England suffer familiar frustration

England U21s 1 Italy U21s 3: England have once again fallen short at a major tournament after Gareth Southgate’s side capitulated against Italy, resulting in a third successive group-stage exit at the U21 European Championship.

A year to the day since a goalless draw with Costa Rica rubber-stamped the senior team’s disastrous World Cup, the new generation blew a golden opportunity to progress to the semi-finals in the Czech Republic.

England’s destiny was in their own hands after the last-gasp win against Sweden, but it proved a false dawn as the Azzurrini triumphed 3-1 and the national team was once again found wanting.