As soon as extra-time came to an end, I had a feeling that was it. England and penalties just don't work, and as we lost our fifth successive major penalty shootout that theory was reiterated. It was a night of wasted opportunities and total lack of dominance on England's behalf, but worst of all, it was a night of disappointment and continued tournament agony.

The main problem for England? We couldn't keep the bloody ball for more than ten seconds, and when we did eventually work it into a good position, we made a total waste of it. Johnson's shot straight at Buffon, Rooney's sky-ward header, Welbeck's attempt not even on target. We had all the luck, but couldn't find the finish.

When Alessandro Diamanti thumped his penalty home, there was a sense of football justice. Italy had dominated for the majority of the game with England hanging on by the skin of their teeth. The game had barely kicked off when Daniele de Rossi's curling striker crashed off the post and crucial blocks from John Terry and, later on, Joleon Lescott denied Mario Balotelli. Substitute Antonio Nocerino's headed goal was correctly ruled offside and a Diamante cross ended up hitting the post.

It was a miracle we took it to penalties, but a disappointment nonetheless. The Three Lions rode their luck, but for not quite long enough. Brazil 2014 anybody?