Last night’s Euros final match is believed to be one of the most-watched TV events in UK history, with die-hard football fans and sports novices alike turning up in their millions to watch England play Italy.
Gareth Southgate’s team started out strong, with Luke Shaw scoring an impressive goal for England with only one minute and 57 seconds on the clock. However, Italy later pulled it back with Leonardo Bonucci scoring midway through the second half. The game went into overtime and, eventually, penalties, where England missed out by just one point.
For England fans the result was, of course, devastating – especially since the team had not played in a major men’s final tournament since 1966. Sadly, what unfolded after the match made the loss feel all the worse, with violence breaking out among viewers and vitriolic racist abuse being directed towards Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka. The racism extended to non-players too, with Black people across the country being subject to abusive behaviour and threats of extreme violence.
Among the sadness and the shameful post-match behaviour, however, were glimmers of joy. Moments we can cling on to. Every member of England squad played exceptionally well and the majority of the crowd at Wembley – including some famous faces – gave us gleeful reactions to remember.
The loss was gut-wrenching and the reaction was even worse, but, if you need something to smile about this morning, these nine moments may help.
Luke Shaw Makes Euros History
Before fans even had time to finish their first pint, Luke Shaw played an absolutely blinder and hit the back of the net before the game had reached its two minute mark. Shaw’s goal – which saw England fans go wild – was the the fastest to ever be scored in Euros’ history. Now that’s definitely something to celebrate.
Prince George Hugs His Mum & Dad
Among the elated England fans was Prince George, who watched the game alongside his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. After Shaw scored, George shared a huge with both his mum and dad – a sweet display of public affection that we rarely seen between royals.
David Beckham & Tom Cruise’s Fist Bump
Hands up if you had this one on your 2021 bingo card? After Shaw’s goal, two celebrity worlds collided in the most unexpected way, with David Beckham and Tom Cruise sharing a cheeky fist bump in the celebrity section of the stands.
Kate Moss’ Cameo
Speaking of the celebrity section, who else spotted Kate Moss’ cameo last night? Sitting mere inches from DB & the Mission Impossible actor was Britain’s most iconic ’90s it girl and her daughter, Lila.
The “Mrs Grealish” T-Shirt
Marcus Rashford Shirtless
Pickford’s Saves
The penalties were a tense moment to watch but Jordan Pickford’s saves were certainly something to be proud of, with fans lauding his skills as “outstanding” and “heroic.”
The Team Comforting Bukayo Saka
Immense pressure was placed on the shoulders of 19-year-old Bukayo Saka last night when he was chosen to take the deciding penalty shot for England. The young player – who has performed with exceptional skill during his time for England – was left heartbroken after missing. Despite the abuse he faced online in the hours afterwards, Saka’s teammates were quick to shower him with the love and support he deserved.
Gareth Southgate & Bukayo Saka’s Hug
Also on hand to comfort Saka was Gareth Southgate, who knows all too well what it’s like to lose an important penalty shot. The coach held Saka in a heartwarming embrace while the younger player cried. After the match was over, Southgate took responsibility for the loss, saying “I chose the guys to take the kicks. I told the players that nobody is on their own in that situation. We win and lose together as a team. They have been tight throughout and that’s how it needs to stay. It is my decision to give him [Saka] that penalty. That is totally my responsibility. It is not him or Marcus or Jadon. We worked through them in training. That is the order we came to.”
