England fans in tears after agonising penalty shootout defeat to Italy in Euro 2020 final

England fans drowned their sorrows after a devastating Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy.

Three Lions fans watched on as their team lost yet another penalty shoot-out at Wembley after a nail-biting game ended in a 1-1 draw.

It led to tears for millions of England fans across the country who were heartbroken to see their team denied a first major tournament in 55 years.

Prince William, who was among the 66,000 fans present at Wembley, was among the people to send their commiserations to Gareth Southgate and his players.

The Duke of Cambridge, who is the President of the Football Association, wrote on Twitter: “Heartbreaking. Congratulations @Azzurri on a great victory.

“@England, you’ve all come so far, but sadly this time it wasn’t our day. You can all hold your heads high, and be so proud of yourselves – I know there’s more to come.”

His son Prince George, seven, also looked devastated as he watched the match with his dad and mum Kate Middleton.

As well as the tens of thousands of people in Wembley, there were tears in fan parks across the UK.

Fans packed into BOXPARK in Croydon, south London, while England fans also looked dejected in Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and Newcastle..

Supporter Alicia Southern, 17, wiped away tears as she said: “This is so painful. I can;t help crying when I think about the players and how much they have lifted us.”

Lisa Sparkes, 44, told the MailOnline: “The players can still hold their heads up high.

“And so can we as a country. We have been all brought together in such a lovely way and that is the big positive out of all this.

“Okay we didn’t win the cup competition, but that’s not always what matters most. He has been a wonderful four weeks and we should all be so proud.”

After the elation of Luke Shaw’s early goal for England, came the tension rising with Leonardo Bonucci’s equaliser and the heartbreak of a 3-2 defeat on penalties.

A nervy silence hung over Trafalgar Square as 1,500 fans inside the fan zone and 1,000 outside watched the tense match go to extra-time.

But substitutes Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all missed to leave millions of expectant England fans with their hopes crushed.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said England “played like heroes”, adding: “They have done the nation proud and deserve great credit.”

Before the game huge crowds had filled Leicester Square while some queued outside pubs as early as 6am on Sunday to settle the nerves.