Authors note

England out on Penalties

England have bowed out of Euro 2012 after losing agonizingly 4-2 on Penalties to Italy. The game finished 0-0 AET and misses from Ashley Young and Cole meant that Alessandro Diamanti's successful spotkick saw the Italians through to the Semi finals.
The heartbreak of a penalty shootout is something England have grown accustomed to, having been knocked out by West Germany in 1990 and Portugal in 2004 to name but a few.
The game itself was dominated by Italy, enjoying the lions share of possession. Joe hart and co were magnificent at the back but going forward England struggled to create any clear cut chances. It is fair to say the better team progressed, but that by no means will heal the wounds of the fans that though this was their year.
Some of the players took to social media site twitter, to thank the country for their support throughout the campaign.
