Boris Johnson led commiserations after the England team’s “heartbreaking” defeat to Italy on penalties, as the nation’s hopes of winning the Euro 2020 final were dashed.
The team missed out on a historic Euros victory after losing 3-2 at Wembley stadium – despite so promisingly scoring in the first two minutes of the game – in a match that ticketless fans breached security to get themselves into the stadium for.
The prime minister, who was in the crowd, praised the England manager, Gareth Southgate, and the team, who he said “played like heroes”. He tweeted: “That was a heartbreaking end to #Euro2020 but Gareth Southgate and his England squad played like heroes. They have done the nation proud and deserve great credit.”
The Duke of Cambridge, who was also cheering the team on at Wembley with the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George, said the loss was “heartbreaking”, but congratulated the Italy team on “a great victory”.
Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, tweeted: “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.”
Celebrity fans in the stadium included model Kate Moss, former England captain David Beckham and actor Tom Cruise.
Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, described the team as the “very best of our country” after the crushing defeat and said they had “done us proud”. “Heartbreaking. On and off the pitch, this team is the very best of our country. They’ve done us proud,” he wrote on Twitter.
London mayor Sadiq Khan said the team had “inspired millions across the country” and “made history”. “Well, what a Euro 2020 you gave us, England,” he tweeted. “You made history this tournament. Few have seen an England performance – or team – like the one you gave us this summer. You’ve inspired millions across the country, and London is so proud of you.”
Liam Gallagher tweeted his admiration for Bukayo Saka, who missed the final deciding penalty, saying, “Love Saka”, adding: “It’s all good Bruv I love you kid we go and smash the World Cup.” A few minutes later, he tweeted: “It is what it it is.”
Stephen Fry said: “Alright, football gods, I’ll wait another 55 years then. But I warn you, unless biotech comes up with something impressive, I’ll fairly certainly be dead … Bah, grr, poo and bother.”
Nigella Lawson tweeted her congratulations to Italy, adding: “And thank you, Gareth, thank you, lads. You made us proud.”
Adele watched the final from the US and shared a picture showing her in her England shirt after the game. “You did us so proud!” Adele wrote. “You brought our game home and brought us all together.”
Idris Elba shared a picture of Saka while model Jourdan Dunn posted snaps of all the players who failed to score a penalty, as well as Raheem Sterling, and wrote: “KINGS.”
Fans at viewing parties across the country watched distraught as the England players lost out on becoming champions of Europe. At Newcastle PaddyPark, fans clapped the England players as they lost, with one reportedly shouting: “I cannot do this any more!”
In Trafalgar Square, London, some fans embraced one another, some cried, and others fell to the ground in despair.
And outside the Queens Head pub near Piccadilly Circus, supporters screamed in disappointment. There were reportedly sounds of glass shattering as well as England chants and the Three Lions song.
At Boxpark in Croydon, fans watched penalties with their hands on one another’s shoulders.
The Metropolitan police said there had been 45 arrests by officers policing the Euro 2020 final, with 19 officers injured “while they confronted volatile crowds”.
The England team tweeted: “This has been some journey. As a nation, we were united in a belief that we can achieve something special after the hardest of years. It wasn’t meant to be, but this team is just getting started. They will continue to make you proud, both on and off the pitch.”
