'I have learnt a lot about the players and their determination and dedication to the task and the fact they are so keen to play for England.

'There were some heroic performances not only tonight but also in the previous three games.'

He added:  'When we took it to penalties I was rather hoping it would be our tournament to win on penalties, certainly the practising didn't help us too much on this occasion, maybe it's just fated at the moment that we don't win on penalties but I really can't fault any of the players for their effort.

'At the end we had lots of players out there running on empty, with very tired legs, fighting off cramp, but they kept us in there until the end and when you go to penalties you do have a chance, but unfortunately Italy took the chance and not us.'

Hodgson also praised the England supporters, and said: 'They were quite magnificent throughout. I've never seen such enormous support from the first whistle.'

'We have to accept we weren't quite good enough over the 120 mins.

'Then we went down the same road we have gone down so many times before. A penalty shoot-out isn't a game of football. It is a different competition.

'I have been very happy with what I have seen from this group of players. This tournament has been very useful for the young players.'

England goalkeeper Joe Hart admitted he felt 'terrible' after being knocked out of the competition.

He said: 'We've gone out of a tournament that we've laid the foundations for really well, played with everything we've got and unfortunately we weren't good enough tonight, losing on penalties.'

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