England suffered a heart-breaking defeat to Italy on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium.
The Three Lions answered nearly every question that had been posed of them this tournament. Having come from behind to win in extra-time against Denmark there was one question left: how would they react to taking an early lead.
The answer? Okay. They ceded possession to Italy but the performance did not feel panicked. England did not dominate the ball but retained their composure whenever Italy applied pressure. However, when that pressure stepped up another level again, England were left wanting, with three of Southgate’s substitutes, Rashford, Sancho and Saka missing the penalties in the shootout.
It was testament to the spirit of the squad, mind, that Kalvin Phillips, Conor Coady and others made a beeline for the Arsenal man after his miss. To attribute blame to those who missed the penalties would be errant here. This was a shootout performance for the ages from Gianluigi Donnarumma, who stood up as Rashford waited for him to go down and then went early for both Sancho and Saka’s efforts.
FORMATION
Gareth Southgate reverted to a five-at-the back system for the challenge of Italy. Kieran Trippier came in for Saka, meaning Kyle Walker dropped back to right centre-half.
The formation was nominally a 5-3-2 – certainly out of possession – but in possession, as evidenced by England’s first goal, it was intended to be a 3-4-3.
However, after a torrid opening, Emerson Palmieri settled and regained control if his flank, pushing up against Trippier and forcing England back into a back five for large periods. This allowed Italy to assert dominance of the midfield area, and it starved England and Southgate of their wont: control.
When Southgate did try to change it, it felt too late.
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