Dominic Calvert-Lewin has spoken out after England's heartbreaking Euro 2020 final defeat.
The Everton striker took to Twitter after racist abuse from fans was directed at Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka.
All three players missed their spot-kicks in the 3-2 shootout loss and were targeted on social media after the game.
Gareth Southgate’s men took the lead in the Wembley showpiece as Luke Shaw rifled home after just two minutes before Leonardo Bonucci equalised in the second half. The two sides couldn’t be separated after extra-time but it was Italy who clinched the win 3-2 on penalties.
Despite valiant efforts from Jordan Pickford to deny Andre Belotti and Jorginho, Marcus Rashford struck the post while Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka saw their shots stopped by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Calvert-Lewin slammed those England fans abusing his teammates who had the 'courage to step up and take a penalty', saying 'we don't need people like you on social media or in society'.
The 24-year-old thanked the 'real England fans' for their support, however, as he described his joy at being part of England's six-week Euro campaign that appeared fleetingly to unite the country.
Calvert-Lewin tweeted: "To get so close is really heartbreaking. No matter the result, I’m so proud to have been on this journey over the past 6 weeks with these boys. The country seemed like it was so united after such a difficult year and it was a joy to be a part of.
"To the real England fans, thank you for your support this summer and to those of you abusing my teammates for having the courage to step up and take a penalty, shame on you, we don't need people like you on social media or in society.
"We've come a very long way as team and I am confident that this is definitely just the start of even better things to come."
The Everton star's post follows an official statement from the FA condemning the discriminatory abuse in the early hours of Monday morning.
The official England Twitter page shared the statement and said, “We’re disgusted that some of our squad – who have given everything for the shirt this summer – have been subjected to discriminatory abuse online after tonight’s game.
“We stand with our players.”
