England forward Marcus Rashford apologized for missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 shootout loss to Italy in the final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, but added that he "would never apologise for who I am" after being one of three players to face racist abuse. The Football Association has confirmed it will not take any action against Rashford.
Rashford became only the second player in English football history to score in their first two internationals when he netted against Germany earlier this year and then converted the spot-kick defeat by Italy. However, he could have won both matches as he took his chances during extra time.
He was involved in both England games as they attempted to win the Euro 2020 crown. But Rashford missed two penalties in the shootouts - including the decisive spot-kick in the final - as England lost 4-3 on aggregate to Italy.
The Manchester United striker said after the game with Italy: "I'm so sorry. I let my country down and you guys too. It's something I can't forgive myself for. I don't want anyone to feel bad about themselves because of me."
However, Rashford later tweeted an apology for what some people had said to him following the losses. He wrote: "Not many people know this but I suffer from depression and anxiety. And sometimes that affects my performance on the pitch.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka all missed penalty penalties as Italy won a shootout 3-2 at Wembley. England lost three penalties in a shootout at the conclusion of a thrilling Euro 2020 final, handing victory to Italy and prolonging the agony of 55 years. The last time England lost a penalty shoot-out was in 1958 when they were beaten by Sweden at Stockholm's Hall of Fame.
Sanctity was restored when Giorgio Chiellini scored after the initial round of kicks from Alliotti. However, it wasn't long before controversy struck again as Kalidou Koulibaly denied Raheem Sterling his second goal of the game with a superb save. England continued to pile on the pressure but failed to find the target with their next five attempts, including four saved by Alisson.
When Antonio Candreva sent Italy into halftime up 2-1, many believed that the match was already decided. But just like in the final, England proved everyone wrong as they came out fighting in the second half. A brilliant free kick from Jordan Henderson almost equalized for England but Danilo D'Ambrosio managed to keep his team ahead at 2-1.
Italy had another chance to extend its lead when Ciro Immobile found the net but his effort was disallowed for offside.
Aguero, Sergio Sergio Aguero missed a key penalty against Chelsea after attempting a Panenka. Sergio Aguero has apologized heartfeltly for missing a penalty in Saturday's loss to Chelsea. The Argentinian striker was put through on goal by Leroy Sane but he dragged his shot wide of the post and beyond goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Aguero had earlier scored a brace in City's 3-1 win over Newcastle United. He now has nine goals this season.
The 31-year-old had said before the match that he would be happy with just scoring one penalty but he went ahead of schedule when he took aim at the spot and sent the keeper the wrong way from 12 yards out. It was his second miss in as many attempts this season following his attempt in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat to Barcelona.
Chelsea were playing their first game since losing the Europa League final to City's opponent Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone's side came into the match as strong favorites considering they were unbeaten in all competitions prior to the match. However, Chelsea fell behind in the 14th minute when Sergio Aguero scored his second penalty of the night. City went on to win 3-1.
Copyright © 2020 - 2023 Sportsmanist Inc.
