England’s Euro 2020 dreams came crashing down on Sunday with a 2-1 defeat to Italy, and many are rallying around Bukayo Saka after his penalty shootout misery.
The Three Lions made a dream start as Luke Shaw fired them ahead inside two minutes, but Leonardo Bonucci equalised from close range.
The game went to penalties, and whilst Jordan Pickford saved from Andrea Belotti and Jorginho, Italy ran out winners.
Marcus Rashford hit the post for England whilst Jadon Sancho and Saka both had their efforts saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Saka’s penalty was England’s fifth and final one, and many have praised the Arsenal teenager for stepping up to take one despite his relative inexperience.
It wasn’t to be for the 19-year-old, but with some awful backlash on social media after his penalty, many have been rallying around Saka.
Arsenal attacker Tyreece John-Jules knows Saka well from the Hale End ranks, and took to Twitter in the early hours of this morning to send an emotional message to his friend and teammate.
John-Jules suggested that Saka should be proud having shown so much bravery, adding that he needs to keep his head ‘so high’.
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