Chelsea Women manager Emma Hayes has explained the "science" behind England's penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the final of Euro 2020.
The Three Lions fell short after an incredibly tense 120 minutes at Wembley could not separate them from their Italian opponents.
Luke Shaw got England off to the perfect start by burying his half-volley into the left-hand corner of the goal after just two minutes.
But Italy found a way back into the game midway through the second half thanks to Leonardo Bonucci's scrambled finish from a corner.
A cagey affair ensued, going all the way to penalties after almost a whole hour of more action.
The Italian's took first, albeit in front of the England end, and missed their second spot kick, while England scored both of their first two.
However, the young Three Lions stars missed all three of their next spot kicks, while only Jorginho missed surprisingly, meaning the Azzurri won 3-2 in the shootout.
Speaking on ITV after the game, four-time Women's Super League winner with Chelsea, Hayes, admitted that the science was always with Italy.
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“Penalties are a science and the team that kicks first always has the advantages," she explained.
“Even though Pickford makes the save, that advantage counts. I think the pressure on those lads, those stop-start penalties, were easily read by Donnarumma who was outstanding.
“He stood and held his position, he read the players’ body language. That’s why Italy have won the game.”
Fellow pundit Roy Keane praised the efforts of both goalkeepers to save so many penalties, and refused to criticise individual players despite the defeat.
He said: “It’s an amazing night, a brilliant night of football. I said to Gary when it went to penalties that I didn’t think any team deserved to lose it.
“Somebody has to miss a penalty, but it’s not a night to be critical of any of the players, Gareth and his staff.
“I think they’ve been magnificent. Instead of criticising players who miss, I admire players who step up.
“All credit goes to both goalkeepers, they made some brilliant saves.
“It’s a tough night for England, but sometimes you have to lose to win. The World Cup is round the corner and these players will be better for it.
“Tough night, but you have to take your medicine and move on.”
