UK

Italy have beaten England on penalties to win the European Championships in a nail-biting final at Wembley, after the game finished 1-1 following extra time.

The Three Lions managed to score the fastest ever Euros final goal after Luke Shaw fired home off the back of a Kieran Trippier cross just before the second minute, beating Spain’s sixth minute goal against the USSR in 1964.

Italy missed a free kick in the seventh minute and both Federico Chiesa and Leonardo Bonucci missed chances on goal in the first half.

The second half appeared tougher for England, with Italy having more chances on goal, with a missed free kick in the 49th minute and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford blocking two attempts.

After England’s first goal it took until the 63rd minute for another attempt, a header by John Stones that went high over Italy’s bar.

It was not until the 66th minute that Italy managed to score after a rebound from a Pickford save was slotted in by Bonucci.

After that, their confidence seemed to grow with Bonucci sending a ball over the England defence to Domenico Berardi whose volley just missed the top bar as Pickford raced off his line.

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A fan brought play to a brief halt in the 87th minute after running onto the field, taking four stewards to remove him.

As full-time was just about to end, a yellow card was awarded to Giorgio Chiellini as he hauled Bukayo Saka to the ground by his shift, preventing him from sparking a last-minute England attack.

Nervous fans were left at the edge of their seats for another 30 minutes due to the 1-1 draw at full-time.

Extra-time saw more bold play from both sides, with attempts on both goals in an attempt to avoid another penalty shoot-out.

The introduction of Jack Grealish and Saka appeared to boost England’s hopes in the second half of extra time, but a yellow card for Italy after Jorginho’s boot smashed into Grealish’s thigh dented their rhythm.

As it became clear a penalty shoot-out was imminent, Marcus Rashford was brought on with Jadon Sancho for England.

Thousands of fans travelled to Wembley on Sunday morning and in the moments before kick-off, up to 100 people stormed security barriers and ran into the ground before security quickly stopped them.

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