Alan Shearer believes it was a 'big ask' for England's young penalty takers to succeed in the Euro 2020 final.
Manchester United 's Marcus Rashford, imminent signing Jadon Sancho and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka were all late substitutions as England went to penalties against Italy, but it wasn't to be as all three brave young players failed to convert from the spot.
Regardless of that result, England have made the nation incredibly proud this summer, but Shearer on punditry duties questioned Gareth Southgate's decision on the penalty takers, which saw personnel step up despite hardly touching a ball in extra-time.
“It’s a big, big ask. A big ask to put two players on with a minute to go to say you’re going to take a penalty for us," Shearer told the BBC after England's cruel defeat against Italy.
"You’re under enough pressure anyway as a player but the extra pressure you’ve put on those individuals when you’ve had no feel of the football, not involved in the game at all and then you’re put in that situation. It’s a big big ask.”
Rio Ferdinand defended Southgate's decision, saying: “That’s happened for years, people have put players on.
"Maybe not as late but towards the end; the last five, four, three minutes. Players come on this pitch and they go on as penalty takers because they’re recognised," he added.
"Rashford is a recognised penalty taker for Man United. This happens. We look down the years in tournament football and it’s the biggest players, the best players in the world at times miss penalties.
"These are young kids. They’ve got to look at that. Big players in the past, [Roberto] Baggio’s etc have missed big penalties.”
Shearer shot back: ”When you’ve not played a huge part in the tournament though Rio, or the game, then to come on and be asked for a minute...mentally in that situation you’ve got to get yourself right.
"You’ve not kicked a football.. You’ve been sat on your backside for three hours.”
Did you agree with the penalty takers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
