Heartbreak for England in final
Three Lions beaten in shootout as Italy lift Euros trophy
Italy have won their first European Championship since 1968 after a penalty shoot-out win against England in a tension filled final at Wembley on Sunday night.
The whole country was on cloud nine after the semi-final win on Wednesday against Denmark. The Three Lions beat the Danes 2-1 after extra time, in what was a highly intense but somewhat controlled performance to take them a step closer to their first major championship win since 1966.
After an early Danish goal from midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard, who scored the first free-kick of the tournament, England were shocked into life and equalised within ten minutes and struck crucially before half-time, and although Gareth Southgate’s men couldn’t find the winner in normal time, Harry Kane struck a rebounded penalty past Kasper Schmeichel to claim a place in the final.
The Three Lions made the best possible start against Italy, who beat Spain on penalties in their semi-final, when defender Luke Shaw struck a half-volley from a Kieran Trippier cross after two minutes in what was the quickest European Championship final goal in history.
Gareth Southgate’s men had the better of the first half but could not clinch the all-important second goal that would settle the nerves and set them well on their way to claiming the title.
The Azzurri came out in the second half and dominated from the outset, controlling the ball and even though they didn’t create many clear cut chances they only needed one to get back into the game and that came after a scramble in the box following a corner and Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci poked in the equaliser with 20 minutes to go.
The Italians continued to dominate up until the full-time whistle but with only a Lorenzo Insigne free-kick whistling by Jordan Pickford’s post to show for it. Southgate then rang the changes, bringing on fan favourite Jack Grealish to try and avoid the dreaded penalty shoot-out and claim the trophy.
However, it wasn’t to be in spite of England showing a second wind in their attempts to score the winner and the game drifted towards a nervy penalty shoot-out.
Wembley, like millions across the country, was tense and fell silent as Southgate led one final huddle in his attempts to calm the players and give them the belief that this was their time.
Italy stepped up first and, after a brilliant Jordan Pickford save and then a subsequent Harry Kane firebolt, England went 1-0 up, but after misses by Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, a fine Harry Maguire penalty couldn’t prevent Roberto Mancini’s side from having a penalty to win it.
Even though Pickford, after a fine performance across the whole tournament saved, Jorginho’s penalty a miss from Bukayo Saka handed the win to the Italians and left the England players and fans alike with their heads in their hands.
Even though the final didn’t give England the result they hoped, the whole country should be very proud of what Southgate and his squad have given to the country this summer. They have given the rollercoaster of a lifetime and taken the country closer than most have ever seen in a major championship win.
Former Millfield student and Bath born Tyrone Mings had a key part to play in the Three Lions’ run to the final having started the opening two games and keeping two clean sheets. Even though he only made a couple of substitute appearances afterwards, he had a major part to play in England’s competition and will continue to play a part in the squad come the World Cup next year.
■ MINGS has also responded to Priti Patel following the horrific online racist abuse suffered by Rashford, Sancho and Saka. For the full story turn to page 3.
■ LOCAL friendlies are continuing apace as pre-season preparations ramp up. Bradford Town won one and lost one in the space four days as they hosted Trowbridge Town on Wednesday night. After Mark Robinson blasted the ball over, Bradford scored the only goal of the game via a header.
The Bobcats then travelled to Willand Rovers in a seven-goal thriller. Bradford took the lead through Jake Brown before Ethan Willand turned the match on its head to go 3-1 in front. Charlie Walton hit the post as it remained that way at the break. Willand added a fourth in the second half but Bradford clawed their way back with goals from Witchell and Jamie Lyons as the game eventually finished 4-3.
Larkhall Athletic came away 3-2 winners in their match against Welsh side Ponty Town. Mike Baker and Tom Fry had free-kicks on target for the Larks before failing to clear their own lines and letting Ponty take the lead. Dan Demkiv equalised with a shot that went in off the crossbar to make it 1-1 at half-time.
Demkiv was on the scoresheet in the second half to put Larkhall in front, but this time it was Ponty that found an way to level the game once more. Fry then won the match for Larkhall with his first goal for the club.
Keynsham Town ran out 3-1 winners against Lydney Town. Luke Ballinger netted the only goal of the game for Corsham Town as they beat Bitton.
On Tuesday, Keynsham played out a 3-3 draw against Hengrove Athletic before announcing their match against Warminster had been cancelled.
Bradford Town beat Malmesbury Victoria 5-0. Tyson Pollard and Jake Brown gave the Bobcats a 2-0 lead after 30 minutes before Walton and Witchell got on the scoresheet once more before the hour. Kurt Hammond wrapped up the scoring on a good day for Bradford. Odd Down led 4-1 at half-time before beating Tunley Athletic 5-1.