LONDON — The final of Euro 2020 had everything the occasion promised and an ending English football knows too well. Italy beat England 3-2 on penalties at Wembley on Sunday night, after a 1-1 draw, to win their second European Championship — and to extend England’s wait for a first major trophy since 1966 into a 56th year.
It had begun like a dream for the hosts. Luke Shaw scored after less than two minutes, the fastest goal in a European Championship final, and for an hour Wembley believed. But Roberto Mancini’s Italy, unbeaten now in 34 matches, grew into the game, and Leonardo Bonucci equalised midway through the second half.
The shootout turned on England’s young substitutes. Marcus Rashford hit the post, and Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma — named player of the tournament at 22 — saved from Jadon Sancho and then, decisively, from 19-year-old Bukayo Saka. Within minutes, the three players who missed were being subjected to racist abuse online, a sequel that has overshadowed the morning after.
For Italy the triumph completes a resurrection. Four years ago the four-time world champions failed even to qualify for the World Cup; under Mancini they have rebuilt around midfield craft and an old defensive partnership, and they were the best side in the tournament from the first night in Rome.
England leave with regret but also with a young squad, a first major final in 55 years, and a manager in Gareth Southgate who has changed how the country relates to its team. The World Cup is seventeen months away.
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