Overview

#Euro2020 documented the 16th UEFA European Championship, held June 11–July 11, 2021 (delayed one year due to COVID-19 pandemic but kept the “2020” name for branding). Italy won their second European title, defeating England in a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium. The hashtag tracked month-long drama including Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest, Denmark’s Cinderella run, England’s “It’s Coming Home” hope, and racist abuse of English penalty missers.

Tournament Format

For the first time, the Euros were held across 11 host cities (Rome, Baku, Munich, Saint Petersburg, Copenhagen, Bucharest, Amsterdam, Seville, Glasgow, Budapest, London) to celebrate the competition’s 60th anniversary. The hashtag spiked in each city during matches, with localized trending (#ItsComingHome in England, #Forza Azzurri in Italy).

24 teams competed (expanded from 16 in 2016). Key matchups hashtagged:

• Portugal vs. France (Group F): Ronaldo vs. Benzema, 2-2 draw
• Netherlands vs. Czech Republic (Round of 16): Czechs upset Oranje 2-0
• Belgium vs. Italy (QF): Italy won 2-1, ended Belgium’s “Golden Generation” hopes
• England vs. Germany (Round of 16): England won 2-0 at Wembley, exorcising tournament demons

Christian Eriksen Cardiac Arrest

The tournament’s defining moment occurred June 12, 2021 (Denmark vs. Finland, Copenhagen). In the 43rd minute, Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field with no contact—cardiac arrest. Cameras captured:

• Teammates forming shield: Danish players circled Eriksen to block cameras
• Simon Kjær’s quick thinking: Captain stabilized Eriksen’s head, performed CPR
• Eriksen’s partner Sabrina crying: Heartbreaking footage from stands

Eriksen was resuscitated with a defibrillator and hospitalized (stable condition). #PrayForEriksen and #Euro2020 trended globally. UEFA offered to postpone; Denmark chose to finish the match that evening (lost 1-0). Eriksen later had an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) fitted and returned to professional football (Brentford, 2022).

Denmark’s Emotional Run

Denmark, traumatized by Eriksen’s collapse, rallied to reach the semifinals:

• Beat Russia 4-1, Wales 4-0: Dominant performances dedicated to Eriksen
• Lost to England 2-1 (SF): Controversial penalty awarded to England (Raheem Sterling dive debate)

The hashtag celebrated Denmark’s spirit, with fans calling them “tournament winners in our hearts.”

England’s “It’s Coming Home” Hype

England reached their first major final since 1966 (World Cup). #ItsComingHome (Three Lions anthem lyric) trended for weeks:

• Raheem Sterling’s resurgence: Scored vs. Germany, Ukraine
• Harry Maguire’s return: From injury, solidified defense
• Jordan Pickford heroics: Saved penalties, kept clean sheets
• Southgate’s waistcoat: Manager Gareth Southgate’s fashion became meme

Wembley hosted both semifinals (England beat Denmark 2-1, Italy beat Spain on penalties). The final was scheduled for July 11, 2021—England’s first final in 55 years.

The Final: Italy vs. England

The match at Wembley drew 67,173 fans (reduced capacity due to COVID). England took a 2nd-minute lead (Luke Shaw goal, fastest Euro final goal ever). Italy equalized in the 67th minute (Leonardo Bonucci). The match went to penalties after 1-1 draw through extra time.

Penalty shootout:

• Marcus Rashford hit post
• Jadon Sancho saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma
• Bukayo Saka (19 years old) saved—Italy won 3-2 on penalties

Italy celebrated their second Euro title (first since 1968). England’s heartbreak was immediate. The hashtag flooded with:

• Support for Saka, Rashford, Sancho: All Black players, immediately faced racist abuse on social media
• “It’s Not Coming Home”: Mockery from rivals (Scotland, Wales, Ireland)
• Donnarumma GOAT: Named Player of the Tournament

Racist Abuse Fallout

Within hours, Rashford, Sancho, and Saka’s social media accounts were bombarded with racial slurs, monkey emojis, and death threats. #Euro2020 became a platform for anti-racism campaigns:

• UK politicians condemned abuse: Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer, Prince William
• Mural defaced: Rashford’s Manchester mural vandalized, then covered in supportive messages
• Arrests: UK police arrested multiple individuals for online hate crimes

UEFA and the FA launched investigations. The hashtag highlighted football’s persistent racism problem despite “Kick It Out” campaigns.

Tournament Stars

Key players hashtagged:

• Cristiano Ronaldo: Golden Boot (5 goals), broke international scoring record (109 goals)
• Gianluigi Donnarumma: Italy goalkeeper, saved two penalties in final
• Raheem Sterling: England’s best player (3 goals, 1 assist)
• Pedri (Spain): 18-year-old midfield maestro, Young Player of Tournament
• Romelu Lukaku: Belgium striker, emotional Eriksen tribute celebration

Cultural Impact

#Euro2020 was the first major tournament with full social media saturation post-pandemic lockdowns. Memes, TikToks, and Twitter banter defined the experience. Notable moments:

• Coca-Cola stock drop: Ronaldo removed Coke bottles at press conference, endorsing water
• Hungary fans booed: Homophobic chants during Germany match, UEFA fined Hungary
• Spinazzola injury: Italy left-back’s Achilles tear, emotional stretcher exit

Sources

• UEFA official results: http://web.archive.org/web/20220419145851/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/
• Eriksen collapse footage: https://www.bbc.com/
• Final match report: https://www.theguardian.com/
• Racism investigations: https://www.bbc.com/