July 13, 2021
2 mins read

Southgate takes full responsibility for England loss

The England manager opined that his team allowed Italy to make a comeback in the second half through ball possession…reports Asian Lite News.

England manager Gareth Southgate took the full blame for England’s agonising loss in the Euro final against Italy, leaving the whole of England heartbroken.

Having taken a second-minute lead courtesy of Luke Shaw, England were forced into extra time followed by a nervy penalty shootout as Leonardo Bonucci levelled on Sunday.

Harry Kane and Harry Maguire scored England’s first two penalties. But Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho failed to convert. Bukayo Saka’s decisive spot-kick was saved by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, giving Italy the title at Wembley Stadium.

“They’ve been tight throughout and that’s how it is today. In the end we weren’t quite able to see the game through in the normal, regulation time. Italy showed what an absolutely outstanding side they are. But our players have done themselves proud. Every one of them has been exceptional. We’re obviously unbelievably disappointed not to go that one step further,” said Southgate to media after the match.

He took complete responsibility in giving the penalty kicks to Rashford, Sancho and Saka, all of which failed. “That is my responsibility. I chose the guys to take the kicks. I told the players that nobody is on their own in that situation. We win and lose together as a team. They have been tight throughout and that’s how it needs to stay.”

Southgate defended his decision to give penalty strikes to the three youngsters. “It is my decision to give (Saka) that penalty. That is totally my responsibility. It is not him or Marcus or Jadon. We worked through them in training. That is the order we came to. Marcus and Jadon have been by far the best in the lead-in. It was a gamble (to bring them on), but if we gamble earlier, we maybe could have lost the game in extra time.”

The England manager opined that his team allowed Italy to make a comeback in the second half through ball possession. “We did start well. Our system worked really well against theirs. They were bound to have a spell where they came into the game. We didn’t keep the ball well enough in that initial period in the second half. It was our lack of composure in possession that turned the game.”

ALSO READ-Heartbreak for England as Italy wins Euro 2020

READ MORE-Eurozone jobless rate drops to 7.9%

Previous Story

Cuban President blames US for stoking unrest

Next Story

Bangladesh is one of the major engines of growth: FS Shringla

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan FM Due in Bangladesh

During his visit Dar will hold discussions with the Foreign Affairs Advisor Towhid Hossain and also call on Muhammad Yunus…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar

Balochistan: Where the State Makes People Disappear

The victims include students, journalists, and peaceful protesters, many of whom were abducted from cities such as Karachi and Islamabad….reports Asian Lite News A human rights organisation on Monday revealed that 785

Monsoon Havoc in Pakistan

Since June 26, torrential rains have killed at least 299 people—including 140 children—and injured 715 in Pakistan…reports Asian Lite News Since June 26, torrential monsoon rains have devastated Pakistan, killing at least

Bangladesh’s Dark Turn

With the Awami League outlawed and absent from the electoral fray, a vacuum has emerged — one that has not necessarily been filled with stability….reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh’s political landscape has
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Redemption for India 

India’s triumph marks their first ICC ODI title in 12

India Mauls England 3-0 

Gill has been in red-hot form throughout the series, earning