Absolutely. So many after timers in this thread who would have been singing the praises of players/manager alike if Rashford's penalty had gone in. Fine margins.greenmark wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 4:18 pmIt was a very even game for me. Sure we appeared to sit back, but anyone thats played sport knows a worthy opponent will redouble their efforts when losing.
Rash's pen was a ball's width from being perfect. And who could possibly criticise a 19yr old having the guts to step up to the plate.
It was SO narrow a victory. Italy are unbeaten in 34 - since Sep 2018. That says it all.
It's been 50+ years since England won a trophy. They were always going to need to go close, to have that experience, before they win something. That's the players, but it's also the manager - Southgate is inexperienced in management, but he has the capacity to improve and become a winner, because he has shown progress at every stage.
No shame in losing to a quality side like Italy, in such close fashion, when they are tried and tested and have winners throughout their setup.