Rooney: "We are out, but proud"

KIEV, UKRAINE – JUNE 24: Wayne Rooney of England holds off the challenge by Claudio Marchisio of Italy during the UEFA EURO 2012 quarter final match between England and Italy at The Olympic Stadium on June 24, 2012 in Kiev, Ukraine. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

England striker Wayne Rooney believes his team’s performance against the Italians is one they should be proud of despite failing to get a favorable result.

The Three Lions held the 2006 World Cup champions to a 0-0 score till the end of extra time but were defeated 4-2 in the penalty shootout. Rooney admits it is a horrible feeling to bow out of the tournament but the 25-year-old is looking at the positives. The Manchester United forward said:

“It was a horrible way to go out. We are all gutted. It was a tough game and we all worked hard, so to lose on penalties is a horrible feeling for everyone.

“We can hold our heads up high. There are a lot of young players in the squad and that will help them in next tournament.”

England have now been knocked out of three of the last five European Championships on penalties after previously losing to Germany in 1996 and Portugal in 2004.

Meanwhile, Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott echoed Rooney’s sentiments and told the reporters:

“Obviously we are disappointed with the way things have happened. But we have progress and showed a lot of pride and passion and every England fan wants to see in our performances and we have shown that.

“We can take a lot of credit from the performances we dug in at times when we were under pressure and showed a lot of pride.”