Hillabox

  Match statistics: Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens.) It all ended in tears for England, again.   After so much renewed hope, optimism and belief, it was a familiar tale of disappointment at Wembley for the Three Lions. After reaching the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup, this time they had gone one better and made it the final. But it was the cruel blow of a penalty shootout loss which means those 55 years of hurt will have to be extended before they are eventually ended. This, though, is a new kind of disappointment for a whole generation of England fans. Gareth Southgate’s youthful, vibrant side had given the nation and their supporters reason to be hopeful again, but it was those young stars that were left in tears at full time.  Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and 19-year-old Bukayo Saka all failed from the spot, and could only watch on as Italy celebrated a deserved title with their supporters behind the goal. Everyone on Wembley Way ahead of kick off had a different story.