‘Hate will never win’
Sancho posts emotional statement on England penalty miss and addresses racist abuse
JADON SANCHO has written a lengthy and emotional statement addressing his penalty miss in England’s defeat by Italy in Monday’s Euro 2020 final and the racist abuse that sadly followed.
Sancho was brought on by Gareth Southgate in the final moments of extra-time to take a penalty in the shoot-out at Wembley.
But alongside Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, the 21-year-old winger could not find the back of the net.
Despite two saves from Jordan Pickford, England were beaten 3-2 on penalties after the 11 draw to finish as the tournament’s runners-up.
In the aftermath of the defeat, England’s three young penalty-takers were targeted by cowardly racists online.
Sancho has now addressed the events on the pitch on Monday and what he has experienced since.
“I’ve had a couple of days to reflect on Sunday’s final and still feel a mix of emotions,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I would like to say sorry to all my teammates, coaching staff and most of all the fans who I let down. This is by far the worst feeling I’ve felt in a long time.
“It’s hard to even put into words the real feeling, but there were so many positives to take away from this tournament though the defeat will hurt for a long time.
“I’ve scored penalties before at club level, I’ve practiced them countless times for both club and country so I picked my corner but it just wasn’t meant to be this time.
“We all had the same ambitions and objectives. We wanted to bring the trophy home.
“This has been one of the most enjoyable camps I’ve been part of in my career so far, the togetherness of the team has been unmatched, a real family on and off the pitch.
“I’m not going pretend that I didn’t see the racial abuse that me and my brothers Marcus and Bukayo received after the game, but sadly it’s nothing new.
“As a society we need to do better, and hold these people accountable. Hate will never win. To all the young people who have received similar abuse, hold your heads up high and keep chasing the dream.
“I am proud of this England team and how we have united the whole nation in what has been a difficult 18 months for so many people.
“Much as we wanted to win the tournament, we will build and learn from this experience going forward.
“I want to say a massive thank you for all the positive messages and love and support that far outweighed the negative.
“It’s been an honour as always representing England and wearing the Three Lions shirt, and I have no doubt we’ll be back even stronger! Stay safe & see you soon.”
Messages of support and backing have been sent the trio’s way by fans across social media, while a mural of Rashford has also been plastered with declarations of adoration after it was earlier defaced.
On the pitch, Sancho is on the verge of completing a transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United this summer, where he will team up at club level with Rashford – who himself is set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing shoulder surgery. – Express Newspapers/The Independent