Marcus Rashford has taken the time to reflect on England’s Euro 2020 defeat in an emotional post on social media.
The Three Lions fell to a disappointing penalty shootout loss on Sunday night as they were beaten by Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley. The Azzurri did well to build their way into the game and eventually took over before spot-kicks ultimately determined where the trophy would go.
You’re still a hero to all of us, Marcus
In addition to Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka missing penalties, Marcus Rashford also failed to hit the back of the net – prompting a disgusting barrage of racial abuse and vandalism.
In response to everything that happened, Rashford took to Twitter and posted the following statement.
“I don’t even know where to start and I don’t even know how to put into words how I am feeling at this exact time. I’ve had a difficult season, I think that’s been clear for everyone to see and I probably went into that final with a lack of confidence. I’ve always backed myself for a penalty, but something didn’t feel quite right. During the long run-up I was saving myself a bit of time and unfortunately, the result was not what I wanted.
“I felt as though I had let my team-mates down. I felt as if I’d let everyone down. A penalty was all I’d been asked to contribute for the team. I can score penalties in my sleep, so why not that one? It’s been playing in my head over and over since I struck the ball and there’s probably not a word to quite describe how it feels. Final. 55 years. 1 penalty. History. All I can say is sorry. I wish it had of gone differently.”
“I’ve grown into a sport where I expected to read things written about myself. Whether it be the colour of my skin, where I grew up, or, most recently, how I decide to spend my time off the pitch,” Rashford said.
“I can take critique of my performance all day long, my penalty was not good enough, it should have gone in but I will never apologise for who I am and where I came from. I’ve felt no prouder moment than wearing those three lions on my chest and seeing my family cheer me on in a crowd of 10s of thousands.
“I dreamt of days like this. The messages I’ve received today have been positively overwhelming and seeing the response in Withington had me on the verge of tears. The communities that always wrapped their arms around me continue to hold me up.
“I’m Marcus Rashford, a 23-year-old black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, South Manchester. If I have nothing else I have that. For all the kind messages thank you. I’ll be back stronger. We’ll be back stronger.”
Rashford will hope to feature for Manchester United when their Premier League campaign begins against Leeds on August 14.
Featured image credit: Getty
