Italy won the European Championships as Rashford, Sancho and Saka failed to score crucial penalties for England in the shootout last Sunday.
The 55-year wait continues as 67,000 people in Wembley, and millions more across the country were left stunned at the cruel ending to England’s Euros campaign.
England had taken the lead after just 2 minutes as Shaw swept home a Trippier cross on the half volley to beat Donnarumma at his near post.
The fast start continued for the opening 10 minutes as England looked to be in the mood, but Italy quickly wrestled back control and looked to be in command for the rest of the game.
Italy’s advantage paid off as Bonucci swept in the equaliser from a corner in the 67th minute. The ball was flicked on by Cristante, falling to Veratti at the back post. His header was tipped onto the post by Pickford, only for Bonucci to poke the loose ball in.
A nervy wait ensued with both sides struggling to create quality chances, even into extra time. It finished 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes with penalties to decide the outcome.
Pickford was able to make two great saves to stop Belotti and Jorginho but missed penalties from Rashford, Sancho and Saka handed Italy a 3-2 win.
It was a curios decision to allow Sancho and Saka in particular, neither of whom have taken senior penalties for their clubs, to take two crucial penalties in the shootout, especially with Sterling and Grealish not taking one.
The most disappointing part of the evening however was the racist abuse directed at Rashford, Sancho and Saka. No player, or human deserves to receive abuse, especially under such circumstances.
Gareth Southgate and the England squad have given so much with their anti-racism stances, their work to feed and educate the nation’s children, their NHS work, and they have made us so proud to support our country.
Arsenal kicked off their summer signings brining in Nuno Tavares last Saturday.
The 20-year-old Portuguese fullback joined from Benfica for £6.9 million plus add-ons on a 5-year deal.
Tavares comes in as deputy for Kieran Tierney, who himself has recently signed a 5-year deal. With Tierney’s injury issues throughout his time in North London, a backup was a priority for Arsenal this summer.
Tavares is a quick, skilful fullback who is comfortable running with the ball almost like a winger. However, his improvement lies in the defensive side of the game, with positioning a key attribute Tavares will need to develop under Arteta.
Given the price tag and profile of the player, Tavares looks to be a low risk signing who fits a need in the squad. Smart business from Arsenal.
In terms of departures, both Matteo Guendouzi and William Saliba have joined Marseille on loan over the past week.
Guendouzi spent last season on loan in Germany with Hertha Berlin, making 24 appearances for the 14th placed side.
After a number of disciplinary issues and now two consecutive loans, Guendouzi’s time at Arsenal appears to be over. Touted as one of Europe’s hot prospects, his attitude has caused friction with Arteta and keeping him out of the dressing room appears to have been a priority.
Saliba embarks on his third loan spell in as many years in France, despite suggestions he may have stayed at Arsenal to fight for his place in pre-seaosn.
Buying a teenager for tens of millions only to loan them out three times before making an appearance seems strange, especially since centre back has been a position of need for Arsenal.
However, a 20-year-old moving to a top half side in France to play week in week out should only benefit the player so hopefully it helps to keep up Saliba’s development for when he is needed by Arsenal.
Arsenal began their pre-season this week with four sessions and friendly against Hibernian.
The Gunners fell to a 2-1 defeat to the Scottish side, looking way off the pace and showing the need for pre-season to get up to speed.
The hosts took the lead following a mistake from Okonkwu, allowing Boyle to score into an empty net before MacKay doubled the lead from a corner 70 minutes in. Smith Rowe pulled one back for Arsenal, volleying in a Bellerin cross but it was too little too late for the Gunners.
Arsenal’s next pre-season game is against Rangers on Saturday at 2pm.
Adam Perry - 16/07/2021