Euro 2020: Southgate takes responsibility for England's loss against Italy at Wembley

England's manager Gareth Southgate has taken responsibility for his side's loss to Italy in the European Championships.

Youngsters Bukayo Saka, 19, Marcus Rashford, 23, and Jadon Sancho, 21, all missed penalties, leaving Italy with a 3-2 victory.

Sako and Sancho were seen in tears after the game but they were embraced by their teammates and Southgate, who said he had chosen who should take the penalties.

"It's down to me," Southgate said of the loss.

"I decided on the penalty takers based on what we've done in training.

"Nobody is on their own. That's my call and it totally rests on me."

He added: "They were the best takers we had left on the pitch.

"We win and lose together."

Despite the loss, there was plenty of praise and adoration from fans, the media and politicians for the squad and Southgate.

There has been speculation that Southgate could be in line for knighthood in recognition for his role in leading the team.

Speaking to Sky News on Monday, World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst said Southgate should "absolutely" still receive a knighthood.

He said: "Absolutely, there is no question at all... he is up there as a candidate for it."

Following Sunday's match, England's captain Harry Kane said the team's focus is now on the World Cup

He said: "We will look back and look at things we could have done better. That is what we have to learn from.

"We have a big 18 months ahead of us. We have to get it out of our minds and focus on (the World Cup).

"I think for sure (it feels like) a missed opportunity. It's not every day you get into finals, especially for the national team.

"The opportunity was there for us, we didn't quite take it and that's going to hurt for a very long time - but that's football and we have to get over it and move on.

"We have to build belief from this, we have a great young squad. We have to dust ourselves down, hold our heads high and get ready for that tournament."

Deflated-looking England fans slumped in their chairs at Wembley on Sunday evening, while the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their eldest son, George, seven, looked upset in the stands following the nail-biting loss.

Prince William, who is president of the FA, tweeted: "Heartbreaking. Congratulations Azzurri on a great victory.

"England, you've all come so far, but sadly this time it wasn't our day. You can all hold your heads high, and be so proud of yourselves - I know there's more to come."

The Three Lions started the final off with much hope as they managed to score the fastest ever Euros final goal after Luke Shaw fired home off the back of a Kieran Trippier cross just before the second minute, beating Spain's sixth minute goal against the USSR in 1964.

Italy missed a free kick in the seventh minute and both Federico Chiesa and Leonardo Bonucci missed chances on goal in the first half.

The second half appeared tougher for England, with Italy having more chances on goal, with a missed free kick in the 49th minute and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford blocking two attempts.

After England's first goal it took until the 63rd minute for another attempt, a header by John Stones that went high over Italy's bar.

It was not until the 66th minute that Italy managed to score after a rebound from a Pickford save was slotted in by Bonucci.

After that, Italy's confidence seemed to grow with Bonucci sending a ball over the England defence to Domenico Berardi whose volley just missed the top bar as Pickford raced off his line.

A fan brought play to a brief halt in the 87th minute after running on to the field, taking four stewards to remove him.

As full-time approached, a yellow card was awarded to Giorgio Chiellini as he hauled Saka to the ground by his shirt, preventing him from sparking a last-minute England attack.

Nervous fans were left at the edge of their seats for another 30 minutes during extra time.

The game saw more bold play from both sides, with attempts on both goals in an attempt to avoid another penalty shootout.

The introduction of Jack Grealish and Saka appeared to boost England's hopes in the second half of extra time, but a yellow card for Italy after Jorginho's boot smashed into Grealish's thigh dented their rhythm.

As it became clear a penalty shootout was imminent, Rashford was brought on with Jadon Sancho for England - but both failed to make a last-minute impact.

Thousands of fans travelled to Wembley on Sunday morning and in the moments before kick-off, up to 100 people stormed security barriers and ran into the ground before security quickly stopped them.