England's Euro 2020 dream ended in disappointment as they fell to defeat in the final in a penalty shootout to Italy at Wembley.
Luke Shaw had given England the perfect start to the match, volleying Kieran Trippier's cross in off the post less than two minutes in to immediately put Italy on the back foot.
But the Italians soon grew into the game and pushed England back, with Federico Chiesa's shot flashing past the post before the break.
As the game wore on England struggled to keep their opponents at bay, and Italy eventually found a breakthrough.
Marco Verratti's header was tipped onto the post by Jordan Pickford, only for the rebound to fall to Leonardo Bonucci to smash home and equalise.
Neither side managed to find the crucial winner in 90 minutes with tired legs beginning to show as the game went to extra time, but with chances few and far between in the added period, only penalties could separate them.
Jordan Pickford saved from Jorginho to keep England's hopes alive after Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho had already missed, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to deny Bukayo Saka to clinch it for the Azzurri.
Here are Simon Mullock's player ratings from Wembley.
England
Pickford 7
Produced a smart save to deny Insigne at the near-post and then excelled with a low dive to beat away Cheisa's low shot. Distribution was much better.
Walker 7
Once again showed he has pace to burn but what should not be forgotten is his ability to switch to a central defensive role with real assurance.
Stones 7
Was once again a calm and assured presence at the heart of England's defence. Also unlucky to see a set-piece header deflected just over in the second half.
Maguire 7
An absolute giant alongside Stones. Never missed a tackle on the ground or in the air and got his team moving forward with some fine distribution.
Trippier 7
Brilliant cross to pick out Shaw for the opening goal. Always a threat going forward down the right but had the pace to help out at the other end. Subbed.
Phillips 6
Never wasted a pass. Covered every blade of grass to force the Italians backwards. A player who has grown in stature during the tournament.
Rice 7
Neat in possession but his work off the ball, hunting, harrying and getting a vital foot in was absolutely vital to the cause. Shattered when he was substituted.
Shaw 8
Shawberto Carlos? That's a compliment to the Brazilian after the Manchester United full-back completed his international redemption with a stunning strike after just 117 seconds.
Mount 6
His link-up play with Shaw down the left was productive in the first half but he faded as the contest moved up to a frantic pace after the break and England began to struggle.
Kane 7
Showed that a centre-forward's role is about much more than goals. Held the ball up, linked play – and bullied Chiellini at times.
Sterling 6
Arguably England's player of the tournament with goal and assists. But while the pacy forward had his moments, he was given little space by the Italian defence.
Substitutes: Saka 6 (Trippier 71), Henderson 6 (Rice 74), Grealish (Mount 99)
Donnarumma 6
Given no chance by Shaw's early assured finish but was excellent when coming to gather crosses and his speedy distribution launched Italian attacks
Emerson 6
Caught out of position at the far post for Shaw's early strike and given a tough time by the England full-back and the willing support of Mount.
Chiellini 8
Turns 37 in August and after a great career, this was a night when time caught up with the Tuscan tough-nut defender.
Bonucci 8
Booked for a late tackle on Sterling and struggled at times. But the veteran came up with a vital second-half equaliser with a close-range finish
Di Lorenzo 6
Unable to offer his usual attacking threat down the left because he was continually engaged by Trippier.
Barela 5
The Inter Milan schemer had a fine tournament but this was a game too far. Booked for a foul on Kane before finally being substituted after 53 minutes.
Jorginho 7
The Chelsea midfielder spent much of the game trying to get into the referee's ear. Struggled to have his usual influence running the midfield.
Veratti 7
The master of the pass and move kept the Italians ticking. Always probing and willing to get on the ball and attempt the killer touch.
Chiesa 7
One powerful first-half run and shot that flew a foot wide but came to life in the second half as Italy forced England onto the back foot in search of an equaliser.
Immobile 5
Immobile by name and immobile by nature at Wembley. The striker was not given any time or space and was substituted after 53 minutes.
Insigne 6
Always on the move and always trying to get in behind, but the Napoli winger must have left his shooting boots back at the hotel.
Substitutes: Cristante 6 (Barela 54), Berardi 6 (Immobile 54), Bernardeschi (Chiesa 86), Locatelli (Verratti 96), Belotti (Insigne 91), Florenzi (Emerson 118).
Man of the Match: Luke Shaw (England). Sent Wembley wild with his early strike and was superb at both ends of the pitch.
Referee: B Kuipers: 5.
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