Saka, Rashford and Sancho victims of racist abuse on social media after England defeat at Euro 2020

What did the FA say?

A statement said: “The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism which has targeted some of our English players on social media.

“We couldn’t be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behavior is unwelcome to follow the team. We will do our utmost to support the players concerned while demanding the harshest penalties possible for any responsible person.

“We will continue to do all we can to eliminate discrimination, but we urge the government to act quickly and pass the appropriate legislation so that this abuse has real consequences.

“Social media companies must step up their efforts and take action to ban attackers from their platforms, collect evidence that could lead to prosecution and support the release of their platforms from this kind of heinous abuse.”

What happened?

Rashford, Saka and Sancho had a number of comments on their previous Instagram posts after their missed penalties on Sunday night.

They have been targeted by monkey emojis and other racist comments since the end of the game.

What happened in the game?

It was a familiar story for England as they lost on penalties to Italy after winning their first major trophy in 55 years.

Jordan Pickford saved twice on the spot, but ultimately missed Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, which allowed Italy to emerge victorious.

England got off to a dream start when Luke Shaw gave the hosts the lead after just two minutes, brilliantly crushing Trippier’s cross from close range. Gareth Southgate’s side were far from previous England sides and gave home fans a glorious first half in which they were largely in control.

It was a different story after the break as Roberto Mancini’s side began to exercise control and, after Italy tested Pickford twice in a row, Leonardo Bonucci was on hand to force the ball at close range after the English goalkeeper turned Marco Verratti’s effort on the Publish.

England improved as the second half progressed after looking at one point in danger of being swept away by a resurgent Italy.

Overtime was a tricky business with few chances at either end before the dreaded sight of a penalty shootout to end the tournament. Pickford is doing admirably but it is his counterpart, Gianluigi Donnarumma, who emerges as the hero.

(Photo: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images)