Football fans have been reacting and reflecting on a historic tournament after England’s devastating defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
Loss in elite level sport will always be tough to take – but this one truly stings.
It was a triumphant run to the final by a team that captured the hearts of the nation and brought people together after a tough 15 months, but millions of people right across the UK are waking up this morning to the reality sinking in that Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad couldn’t quite clinch the win to bring home England’s first international victory since 1966.
After taking an early lead within the first three minutes of the match thanks to a goal by Manchester United left back Luke Shaw, Italy equalised in the second half as seasoned Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci found the back of the net.
The game subsequently ran through extra time to be taken down to penalties.
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Youngsters Bukayo Saka, 19, Marcus Rashford, 23, and Jadon Sancho, 21, all missed penalties – leaving Italy with a 3-2 victory.
This has been some journey. As a nation, we were united in a belief that we can achieve something special after the hardest of years.
It wasn't meant to be, but this team is just getting started. They will continue to make you proud, both on and off the pitch. pic.twitter.com/vDaTXvo6cH
Burdened with a unique feeling that most of us will never experience, the players were understandably seen in tears after the game, but were embraced by their England teammates and Southgate – who admitted in a post-match interview that he had chosen who should take the penalties, saying: “I decided on the penalty takers based on what we’ve done in training.
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“Nobody is on their own – that’s my call and it totally rests on me.”
“The opportunity was there for us, we didn’t quite take it and that’s going to hurt for a very long time,” England captain Harry Kane also said after the match.
“But that’s football and we have to get over it and move on.
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“We have to build belief from this, we have a great young squad [so] we have to dust ourselves down, hold our heads high and get ready for [the 2022 World Cup].”
Although the loss was agonising for fans, countless public figures and famous names have taken to social media to issue encouraging messages to a team that has provided the nation with so much hope over the last month.
The Duke of Cambridge, who was present at Wembley alongside the The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George, lead the plaudits.
Heartbreaking. Congratulations @Azzurri on a great victory. @England, you’ve all come so far, but sadly this time it wasn’t our day. You can all hold your heads high, and be so proud of yourselves — I know there’s more to come. W
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) July 11, 2021
Several other famous names, including Mancs and Mancs by association, also had their say.
This is not the end for this young. @england side, it’s just the beginning. Congratulations to @azzurri. You deserved it.
All the boys who put themselves forward to take a pen we are proud of you – takes a form of bravery to step up in such pressurised situations. @BukayoSaka87@Sanchooo10@MarcusRashford we salute you boys
Heartbreaking. But this squad has a bright future and they’ve lifted the nation both on and off the pitch after a shocking year or so. Bring on The @FIFAWorldCup in Qatar. #ThreeLions
Gutted about the footy but gotta BIG UP the lads and Gareth Southgate and the fans that was something else we go again on the World Cup peace n love and most of all RESPECT ✊ LG x
Sadly, although there has been an outpouring of support, it has been confirmed that Saka, Rashford, and Sancho have all been subjected to abhorrent racist discrimination on social media – which the FA said it “strongly condemns” and has labelled “disgusting”.
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Police said they were investigating “racist and offensive” messages on social media.
The FA added: “We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team [and] we will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible.”
“We stand with our players,” the England team said on Twitter.
We’re disgusted that some of our squad – who have given everything for the shirt this summer – have been subjected to discriminatory abuse online after tonight’s game.
Prime Minister Boris has also tweeted this morning to say that: “This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media.
“Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.”
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This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media.
Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also said in a tweet this morning that: “The entire England team have brought us together and given us memories that will last a life time. They represent the best of us.
“Anyone racially abusing them is a disgrace and doesn’t represent us at all.
“More can and must be done to stop online abuse.”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed last night a total of 45 arrests were made in connection with policing the Euro 2020 final, which comes after thousands of fans gathered at Wembley prior to kick-off, with video footage showing dozens of people suddenly running into the area underneath the stadium stands and up the stairs.
Staff wearing hi-vis jackets tried to stop the crowds – but were overwhelmed.
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Further scenes of public disturbance and violence involving members of the public following the final whistle have since emerged on social media in the early hours in the morning.
Police are yet to issue an updated statement on the matter.
Attempting to lift spirits as the reality sets in this morning, England’s official Twitter account shared some sentimental words referencing the ‘Football’s Coming Home’ chant – which has been the soundtrack to another English summer – with a half-and-half picture of a grassroots pitch and Wembley Stadium.
“Coming home? Perhaps it was here all along.”
We made some history, but couldn’t achieve the one thing we’re all dreaming of.
But football is about more than trophies, and we’ve seen that all summer.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Featured Image – Laughterama (Supplied)
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Altrincham restaurant pays touching tribute to beloved regular after tragic passing
Danny Jones
Altrincham restaurant Damò has paid a truly touching but heartbreaking tribute to one of their dearest customers, Haroon Choudry, after learning of his tragic passing last week.
The Italian eatery is a highly-rated spot that is adored among the Alty community and it seems there’s just as much affection being poured out following the recent death of one of their regulars.
Announcing the news on social media, Damò said that they recently learned of the news that their familiar and popular local face, not to mention beyond loyal patron Haroon had sadly passed away following a sudden heart attack.
He was just 56. This really is a tear-jerker but it’s nevertheless beautiful to read.
Entitling the post simply, ‘GOODBYE H’, the emotional farewell message begins, “Never in my life did I think I’d be writing this…
After explaining that someone walked into the restaurant on Saturday morning to inform them of the awful news, co-owner Amro Faisal went on to add: “I didn’t understand. How? He was just here the day before, and the day before that. He was always here.”
Confessing that it made a busy weekend service more difficult, he revealed how a call with his wife was particularly moving as she simply repeated, “He loved you so much, guys! He loved you so much!” – a moment they have described as unforgettable as it was moving.
As they detailed at length, ‘H’ would visit Damò at least three to four times a week, enjoying “his usual single espresso with a glass of water—he didn’t even have to ask; it just came with my coffee.”
“We’d sit, chat, laugh… sometimes I’d forget I was even working”, Amro continued. “He was passionate about cars, especially vintage cars.
“Some days, we’d just sit at the bar table, watching outside on Ashley Road, talking about cars and engines. He could go on for hours, completely in his element, sharing stories and knowledge.”
It’s clear Haroon was just as big a part of the Damò family as the staff. (Credit: DAMO Altrincham via Facebook)
Equally beloved by friends, family and other regulars, he often ate with his wife and two daughters – of which he was always “so proud” – or best mates Bob and Darren, and was constantly singing the restaurant’s praises to everyone he knew. Put simply, they summed him up as a “lovely person.”
The restaurant opened back in the summer of 2023 and has quickly grown a loyal following in the Trafford market town, but none more so than Haroon. Fast forward to February 2025 and members of the Damò team sadly found themselves at the well-respected local GP’s funeral. Just awful.
Still struggling to find the words, the restaurant said: “And now he’s gone. Just like that […] Still in shock. Still heartbroken. He wasn’t just a customer, not even just a regular—he was our Friend. And he left too soon. We had so many things still to do, so many more coffees to share.
The lasting image is one of him last Wednesday evening, 13 February, eating their Tagliatelle Duck Ragu dish. They signed off the post the only way they knew how, adding, “Rest easy, Haroon. You’ll be missed more than words can say.
You only have to look in the comments beneath any of their social posts to see how much he meant to others either, with one person writing: “Like many others, I was very fortunate to know H for more than 20 years and make many great ‘car’ memories with him.
“Softly spoken, with a dry wit, a devoted and very proud husband, Dad, son and great friend, he’ll be deeply missed by so many.”
Nearby Portland Wine Hale also described him as a “lovely customer and friend”, even reminiscing about their Manchester United vs Man City banter whenever he popped in.
Our thoughts go out to Haroon’s friends, family and everyone’s lives he touched. Rest in peace.
The Manc -
12th July 2021 
