England’s quest to end their 55-year wait for a major trophy ended in devastating fashion as Italy emerged victorious in the UEFA EURO 2020 final. In a tense and emotional encounter at Wembley Stadium, Gareth Southgate’s team suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat, denying them their first European Championship title.
The atmosphere inside Wembley was electric, with a passionate crowd of 60,000 roaring on the Three Lions. England couldn’t have asked for a better start, as they took the lead within the first two minutes. A well-worked move saw Kieran Trippier, brought into the side as part of a tactical reshuffle, deliver a precise cross from the right flank. Luke Shaw, arriving perfectly at the back post, met the ball with a thunderous volley that ripped into the Italian net. Wembley erupted in celebration as England took an early and momentous lead in the Euros 2020 Final.
Luke Shaw's Jubilant Celebration After Scoring England's Opening Goal in the Euro 2020 Final Against Italy at Wembley Stadium
Shaw’s early strike was not only a dream start for England but also a record-breaking moment, becoming the fastest goal ever scored in a European Championship final. The goal sent shockwaves through the Italian team, who had been unbeaten in 33 games leading up to this final. England, fueled by the incredible atmosphere, pressed forward, seeking to capitalise on their early advantage. Trippier continued to find space on the right wing, causing problems for the Italian defence, who were forced into desperate blocks to prevent further damage.
However, Italy, known for their resilience and tactical discipline, gradually weathered the early storm and began to assert themselves in the game. Federico Chiesa came close with a shot that drifted narrowly wide, signalling Italy’s growing threat. Despite Italy enjoying more possession as the first half progressed, England remained dangerous on the counter-attack, with both Mason Mount and Shaw testing the Italian defence, who looked uncharacteristically flustered under pressure. England went into halftime with a precious 1-0 lead, but the sense remained that Italy were far from out of the contest.
The second half saw Italy increase their pressure, and their persistence eventually paid off. In the 67th minute, a scramble in the England penalty area following a corner saw veteran defender Leonardo Bonucci pounce on a loose ball to stab home the equaliser. The goal silenced Wembley and brought Italy level in this crucial euros 2020 final.
With the score tied at 1-1, the tension intensified. Both teams battled fiercely, but neither could find a breakthrough in the remaining regulation time. Extra time followed, but fatigue and the fear of making a mistake stifled attacking intent, resulting in a stalemate. The final would be decided by the dreaded penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Italy held their nerve, converting three of their penalties. For England, however, it was a different story. Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, brought on specifically for their penalty-taking prowess, both failed to score, and Bukayo Saka’s decisive penalty was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy’s hero goalkeeper. The miss confirmed Italy’s victory and sparked scenes of jubilation among the Italian players and fans, while England’s players and supporters were left in utter despair.
Italy’s triumph in the euros 2020 final was a testament to their tactical acumen, resilience, and penalty shootout composure. For England, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, ending their dreams of ending their trophy drought on home soil in the most painful way possible. Despite the agonizing loss, England’s journey to the final of EURO 2020 was a significant achievement and provided a platform for future success.
