I really really REALLY didn't like the decision to bring on the penalty takers with no time left on the clock. They had barely had a kick in the game and now suddenly needed to go from ice cold to white hot into the biggest fire. Kane looked spent as they first made it to extra time and England's lack of a plan B behind him is what keeps hurting them. They instead have to keep him up front in there when they could have maybe done a full re-shuffle, bring in Sancho and Rashford early into extra time and go for it. It also would have had the added bonus of getting both of them into the match further. As a side note, Saka, I give all the credit in the world to for having the courage to step up to the spot in his first major tournament. His future remains really bright, especially if he leaves Arsenal

I've never understood it from any angle in sports. In basketball you always pick the player on the bench to shoot a free throw when given the chance, you always try to ice a kicker in American football, etc, etc. It's all about rhythm and timing and getting comfortable. Why would you intentionally do it to your own team?

Italy were the best team I watched this tournament, bar none. They played with a chip on their shoulder and togetherness that really brought them through the entire way, with players interchanging left and right and a collective sense versus relying so heavily on a few stars. Their defense was wonderful, enjoying every tackle like it were a goal and it's literally unfair that they went from one legendary Gigi Goalie to the next within 4 years.

What an end to a fun tournament and weekend in general that also finally saw Messi end his curse. And frankly, it was great that his TEAM won it for him in the final as that was always been the issue. His embrace with Neymar was great to see too.

33 days until the Prem is back!

Take care all.