They vowed to support their teammates and called for the "toughest punishments" possible for those responsible. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were singled out for "discriminatory abuse" by some on social media after missing their penalties in the shootout. Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma pulled off three saves to help the Azzurri claim their second European Championship.

       In the immediate aftermath, the three unfortunate England players soon found themselves the target of racist attacks on social media.

       England FC has been quick to support its players in a strongly worded tweet.

       "We’re disgusted that some of our squad – who have given everything for the shirt this summer – have been subjected to discriminatory abuse online after tonight’s game," the tweet said.

       "We stand with our players." It was followed by a heart emoji.

       The FA has also condemned the racist abuse.

       A spokesperson said that the FA is "appalled" by the online abuse and "strongly condemned" all forms of discrimination.

       READ MORE: Heartbreak from England after penalty drama

       They added: "We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team."

       The FA also urged the Government to quickly enact legislation to make it easier to prosecute offenders for racist abuse online.

       "We will continue to do everything we can to stamp discrimination out of the game, but we implore government to act quickly and bring in the appropriate legislation so this abuse has real life consequences," they said.

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       "Social media companies need to step up and take accountability and action to ban abusers from their platforms, gather evidence that can lead to prosecution and support making their platforms free from this type of abhorrent abuse."

       The Metropolitan Police said: "“We are aware of a number of offensive and racist social media comments being directed towards footballers following the #Euro2020 final.

       "This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and it will be investigated.”