Euro 2012: Media, Twitter react to England's shootout exit

British papers react to England's Euro 2012 exit. Photo / Twitter

England crashed out of Euro 2012 this morning after losing a fifth straight penalty shootout - sparking an inevitable reaction from both traditional and social media.

Italy were the latest team to hand penalty heartbreak to England with a 4-2 shootout victory after the quarterfinal was locked at 0-0 following extra-time.

England have now won just one shootout from seven attempts at major tournaments going back to 1990.

The fact both Ashleys in the England camp - Cole and Young - failed to convert from the spot wasn't missed by the British papers.

The Daily Mail's website went with the headline - 'England make a HASH-ley of the penalty shootout again', the Sun website led with 'Ash 'N Burn', while the Daily Mirror used 'Ashes to Ashes'.

The Sun's Monday newspaper went with the headline 'Anyone for tennis?," alluding to the fact Wimbledon starts today.

The paper's website earlier used the headline 'The Italian Sob' with an image of Wayne Rooney wiping sweat, or possibly tears, from his face.

The Daily Mirror's site went with 'We're going home: Tears on my Pirlo as Three Lions lose ANOTHER shootout' - a reference to Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo who created countless chances for his side before slotting a cheeky penalty. The paper's Monday print version used 'Now how Roo feel!' with an image of Rooney hiding his head under his shirt.

While the Telegraph's website kept it simple with 'England pay the penalty'.

Reaction to the defeat dominated Twitter feeds with current and former players weighing in with their thoughts.

"What is it with us and penalties? Saved us from the embarrassment of a pasting off Germany in the next round," QPR's Joey Barton tweeted.

"Wow, out on penalties again. Gutted for the lads man," added Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand

Former England striker Michael Owen meanwhile aimed fire at fans who questioned England's tactics: "Easy for people to say 'until we keep possession better we will never win anything'. We are not as good as others at doing that".

And the best tweet goes to the England national tourism board, Visit England.

"England lose on penalties. For more on our culture and traditions go to http://www.visitengland.com ;)"

- HERALD ONLINE