England fans' Euro heartbreak - 14th July 2021

Crowds of optimistic England fans spilled onto the streets in a rallying call to their team ahead of the Euro 2020 final - rescheduled due to the pandemic.

The hallowed turf of London's Wembley Stadium was the venue for the centrepiece - the site of England's historic 1966 World Cup victory, since which the men's football team had always fallen short in attempts to reach a final. England were pegged as the underdogs against a stoic Italian team, undefeated in 33 games.

A strike by Luke Shaw put England in front from the off, but Italy gained impetus, putting England on the back foot until the equaliser came in the 67th minute. The tide had turned, the home team found themselves clinging on until a nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out.

With both teams missing from the spot, England rookie Bokayo Saka was entrusted with taking the decisive penalty, but his shot was turned away and heartbreak for England ensued.

Geraldine is proud of the team's accomplishments.

Geraldine Howard: "Gutted, absolutely gutted - but, you know, they made history. They got us to the first finals in 55 years. So, still got to be proud of them for what they achieved. Just absolutely gutted that it come down to penalties and we lost really, so... ."

Respect has grown for the England squad's clear social conscience as players threw their weight behind an anti-racism campaign and bestowed their competition earnings to support the NHS.

Fan Ruhel credits manager Gareth Southgate.

Ruhel: "I think this England team is very likeable, they're very relatable. It's a very diverse England team, so I think a lot of people can, you know, buy into the whole, whole ethos that Gareth is building. So yeah, I think, I think going into the World Cup next year, I think it's going to continue, yeah - this, this positive momentum."

However, it's Italy who hold the silverware aloft and for England fans, 'It's coming home', the chorus of their football anthem, has a hollow ring.