Player Ratings: Italy 1-1 England* (Italy win 3-2 on penalties)

England’s young side spent the duration of the tournament silencing critics, inspiring the nation, and creating a lifetime of memories for their country. However, despite equaling opposition Italy for 120 minutes of football, it was not be under the Wembley arch.

Jordan Pickford: 9/10

The Everton goalkeeper commanded himself with presence and stature as he continuously denied threatening opportunities from Italy and was unlucky to concede as his defense were not quickest to clear the danger from a world class save at his near post. Saving two penalties was not to be enough on this occasion, although the 27-year-old can return to club football with his head held high.

Kieran Trippier: 6/10

The Atlético Madrid defender found himself retained amongst the starting line-up for the first time of the tournament due to the needed experience and defensive presence from Gareth Southgate. However, when England conceded in the second half, Trippier soon found himself to be the first to be substituted as the England manager favored a return to a back four.

Kyle Walker: 6/10

Playing on the left side of three centre-backs, the Manchester City defender’s pace was vital in countering an opposition overlap, with his lightning speed and his experienced positioning. However, on the ball the defender conceded possession 14 times, won 25% of his tackles, and failed to win a single aerial duel.

John Stones: 7/10

Having been the only defender amongst a back five to have started every game of the tournament for England, the Manchester City defender completed four clearances, two blocked shots, and won 85% of his aerial duels. The defender brought a calmness when in possession whilst never looking uneasy.

Harry Maguire: 7/10

Much like his centre-back partner in Stones, Maguire was dominant aerially, whilst winning 90% of his ground duels as well. The defender’s calm, precise passing broke through the Italian lines, easing the transitioning of the ball into the opposition’s half of the pitch.

Luke Shaw: 7/10

It was pandemonium for the left-back when he found himself with the ball falling to his feet perfectly at the back post before the clock struck three minutes. Putting England ahead in a European Championship final is what every child up and down the country can only dream of, but Luke Shaw took that moment and executed the volley to perfection in which gave him confidence to grow into the game thereon in and create havoc for the opposition when on the ball.

Declan Rice: 8/10

The midfield anchor provided efficient cover to the defense behind him, winning 11 of his 15 attempted tackles and winning 100% of his aerial battles. The West Ham midfielder was efficient with his passing as well, but Southgate opted to bring him off with quarter of an hour to play, which is when Italy gained momentum.

Kalvin Phillips: 7/10

Nicknamed ‘The Yorkshire Pirlo’, the midfielder was given licence to roam when in possession as he opted to progress further up the pitch than partner, Declan Rice. When under a spell of intense Italian pressure, the Leeds man remained calm in possession and often found a teammate with a good pass to relieve the stress.

Mason Mount: 5/10

The Chelsea midfielder struggled to stamp his authority on proceedings, playing in an unfamiliar role on the right-hand side of Harry Kane. He wasn’t aided by the fact that most of England’s chances were created down the opposite flank, but when in possession, he took too long on the ball and didn’t have the pace provided to link up with Kane and create a threat in behind a sturdy Italian defense.

Raheem Sterling: 6/10

With only 41 touches of possession, the attacker struggled to impact play and often found himself coming off second best against opposition full-back, Emerson. Despite this, a positive would be his link-up play with Luke Shaw; creating a two-on-one against the Italian defense, often fashioning a crossing opportunity.

Harry Kane: 6/10

The striker struggled due to the lack of pace on either side of him. A main factor of the striker’s success at club level is his ability to link-up with wingers who have a fast turn of pace and speed, allowing him to create space in the box for the cross. On this occasion, however, he was starved of that and it cost his team.

Bukayo Saka (SUB) 6/10

Jordan Henderson (SUB) 5/10

Jack Grealish (SUB) 6/10

Marcus Rashford (SUB) N/A

Jadon Sancho (SUB) N/A