England’s Marcus Rashford pens emotional statement after Euro 2020 penalty miss

Gareth Southgate says penalty takers were his call

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Rashford took to social media to release a written statement as he opened up and shared his thoughts as he reflected on England’s summer at Euro 2020 and his miss in the dramatic penalty shootout that concluded Sunday’s final against Italy.

Rashford came off the subs’ bench in the final moments of extra time specifically to be in the lineup for the shootout, but the Manchester United star, who is no stranger to penalty-taking duties for club or country, saw his spot-kick clip the outside of the post as his effort went wide.

On Monday night, Rashford shared a long written message to the supporters as he thanked them for their backing, praised his England team-mates and apologised for missing from the spot during the shootout.

“I don’t even know where to start and I don’t even know how to put into words how I’m feeling at this exact time,” he began.

“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 thought I had let my teammates down. I felt as if I’d let everyone down.

“A penalty was all I had 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 gone differently.

“Whilst I continue to say sorry I want to shout out my teammates. This summer has been one of the best camps I’ve experienced and you’ve all played a role in that.

“A brotherhood has been built that is unbreakable. Your success is my success. Your failures are mine.”

Rashford then addressed some of the abuse he had received following England’s defeat at Wembley on Sunday night.

“I’ve grown into a sport where I expect to read things written about myself,” he continued.

“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.

“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 come from.

“I’ve felt no prouder moment than wearing those three ions on my chest and seeing my family cheer me on in a crowd of 10s of thousands. I dreamt of days like this.”

The United striker then thanked those who have provided him with messages of support, especially those from his home town, as he promised to bounce back better in the months and years ahead.

“The messages I’ve received today have been positively overwhelming and seeing the response in Withington had me on the verge of tears,” he said.

The communities that always wrapped their arms around me continue to hold me up.

“I’m Marcus Rashford, 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.”

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