England vs Italy: A Breakdown

The Euro 2020 final will be a night to remember for all the England fans who watched it. Jack Titley reflects on this momentous evening, analyses its events, evaluates its outcome and, in the end, asks us to look optimistically at the future of the Three Lions.

There was a moment when there was the faintest glimmer of hope that it may, finally, come home again, after a painful 55-year wait since England mens’ last major trophy in football. In only the second minute of the game, Kieran Trippier provided a piece of magic, courtesy of his right boot, and Luke Shaw finished it off brilliantly. When Gareth Southgate was picturing the game in the build-up, it’s unlikely that even his wildest dreams featured his team pulling ahead at such an early stage.

A hallmark of this era of English football has been pragmatic, safety-first football, exemplified by an outstanding defensive record across these Euros. So, when England found themselves 1-0 up, all England needed to do was hold off, stay compact and attempt to resist the Italian onslaught. However, England could simply not do so, as Italy scored a late equalizer that sent the game to penalties. The result: a trophy going to Rome - not Home.

“Bonuccci and Chiellini cemented their legacies as legends of the game”

Questions will be asked about what went wrong, and where it leaves this England team heading into Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. The Italian goal was an uncharacteristic blemish in an otherwise outstanding reputation from set-pieces for this England team. From Trippier being beaten at the front post, to Mount losing out to Veratti in the air, and finally, the scrum that culminated in Bonucci beating Jordan Pickford, conceding this goal can be chalked down as an English mistake. But with the pressure that the Italian team had begun to apply, it was always coming. Mancini’s substitutions breathed new life into his side, allowing the mercurial talent of Chiesa to begin to apply pressure onto the English backline, and it was really only a matter of time.

Ultimately, this is a testament to this Italian side who were outstanding on the night and throughout the tournament. Bonuccci and Chiellini cemented their legacies as legends of the game, the midfield was a joy to behold. Donnarumma placed himself squarely in the debate for the best keeper in the world, where he will likely stay for at least a decade, and Mancini brought these elements together to sensational effect. “What is not debatable is the fact that England had a great tournament. “

It is easy to scapegoat in football, with people placing the blame on Southgate’s game management, Mount’s anonymity, or on those who failed to convert their penalties. All of these are certainly factors, but all have mitigating circumstances or are debatable. What is not debatable is the fact that England had a great tournament. Pickford and his defence were all excellent, especially Luke Shaw who, despite playing with broken ribs, solidified his claim to being the best left-back in world football this year. The controversial pairing of Rice and Phillips, which was so heavily criticized in the build-up to the first game against Croatia, were excellent all tournament long. Grealish, Saka, Kane and especially Sterling provided us with so many brilliant moments.

Southgate may not be the best football manager, but he is the best manager for this England team. There is a different feeling now compared to the ‘golden generation’; a young squad full of talent, a capable manager at the helm and a team that is performing well. This side have just as good of a chance of winning the 2022 World Cup as anyone, and if they do, there is every chance that this loss, and this tournament, will be what pushes them over the line.

By Jack Titley

Illustration by Ciara Lurshay Page Design by Chiara Crompton