Euro 2020: England fans proud after loss - B1


Euro 2020 final - 14th July 2021

England fans finally saw their men’s football team play in a final again. They last played in a final in 1966.

Fans came together in the streets to see England against Italy. Italy had won or drawn their previous 33 games.

Euro 2020 was delayed because of the pandemic. The final took place at Wembley Stadium in London.

After just two minutes, England went ahead but Italy made it 1-1 in the 67th minute. Thirty minutes of extra time were played but there was no winner. The game was decided on penalties.

Both teams failed twice from the penalty spot. Then, teenager Bokayo Saka took England’s final kick. Italy’s goalkeeper saved it. The match was over.

England fan Geraldine describes her feelings.

Geraldine Howard: "Gutted, absolutely gutted – but, you know, they made history. They got us to the first finals in 55 years. So, still got to be proud of them for what they achieved. Just absolutely gutted that it come down to penalties and we lost really, so... ."

The England players are popular because they’ve fought racism. They’ve also helped the National Health Service.

Fan Ruhel thinks England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, is building a good team.

Ruhel: "I think this England team is very likeable, they’re very relatable. It's a very diverse England team, so I think a lot of people can, you know, buy into the whole, whole ethos that Gareth is building. So yeah, I think, I think going into the World Cup next year, I think it's going to continue, yeah – this, this positive momentum."

The fans can see future success for England’s young team. But this time, the cup has gone to Rome.