The 2020 European Championship (delayed to 2021) culminated in a dramatic final on July 11, 2021: England vs. Italy at Wembley Stadium — ending in heartbreak for England and racist abuse for Black players.

The Tournament

UEFA Euro 2020 was postponed from summer 2020 to June-July 2021 due to COVID. It kept the “Euro 2020” branding despite happening in 2021.

England’s run: The team reached their first major final since 1966. “It’s Coming Home” (the unofficial anthem) dominated British social media.

The Final

July 11, 2021 — Wembley Stadium, London

England 1-1 Italy (Italy won 3-2 on penalties)

• Luke Shaw scored for England in the 2nd minute
• Leonardo Bonucci equalized in the 67th minute
• Extra time: no goals
• Penalty shootout: Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka (all Black players) missed. Italy won.

The Racist Aftermath

Within minutes of the final whistle, racist abuse flooded social media targeting Rashford, Sancho, and Saka — all aged 19-23.

Monkey emojis, slurs, and death threats filled their Instagram and Twitter comments. The abuse was so widespread that:

• UK government condemned it
• FA issued strong statement
• Mural of Rashford in Manchester was vandalized (then covered in supportive messages)
• Social media companies faced pressure to act

The Response

National reckoning: The racism exposed deep issues in English football culture. Fans who booed players for kneeling against racism were called out.

Support for the Three Lions: Millions rallied behind Rashford, Sancho, and Saka. Murals, messages, and donations to their charities poured in.

“They’re children”: Bukayo Saka was 19. The pressure and abuse he faced sparked conversations about protecting young athletes.

Italy’s Victory

Lost in the racism: Italy won their second European Championship. The Azzurri’s victory was a redemption arc after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Cultural Impact

“It’s coming home” remains a meme — England’s perpetual hope and disappointment.

The tournament was one of the first major sporting events with crowds post-lockdown, symbolizing a return to normalcy.

But the racist abuse ensured the final would be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Sources

• UEFA Euro 2020 Final match report
• Social media analysis of racist abuse (BBC, Guardian)
• FA and UK government statements July 2021
• Twitter and Instagram trending data July 11-15, 2021