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The Euro 2020 final, although a year late, came at the perfect time. In a time where many have lost their lives, jobs, and loved ones, this competition has restored the joy of millions around the world.
In a final for the ages, England welcomed the almighty Italians to a boisterous Wembley filled with raw emotions. In typical euphoric fashion, Wembley would erupt as Luke Shaw gave England the lead in the 2nd minute.
The Three Lions would hold onto this lead up until the 67th minute when Leonardo Bonucci would scramble one in from close range. That equalizer had been coming as Roberto Mancini’s men were firmly in control of possession.
Despite the relentless pressure from Italy, the game would go to penalties where Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho & Bukayo Saka would all miss penalties in heart-breaking fashion for England. Italy are now the Champions of Europe and unbeaten in 34 games under Roberto Mancini.
Here are the Hits and Flops from Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pen)
Hit: Federico Chiesa (Italy)
In a game that was set to be decided by fine margins, Federico Chiesa was a shining light in Italy’s rather impotent attack. The Italians probed England’s resolute back five for most of the game, but it was the outbursts from Chiesa that caused England the most amount of problems.
The 23-year-old completed 75% of his take-ons, won 8 duels and attempted 3 shots on goal. The Italian showed everyone why his name should be mentioned amongst the best young players in the world.
Flop: Mason Mount (England)
Don’t get it twisted, Mason Mount is one of England’s brightest young talents. The 22-year-old has proved throughout the season he’s ready for the bright lights and can shine on the biggest of stages. However, tonight he was not at his best.
In fact, his performance has led fans to question why Jack Grealish did not start ahead of him.
England were set up in a low-block with the aim of counterattacking down the flanks. This tactic relied on quick transitions in ball carrying, speed of thought and switches of play. Unfortunately, Mason Mount was unable to aid his teammates in any of these facets last night.
Also read: Euro 2020: How much Prize Money did Italy win by beating England in the final?
Hit: Luke Shaw (England)
It’s no secret as to how much England star Luke Shaw has gone through over the past few years. From near career-threatening injuries to an unsupportive manager to being abused for his weight, Luke Shaw has had a tough time. As one of the best players of the entire tournament, the Englishman has proved a lot of his detractors wrong.
As a roaming LWB, Shaw produced 6 crosses, created 1 chance and scored England’s only goal. In a relatively timid performance from the Three Lions, Shaw’s eagerness to move forward at every opportunity was admirable.
Flop: Gareth Southgate (England)
The England manager has seemingly won over millions of people during the course of this tournament. Coming into Euro 2020 he was deemed as out of his depth, inept and the wrong man to coach a golden generation of attacking talent. As of now, those complaints are rising to the surface again. It does not matter that he led the nation to a final, the fact he lost it has apparently discredited that remarkable achievement in some people's eyes.
I am not that quick to disregard him, but he deserves criticism for last night.
Not only did his switch to a 3-4-3/5-2-3 put England on the back foot for the entire game, but he also refused to rectify that mistake quickly too. With all the attacking talent at his disposal, Southgate still chose to play pragmatically and cautiously.
On top of that, his selection to put Bukayo Saka as the fifth penalty taker over the likes of Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish was heavily criticized.
Hit: Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)
This is Leonardo Bonucci’s world, and we are all just living in it. The 34-year-old put in a monstrous performance, the kind we have come to expect from him. In 120 minutes of pure dominance, the centre-back completed 89% of his passes, won 4/7 of his duels and made 2 tackles.
Not only did he get Italy’s vital equalizer, but he also scored his penalty on enemy territory and kept his team on the front foot throughout. In these kinds of battles, you need your experienced leaders to step up and Italy hero Bonucci did just that.
