Italy are the new Euro 2020 champions: England loses on penalties

Italy are the Euro 2020 champions! They denied England, the clear favourite, the opportunity to claim another international title.

England who are used to not making it far in international tournaments thought that this year would have been the golden year, the year that they would take the Euro trophy home.

However, Italy crushed that dream, essentially transforming it into a nightmare.

Italy pushed the game to penalties were they won 3-2. The game went on to penalties because the score was tied 1-1 at the end of extra time.

The 1^st half

As soon as the whistle was blown the Englishman Luke Shaw stunned Wembley opening the game with a goal in the 2^ndminute.

Soon after England started to lose steam, getting comfortable they played defensively right through to half time.

The English fans were ecstatic. They cheered when England had the ball in play and booed violently at the Italians as soon as they acquired possession of the ball.

The 2^nd half

Coming off the half time break, a comfortable England was now set to be challenged by a reorganised and rejuvenated Italian team.

The Italian assault was rapid and tactical. About every 2 minutes another attack was imminent. However, in the 68’ the English wall came crumbling down when Leonardo Bonucci scored a goal set up by a corner kick.

Extra Time

During extra time nothing spectacular happened. The teams prepared for the penalties by making player substitutions. England brought onto the field Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to participate in the final play of the match.

Penalties

Matthew Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka of England missed their penalty shots, leaving England with no chance to win the championship.

Italy was able to secure 3 goals giving them the edge to win Euro 2020.