Southampton football fans watch England v Italy in Euro 2012

England fans at The Winston Hotel, Southampton, were glued to the TV screen as the international team took on Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.

The date was June 24 when Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions travelled to Kiev to face the team that went on to be tournament runners-up behind Spain.

England was outplayed by Italy for 120 minutes - although the team’s sheer doggedness ensured the game went to penalties.

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But, as with the previous six occasions England had entered that stage of a knock-out game, the players and fans were left heartbroken.

England captain Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney were successful from the spot, but Ashley Young struck the bar and Ashley Cole’s effort was saved by Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Mario Balotelli scored Italy’s first penalty but Riccardo Montolivo’s miss gave England hope that was cruelly snatched away as Andrea Pirlo chipped in his spot-kick and Antonio Nocerino coolly netted the ball before Alessandro Diamanti scored the decisive penalty.

 Despite enduring a persistent barrage of Italian attacks, Hodgson’s men still showed enough heart and spirit to make their exit with pride.

Tomorrow the Three Lions are looking to exact revenge for 2012 – and we at the Daily Echo wish the team, staff and country the very best.

COME ON ENGLAND!