Euro 2020 Tournament happening 2021

[X]

Well, not all Welsh people wish disaster on England at every turn A broad brush statement there Beanz, to be fair.

In terms of cheating, everyone does it now so it’s more a reflection of the game than anyones nationality. Kane falls over every time he possibly can, big brave Harry Maguire faked being kicked in the face when nothing at all actually happened, and Sterling dived for the penalty against Denmark. Every team does it as far as I can see?

[Beanz]

Well, not all Welsh people wish disaster on England at every turn A broad brush statement there Beanz, to be fair.

In terms of cheating, everyone does it now so it’s more a reflection of the game than anyones nationality. Kane falls over every time he possibly can, big brave Harry Maguire faked being kicked in the face when nothing at all actually happened, and Sterling dived for the penalty against Denmark. Every team does it as far as I can see?

Ha! of course it is a broad brush statement and yes I am sure that many don't wish England bad luck but sadly many other home nation sports fans if not MOST do. It is all a bit sad but has always made me laugh, not throw my toys out of the pram as people are suggesting. ( A bit like the most indignant 'Cornish' people demanding independence who have been down here about 5 mins after leaving London.)

Yes everyone adopts cheating gamesmanship nowadays, but England, because of naivety, whatever, have been one of the last national teams to do so.

The Italians have always been the worst culprits, followed by Portugal and Spain. It might not be politically correct to say so out loud, but it is the uncomfortable truth and the hilarious idea that it is racist is beyond a joke.

Even you could only gives us credit for 20 mins? Ha! The supposedly amazing Italians had 120 mins to break us down and could not play their game and i would argue that any neutral would have to at least give us the first half. For a team to get all the way to a penalty shoot out after extra time in the final and still not really be given any credit by fellas like Primo says it all.

[X]

Yes, that’s probably true. England didn’t dive for years. In fact I remember Micheal Owen diving for a penalty against Argentina and there was stunned silence from the commentators as they couldn’t quite believe what they saw . That’s the first big one I remember and it wasn’t that long ago.

To be honest, I am not a proper football fan and probably only really follow Euros and World Cups, so I’m definitely not a lifelong fan or expert (in fact, it’s the diving, sly pulling, blatant cheating and general culture of dishonesty … while hypocritically wearing ‘respect’ armbands etc ….. that permeates football that puts me off)

In terms of the game, England were all over them for 20 minutes, but the Italians did grow into the game and dominate. I thought it was inevitable that they would score but England were very organised and resilient in defence. I did think England were the better side in injury time. Still, I say that as a punter who watched it on tv and not a genuine knowledgeable footy expert!

[Mark TKO]

Italy dominated possession and we sat back stupidly so yes it looked like they were all over us. Even kane dropped back and when we got the ball there was nowhere to go.

But did Italy really create that many chances? Pickford made a good save to his left and we gave away a couple of dangerous free kicks but goal aside that was it.

Really don't know why we didn't go for it more in extra time.

[TitoFan]

Wow... this has devolved.

Me... I just saw two world class teams go at it for a couple of hours, and one just executed better than the other one in the penalty kicks decider.

Both teams had their share of dives, great plays, and swings of momentum.

What I DO find abhorrent though, is the racism issue which apparently got highlighted following the missed penalties by the three black English players.

Instead of the players taking a knee before matches... it should be all the fans instead.

Sad.

[Beanz]

Wow... this has devolved.

Me... I just saw two world class teams go at it for a couple of hours, and one just executed better than the other one in the penalty kicks decider.

Both teams had their share of dives, great plays, and swings of momentum.

What I DO find abhorrent though, is the racism issue which apparently got highlighted following the missed penalties by the three black English players.

Instead of the players taking a knee before matches... it should be all the fans instead.

Sad.

It is sad but not surprising. We live here in the UK in a country that is led by racists. Our PM and Home secretary refused to condemn the booing of our own national team for making an anti-racist statement and then today pretended that they were disgusted by the racists that they emboldened. Look at the racists on here who share similar sentiments and have no shame about it.

[TitoFan]

Wow... this has devolved.

Me... I just saw two world class teams go at it for a couple of hours, and one just executed better than the other one in the penalty kicks decider.

Both teams had their share of dives, great plays, and swings of momentum.

What I DO find abhorrent though, is the racism issue which apparently got highlighted following the missed penalties by the three black English players.

Instead of the players taking a knee before matches... it should be all the fans instead.

Sad.

It is sad but not surprising. We live here in the UK in a country that is led by racists. Our PM and Home secretary refused to condemn the booing of our own national team for making an anti-racist statement and then today pretended that they were disgusted by the racists that they emboldened. Look at the racists on here who share similar sentiments and have no shame about it.

Sadly, it seems no country or region is totally devoid of the scourge of racism. I would be more shocked if I wasn't already used to (and disgusted about) the continued racism plague in the U.S., which goes up to and includes people in power and what is even worse... law enforcement.

Having said that, I was struck by a couple of things. One was the total and heartfelt comradery and consolations extended to the England players who missed penalties, by their own teammates. That was heartwarming to see. The other was the publicized abuse of the three players who missed their penalties... who unfortunately happened to be black. It's almost like a tinderbox for racism to break through the surface, given the enormity of the moment for England... and having the trophy slip through their fingers in the most heartbreaking way possible.

The one difference I see between the U.S. and Europe regarding racism in sports is that in the U.S. you rarely, if ever, see fans being racist toward black players... at least on the field/court/stadium. Away from the playing field it's another matter altogether... but at least on the field the fans don't let on. Also, Europe has so many countries one has to wonder how the racism aspect varies from country to country. That would make for an interesting discussion. As far as the kneeling, which I saw but didn't really focus on throughout the tournament.... which countries knelt, and which countries didn't? Does that in itself speak about the team only? Or about the country's culture in general?

I still go back in my mind to the movie "42", about the life and career of Jackie Robinson (the first black player to be allowed to play in Major League Baseball). It was a terrific movie... and I'd recommend it to anyone.