Martin O’Neill: There wasn’t an ounce left in us at the end

A deflated Martin O’Neill could barely raise his voice above a whisper after Ireland’s Euro exit at the hands of France in Lyon but the manager’s pride in what his players had achieved at Euro 2016 still came through loud and clear.

However, along with the pride there was a hint of prejudice — or, rather, the recognition of same — on the subject of the quick turnaround enforced on the Irish team, between the energy-sapping and emotionally draining game against Italy and yesterday’s daunting match against France. The hosts, by contrast, were able to benefit from a full week of recovery.

“I was asked before the game about the difference three days makes to one side, and we definitely got the short straw in that aspect,” he said. “I know we knew about it before, but it is an incredible amount of time one side could have as an advantage over another team.