Normal service is resumed as England remember their enduring role

England are once again confined to an average, quarter final finish after an enthralling, often gripping game against Italy – with only the cruel gamble of penalties once more smashing England’s dreams for another year.

Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney scored their penalties for a visibly nervous England, but it was the two Ashley’s, Cole and Young, who joined the ranks of England ‘villains’ throughout history who failed to find the back of the net from twelve yards. And, as Alessandro Diamanti stepped up with Italy’s final penalty, there was to be no waiting with baited breath – rather a crushing sense of pure inevitability for English fans at home, and away.

The words ‘penalty-shootout’ have become synonymous with doom and disaster for luckless England, having only ever won once in tournament history from the spot. Yet, England can really have no complaints, as they were played off the park for long periods by a vibrant Italy, and the miraculous 0-0 score-line after 120 minutes of football was barely deserved.

The signs were ominous as early as the 3^rd minute, as Daniele De Rossi’s sliced volley struck the inside of England’s post, with Joe Hart well beaten. This early shock did however temporarily wake a dozy England, and soon after, Glen Johnson was afforded acres of space inside the Italian box, but tamely chipped into a grateful Buffon’s arms.

Indeed, England tried to push on from this early chance, but this soon fizzled out; and after Rooney wasted a superb headed opportunity from Glen Johnson’s cross, Italy took the reins. Chances came thick and fast, predominantly orchestrated by the peerless Andrea Pirlo, and the Italians should really have been out of sight by the break, were it not for some dreadful finishing, with the distinctly machiavellian Mario Balotelli a chief culprit.

Constantly stripped of possession as easily as relieving a dandelion of its seeds,the second period was a positively painful affair for English fans.Italy relentlessly assaulted the English wall, led by the much maligned, yet stand out English performer, John Terry. But the English defensive bravery was more than matched by Italy’s attacking vigour. Hart saved again from Balotelli,Montolivo fired over, and De Rossi somehow skewed wide with the goal at his mercy. But, there was time still for England’s best chance of the match, as Danny Welbeck exchanged passes with Rooney, before side footing just wide of Buffon’s goal.

With England’s moment gone, the Italians resumed their barrage. Diamante hit a post once again, and substitute Nocerino thought he had nicked it right at the death, but was rightly adjudgedto be offside. It was a cat and mouse affair; with most agreeing that Tom had caught Jerry long before the end of extra time.

Italy racked up a staggering 31 shots, with 18 on target – compared to a dismal 8, with 6 on target for England.We might have been looking at the proverbial cricket score had the Italians brought their proverbial shooting boots. It mattered little however, as England still found themselves up a certain creek without a certain proverbial; largely due to their overly cautious nature, and inability to rise to the big occasion.

The old master, Pirlo, passed, picked, and placated for the Italians all the game long. It was chiefly his near perfect distribution that consistantly unlocked the English stubbornness. His natural elegance typified the clash of ideals that was on show. England huffed and puffed, always perceiving this game, and indeed the entire tournament, as an almighty struggle; a battle. But Italy, like other European giants successful on the big stage, adopt style, poise and an unwavering footballing ideology to their play. They may resort to idealistic tactics of pride and last ditch courage when necessary, but they do not use it as an all-encompassing blueprint. This, I feel, is where the root of the problem lies for a one dimensional England.

It has become very hard these days for pundits, players and fans alike not to use ‘like Chelsea’ as a throwaway adverb. Yet, all the ingredients seemed to be there. An imposing opponent, seemingly capable of swatting the English away like an irritation; a threadbare squad full of failures, futures and final hurrahs; an English goal seemingly erected with the addition of a large pane of glass; a manager unproven and unappreciated at this level; and we even had John Terry and Ashley Cole. Many could be forgiven for predicting an eventual, undeserved victory for the dogged English, and exuding careless optimism when penalies loomed. But they were reading from the wrong script; and I doubt even Chelsea hero Didier Drogba could have saved England from their own, all too repetitive, shortcomings.

Pictures: The Mirror, IBN Live, glogster.com, BBC Sport, eurosoccerweb.com