Heartbreaking: Steven Gerrard was upset

‘All the boys have given their all. I’ve played in these games at club level where you ride your luck and think it is your night, especially when we got them to penalties, I thought this was it.

‘It wasn’t to be, but I’m proud of the team and I’ve enjoyed leading the boys. There were a lot of critics before the tournament and we proved we can compete at this level.’

Wayne Rooney echoed that sentiment, saying: ‘It was a horrible way to go out but we can hold our heads high. There were a lot of young players in the squad and that will help them in the next tournament.’

England goalkeeper Joe Hart volunteered to shoulder some blame after failing to lay on a glove on any of the Italian penalties. ‘I went in confident we would win,’ said Hart. ‘I was required to step-up but didn’t make the saves. I face penalties against Mario Balotelli on the training ground and I felt confident, but he took a good penalty. I expect to make saves, I feel like no-one can beat me.

‘We’ve lost but I don’t think anyone has let the country down.’

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