Football very nearly came home during Euro 2020. England’s men’s side was just a few missed penalty kicks away from hoisting its first major international trophy in 55 years. Italy ultimately prevailed, and the Three Lions left London’s Wembley Stadium empty-handed once again.
While the end result was disappointing, Gareth Southgate’s side really rounded into form in that tournament. The soccer wasn’t always stylish, but the squad went 480 minutes without allowing a goal. Yet the heartbreak in the final won’t be soon forgotten. This English squad was so close to glory it could taste it.
Crushing defeat isn’t new to this team either. The 2018 World Cup provided a heavy dose in the semifinal against Croatia, when Mario Mandžukić’s 109th-minute winner sent England to the third-place game (one it would ultimately lose).
