Wayne Rooney: England striker says the players are gutted after losing to Italy at Euro 2012

Wayne Rooney revealed it is a 'horrible feeling' after England were knocked out of Euro 2012 by Italy in a penalty shoot-out.

Following a 0-0 draw in the quarter-final in Kiev, striker Rooney had put England 2-1 ahead in the shoot-out following Riccardo Montolivo's miss.

However, Ashley Young then struck the crossbar and Ashley Cole's penalty was saved by Gianluigi Buffon to hand Alessandro Diamanti the chance to convert the winning spot-kick.

England have now been knocked out of three of the last five European Championships on penalties after previously losing to Germany in 1996 and Portugal in 2004.

Rooney expressed the devastation in the England squad following the defeat and praised the endeavour of the players against Italy.

"It was a horrible way to go out," said Rooney.

"We are all gutted.

"It was a tough game and we all worked hard, so to lose on penalties is a horrible feeling for everyone."

England coach Roy Hodgson said after the game that his players should hold their heads high and it is a sentiment echoed by Rooney.

Rooney added: "We can hold our heads up high. There are a lot of young players in the squad and that will help them in next tournament."