – wrote: “Hurts even more this morning, this team deserved more.
“Been incredible to be a part of this campaign and see the joy it’s brought fans around the country after a very tough 18 months or so.
“We gave absolutely everything and I am so proud of the lads for what they’ve done over the last few weeks.
“To see the growth of individuals and as a collective has been incredible, the character we’ve shown, the desire & sacrifice for each other has been something really special.
“It says a lot about the lads who took a pen last night, huge courage, but we win & lose as a team & we will learn from this experience.
“Thank you all for your incredible support, we didn’t manage to get over the line in the end but we’ll be back, this is just the beginning.”
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Henderson consoled England’s young stars at full-time, including Declan RiceCredit: Reuters

England’s official Twitter account responded by saying: “Well said, @JHenderson.
“It hurts, of course it will hurt. But let’s not forget the incredible memories we made together this summer
“This is a special group of players – and they will be back!”
Harry Maguire added: “Win together – lose together. We’ll be back.”
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson, the FA, the Duke of Cambridge and Metropolitan Police have all condemned the racial abuse aimed at a handful of England stars.
The Prime Minister said: “This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media.
“Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.”
The Met Police added: “We are aware of a number of offensive and racist social media comments being directed towards footballers following the Euro 2020 final.
“This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and it will be investigated.”
England stars including Rashford and Sancho were horrifically abused after their penalty misses, with the FA, Duke of Cambridge, PM and Met Police condemning the trollsCredit: PA
An FA spokesperson said: “The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media.
“We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team.
“We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible.
“We will continue to do everything we can to stamp discrimination out of the game, but we implore government to act quickly and bring in the appropriate legislation so this abuse has real life consequences.
“Social media companies need to step up and take accountability and action to ban abusers from their platforms, gather evidence that can lead to prosecution and support making their platforms free from this type of abhorrent abuse.”
England’s official Twitter account wrote: “We’re disgusted that some of our squad – who have given everything for the shirt this summer – have been subjected to discriminatory abuse online after tonight’s game.
“We stand with our players.”
The Duke of Cambridge, who serves as president of The FA and attended the game with wife Kate and son George, tweeted: “I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match.
“It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour.  
“It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable. W.”
And ex-England star Daniel Sturridge also threw his support behind the three ‘kings’ following their heartbreaking misses.
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