Boris and Prince William ‘proud’ of England as they lead condolences to players
Politicians and royals have rushed to console the England squad following the devastating loss to Italy in tonight’s Euro finals.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was cheering on the lads from Wembley’s stands with wife Carrie, said the result was ‘heartbreaking’ but described the players’ performance as heroic.
‘That was a heartbreaking result to end #Euro2020 but Gareth Southgate and his @England squad played like heroes. They have done the nation proud and deserve great credit,’ added the prime minister.
Prince William, who too watched the historic showdown from Wembley’s stands with wife Kate and a crushed-looking Prince George, urged the lads to ‘hold your heads high’.
In a tweet from the KensingtonRoyal account, signed W, the duke congratulated the Italian football team on their win and told the Three Lions to be proud.
He wrote: ‘Heartbreaking. Congratulations @Azzurri on a great victory. @England, you’ve all come so far, but sadly this time it wasn’t our day.
‘You can all hold your heads high, and be so proud of yourselves – I know there’s more to come.’
Labour leader Keir Starmer was also quick to heap praise on the boys despite the ‘heartbreaking’ loss, adding: ‘On and off the pitch, this team is the very best of our country’.
Health secretary Sajid Javid said though it was a ‘painful’ result, ‘our players ought to be extremely proud’.
Fans went through a rollercoaster of emotions tonight after England made a strong start, with Luke Shaw scoring a goal within a record-breaking two minutes.
But England’s early lead – putting them 1-0 up just two minutes into the first half – was not quite enough to clinch victory.
Their hopes were soon dashed when Leonardo Bonucci levelled the score on 67 minutes.
The game remained 1-1 in extra time, with Italy breaking English hearts by winning the game on penalties.
A win would have been the men’s football team’s first major tournament win since the 1966 World Cup success, which also took place at Wembley.
‘Gutted’ fans said they remained proud of the team after their penalty defeat.
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