The headline for this column last week read “Let’s hope Three Lions v Azzurri showdown doesn’t go to penalties” — and we all know what happened.
There was a certain inevitability about the outcome at Wembley last Sunday night which only England fans can explain between sighs.
The tension was overwhelming as the players nervously lined up on the halfway line, waiting to be summoned by the referee for one of the most frightening things a professional footballer can experience — taking a penalty in the final shoot-out of an international tournament.
The fear of failure is immense. Legs turn to jelly.
It has been hard for England supporters to take but now the dust has settled along with the emotions, most would reluctantly concede that Italy deserved the win on the night.
England had frankly exceeded expectations by reaching the final and manager Gareth…
