England missed the appointment with the Euro 2020 championship trophy after a bitter defeat in the final at Wembley against the Italians.
Draw with a score of 1-1 after 120 minutes of play, England lost to Italy 2-3 on penalties. Goalkeeper Pickford saved two 11m balls from the Italians, but Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Saka failed to kick the British 55-year-long dream trophy.
A day after the final, Marcus Rashford apologized in tears to everyone because he missed the penalty kick.
Manchester United star Rashford, 23, tweeted on Monday night (UK time), “I don’t even know how to express exactly how I feel right now. I’ve had a tough season and maybe I go into the final with a lack of confidence.
I always try to take that penalty but something is wrong. I feel like I let my teammates down. One penalty was all I was asked to contribute to the team. I can score in my dreams but why not that penalty?
It kept hovering in my head, perhaps no words can express that feeling. After all, 55 years, history, it’s a punishment. All I can say is sorry. I wish things could have been different.
While I continue to say this apology, I want to shout at my teammates. The camaraderie, brotherhood has been built and it cannot be broken. Your success is my success. Your failure is also mine.”
Disappointed after the bitter defeat of the Three Lions on the threshold of heaven, a series of extreme British fans had racist words aimed at black stars who missed the penalty kick, Rashford, Sancho and Saka.
Rashford continued, “I can criticize my own performance all day long. My penalty wasn’t good enough, I should have taken it correctly. But I will never apologize for who I am and where I come from.
I feel there is no prouder moment than wearing the three lions (England logo) on my chest and seeing my family cheering for me in the crowd of 10,000.
The messages I received today overwhelmed me and looking at the response from the people of Withington brings tears to my eyes. These communities have always extended their arms to support me.
I am Marcus Rashford, 23 years old, black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, south Manchester.
For all the encouraging messages, I thank you all. I will come back stronger. We will come back stronger.”
Meanwhile, England coach Gareth Southgate also criticized the racist actions of the fans. It was unforgivable behavior, he said.
“For me, they are really unforgivable,” says Southgate. I know a lot of words come from the outside but not all. That’s not what we stand for. We are a beacon that brings people together and everyone can relate to England. We showed the strength of our country when we came together.”
England captain Harry Kane also tweeted condemning the racist behavior, “Three boys bravely stepped up and took the penalty. They deserve support and not the vile racist abuse they received last night. If you racist anyone on social media, you’re not a fan of England and we don’t want fans like that.”
