After the defeat of the English selection in the final of the Euro against Italy, the newspapers underline the “curse” of the English selection during the penalties, but welcome the “heroism” of the players of Gareth Southgate.
“Agony or ecstasy?” wondered this Monday morning on Times, which tells of a groggy nation by the “curse” shots on goal. The day after the defeat of the English in the final of Euro 2020 against the Italians, the awakening to a bitter taste across the Channel. “The penalty penalty deprives England of its dream”, thus headlines the British daily, posting in one the tears of Bukayo Saka in the arms of Gareth Southgate, the English coach. “Tears for the heroes”, title on its side The Independant, who also takes a photo of the young Arsenal midfielder embraced by his coach.
On a giant blanket, the Daily Telegraph underline the “Last agony” of a team defeated on penalties. «Again [encore]», also notes the newspaper, unhappy nod to the English decidedly angry with the exercise (defeats on penalties in 1990, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2006, 2012… and therefore 2021!). On Sunday evening, on the Wembley lawn, three English players missed their shot – one crashing into the post, the other two talented out by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, elected player of the tournament.
An end to the game in apnea and a shattered hope for the Three Lions, who have not won a world title since 1966, in the World Cup final against West Germany. «So close [si proche]», , title as well The Guardian. “Everything ends with tears”, writes on his side the Daily Mail. Sadness and tears, but a positive note, in the lines of the English newspapers. “It hurts … But we are so proud of you”, salutes the Daily Express on one page. «They think it’s all over. It is now. [Ils pensent que tout est fini. C’est maintenant]» , still writes it Times, on the cover of its “souvenir edition”. A reference to the phrase of BBC sports commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme during the World Cup final won by the English in 1966.
Like a boiling hot Wembley, sometimes for the worse, in this crazy London evening, it is an England with the desire for carefree and party, marked by the Covid, which supported Harry Kane’s teammates during this football summer. “The pride of the lions”, note it Sun, which reminds that the World Cup will take place from next year. What give hope to the men of Gareth Southgate, praised by the British press despite the defeat. “More popular than Churchill, Gareth Southgate has the world at his feet”, writes David Brown, of Times. Recognition for the former defender, author of a missed goal in the semi-finals of Euro 1996, against Germany.
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