Football fans across the country were left inconsolable yesterday as England narrowly missed out on Euro 2020 glory. Gareth Southgate's men lost to Italy on penalties in a dramatic final – the victory means the Italians secured their second European Championship in their history. The England boss said the penalty shootout defeat was his responsibility in a press conference after the game.

       He said: “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.

       “What they have to know is none of them are on their own. We win and lose as a team. Penalties are my call. We worked in training. It’s not down to the players.

       "Tonight it hasn’t gone for us. We know they were the best takers we had left on the pitch. Of course it’s going to be heartbreaking for the boys but they are not to blame for that.”

       This isn't the first time England have come close to glory under Southgate – his side also reached the semi finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

       Croatia won the game 2-1 after extra time thanks to a winner from Mario Mandzukic.

       A senior figure in the EU sparked anger after he tweeted a series of football emojis and European Union flags just hours after the match.

       Martin Selmayr, the Secretary-General of the European Commission at the time, was accused of having no class.

       READ MORE: Gary Neville slams Boris Johnson after England stars racially abused

       Steven Woolfe, Brexit-backing MEP for North West England, wrote: “What a shame all that money, all that power and it still didn't buy you any class. #basseclasse.”

       Conservative Party campaigner Nara Hodge also weighed in on the row against the official, posting pictures of England’s manager Gareth Southgate consoling members of his team after the defeat.

       She added: “Give a shout to Gareth Southgate.

       “He could tell you a lot about graciousness and magnanimity whether it is towards your opponents or your own side.

       “Class is a rare thing. Most people seem to lack it.”

       DON'T MISS

       Susanna Reid fights back tears with 'hero' GMB guest [INSIGHT]

       Alan Shearer blasts ‘disgusting’ racist trolls after Euro defeat [ANALYSIS]

       End of lockdown? The one big change Boris Johnson could announce [INSIGHT]

       England are once again on the receiving end of post-match smugness as Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci revelled in his side's success.

       He has said following the game that Italy were spurred on to win Euro 2020 by England fans insisting football was coming home.

       Bonucci said: "Absolutely. We heard it day in day out ever since Wednesday night, since the Denmark game that the cup would be coming home to London.

       "Sorry for them but actually the cup will be taking a nice flight to Rome and that way Italians all over the world can savour this competition.

       "It is for everyone, we said from day one it was for them and for us."