Ferdinand, Owen, Wright & more: Twitter reacts to England’s agony
England lose to Italy on penalties after the quarter-final finishes goalless, triggering a huge response on Twitter
England were eliminated from Euro 2012 at the quarter-final stage after Ashley Cole and Ashley Young both missed spot-kicks in the decisive penalty shootout against Italy.
Roy Hodgson’s side battled valiantly as Italy were vastly superior in a goalless draw, but the Three Lions faltered once again on penalties, with the match prompting a huge reaction on Twitter from England legends past and present, across an array of sports.
Here are some of our favourites, in chronological order.
1min: Former Wales international Robbie Savage (@RobbieSavage8) believes Steven Gerrard will be key for England: “It’s all about Gerrard bossing the game tonight. Set-pieces are crucial for Italy, Andrea Pirlo delivery is fantastic!”
1min: Ex-world champion boxer Joe Calzaghe (@RealJoeCalzaghe) picks out Italy’s danger-men: “Think it’s going to be a tight game – possibly extra time! Balotelli is the danger man. Montolivo is the weak link!”
1min: Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) sums up the thoughts of the nation: “Don’t understand why Young starts again – he’s been weakest link in all 3 games. Should have given way to Theo Walcott or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. #England”
3mins: Former Coventry City striker Darren Huckerby (@hucks6dh6) is worried after Daniele De Rossi’s strike: “What a strike that is! Poor start by England! #Euro12”
3mins: Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone (@TomHuddlestone6) is impressed by the technique: “De rossi was off celebrating then haha #tekkers”
5mins: Ex-Aston Villa star Ian Taylor (@IanTaylor7) cannot believe Glen Johnson has missed: “Johnson should score! Ball under his feet but a great chance! Good save from Buffon! Great start! #England #Italy”
17mins: England legend Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) is encouraged by the Three Lions’ start to the quarter-final: “Brilliant spell from England. Just need a reward for the dominance #statingtheobvious but I’m nervous.”
25mins: Former Arsenal star Ian Wright (@IanWright0) hails John Terry for denying Mario Balotelli: “Awesome Terry.”
31mins: Former Tottenham chairman Lord Sugar (@Lord_Sugar) is concerned by Balotelli’s threat: “Worried about Balotelli loitering with intent – he has nearly done us on two occasions.”
35mins: Newcastle defender Danny Simpson (@dannysimpson) believes England are employing a bit of catenaccio: “I know we are playing Italy, but is it just me that feels like we look like a traditional Italian team? #defensive”
41mins: Leicester City striker David Nugent (@nuge101235) is unimpressed by Wayne Rooney and wants Andy Carroll on: “Rooney off! Carroll on! He will batter those defenders! #longball”
Half-time: Celebrity Jonathan Ross (@wossy) seems confident England will lose: “If England win I will cut my hair like Balotelli. Come on chaps. You can do it.”
65mins: Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) is in awe of Italy’s playmaker: “Pirlo is seeing the game from different angles to anyone on that pitch and all us at home!”
77mins: Former Crystal Palace striker Mark Bright (@Mark__Bright) wants Rooney to deliver: “When Portugal asked, Ronaldo answered, where are you Wayne? England need some magic…”
90mins: Ex-England international Peter Reid (@reid6peter) admits Italy have been dominant: “The Italians’ feet must be hurting ! They’ve had that many touches. Dead ball our best chance of getting one.”
90mins: Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam (@Charlie26Adam) gives his team-mate moral support: “This is it, Andy Carroll is on goal, coming up.”
100mins: Southampton’s Jos Hooiveld (@joshooiveld20) wanted to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on: “Would have loved to see @Alex_OxChambo in action tonight! This game would have suited him for sure!”
115mins: Queens Park Rangers captain Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) reckons England can win on penalties: “If it’s any consolation, the Italians are as bad as us at penalties, apparently… #comeonengland”
115mins: BBC presenter Clare Balding (@clarebalding1) is relieved the linesman ruled out Italy’s goal for offside: “Ooh I love that linesman”
Bolton Wanderers Fabrice Muamba (@fmuamba) is mesmerised by Italy’s top midfielder: “Pirlo is some player at 33, he was playing like he is 18, the guy ran the show in midfield. Finish off with cool as ice penalty.”
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) has his say: “Happy for Mario, anything is possible now for him. @JoleonLescott, Hart, and Milner had a great tournament amongst others of their team. Italy were better team with Pirlo being the godfather today but England showed heart and spirit. There has to be a winner, that’s football.”
Liverpool legend Terry McDermott (@TerryMac777) says England supporters should be used to this: “At least we are used to the feeling…..even though it doesn’t get any easier”
Former England striker Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) is disappointed by the Three Lions’ exit: “We played to our strengths but are just not quite good enough. We were hoping to ‘do a Chelsea’. If you are not the best team then you have to find an alternative way to win. The other option is to forget results for a while and start from scratch playing a different style.” 
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Read more on: andrea pirlo, England, Euro 2012, italy, michael owen, rio ferdinand, Roy Hodgson, Steven Gerrard.
