England 0 Italy 0: It was a horrible way to lose, says Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney admits England’s defeat by Italy on penalties was “a horrible way” to be eliminated from the European championship.

After a goalless 120 minutes largely dominated by the Italians, missed spot-kicks from Ashley Young and Ashley Cole eventually proved the difference as Alessandro Diamanti slotted home the winning penalty to set up a semi-final clash with Germany.

The Manchester United striker said England’s youngsters will learn some crucial lessons from the disappointment of missing out on the last four and insisted the Three Lions can exit the tournament with their pride intact.

“It was a horrible way to go out,” said Rooney. “We are all gutted. It was a tough game and we all worked hard, so to lose on penalties is a horrible feeling for everyone.”

“We can hold our heads up high. There are a lot of young players in the squad and that will help them in next tournament.

“It’s a very cruel way to go out in any competition but someone was going to go out and luck did not go our way.

“The two Ashleys are strong enough lads to come back from this and the lads will be with them.

“They are two of the most experienced players in that dressing room and they will bounce back from this as even better players.

“I do not worry about that at all. We have got to look forward to the future. It is going to be bright, I am sure of that.

“The World Cup qualifiers are going to be tough. We have to learn some lessons from tonight as that is important for the young players – me being one of them.”

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