Southgate’s Lions inconsolable.. but loyal fans so proud of them
AFTER a month of heroics, Gareth Southgate’s young lions fell at the final hurdle, and experienced the pain of generations before them.
There were tears on the pitch, in the crowd, in pubs and homes as the players collapsed in despair after losing last night’s Euro 2020 final.
But England fans held their heads high and spoke of pride in the team who went out in yet another penalty shootout.
England fan Neal Weekes, echoing the words of Winston Churchill, said: “This isn’t the end. This isn’t even the beginning of the end. It is perhaps the end of the beginning.”
He added: “The 2022 World Cup, we are coming for you.”
Prince William, his wife Kate and their son George, David Beckham, Hollywood star Tom Cruise, Boris
Johnson and Labour leader Keir Starmer were in the 60,000 crowd at Wembley as England suffered the defeat to Italy.
It had started like a dream when Luke Shaw’s goal gave the Three Lions the lead after two minutes.
But Italy’s immense class showed. It was 1-1 at the end of normal time and extra-time, then Italy triumphed on penalties to deny England a first major trophy since winning the World Cup at Wembley in 1966.
As fans streamed out of the stadium last night to try to find somewhere to drown their sorrows, they praised Southgate’s team for bringing the nation such honour.
Mr Weekes, 56, an auctioneer, from Greenwich, South East London, who was at the match with son Jonathan, 26, and some pals, said: “Congratulations to Italy but I’m still very proud.
“Maybe our time will come in 17 months [at the World Cup].
“Either way, it’s my country and we keep going. I’ve been to Kazakhstan, South Africa, Moldova, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, so now on to
Qatar [ for the World Cup]. We have a fantastic set of lads as the last couple of years have proved – a group that can definitely bring it home one day... hopefully soon.”
Leeds United fan Krish Adams, 27, was at the game with dad Paul, who was born a month after the 1966 final.
Krish said: “The future is bright – we have such a young squad. Let’s hope there isn’t another 55 years of misery.”
Paul, 54, said: “If our politicians could behave with the dignity and class Gareth Southgate does the country would be a much better place.”
Mark Baldwin, 61, of Sidcup, South East London, who is recovering from a knee replacement and was on crutches, said: “I wouldn’t have missed this match for the world.
“To have a ticket for the Euros final is priceless. It’s disappointing that we lost but Gareth Southgate and the squad have done us proud.” Painter and decorator Greg Hughes, 61, from Cheltenham, Glos, said: “The boys have made the nation proud again. It’s been a brilliant month.”
The atmosphere inside the ground was incredible, with the 6,000 Italian fans playing their part.
Wembley’s stands were covered with England flags from places such as Penrith, Wirksworth, Birmingham, Great Yarmouth and Taunton. England captain Harry Kane and the rest of the squad are due to be reunited with their families today after six weeks in a bubble due to Covid.
The only time the players have been able to see loved ones in person has been from a safe distance in the stadium after games. Fans draped in England flags were in party mood as