In the end, the Three Lions did not have a trophy to prove, defeated 3-2 by Italy on penalties after a 1-1 draw, but being in the final was one of many firsts for the national team.
“They have made history several times during the tournament,” said former Middlesbrough manager Southgate. “They played very well in the first half of a final when the expectation was so high, but in the end we couldn’t keep the ball well enough in the second half of regulation time, especially in the second half of regulation time.”
“The time to analyze that in depth is not right now, really.
“Tonight my pride in what the players have done is immense.
“The players have given everything they could not just tonight but throughout the tournament and they must hold their heads high.
“Tonight, the devastation of being so close and not giving our country what we wanted is hard to put into words right now.
“The players have given absolutely everything, I am very proud of them.”
Southgate knows all too well what it’s like to miss a high-profile penalty after seeing the decisive shot in the Euro 96 semi-final against Germany, and was quick to support Marcus Rashford, who hit the post, and Bukayo Saka. and Jadon Sancho, whose efforts were spared.
“What they have to know is that none of them are alone,” he emphasized. “We win and lose as a team.
“Those who take penalties are my decision.
“It’s going to be heartbreaking for the kids, but it’s not their fault.”
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Source: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-07-12 01:01:15