Steven Gerrard has said that he is heartbroken following England's defeat to Italy at Euro 2012.
The Three Lions exited the tournament on penalties in Kiev after having been on the back foot for most of the night.
Gerrard, who scored England's first spot-kick, admitted that the defeat was hard to take.
"It's heartbreaking, my feelings are exactly the same as previous tournaments," Gerrard told BBC Sport. "I think all the boys have given everything they have got. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be.
"I've played in these games at club level where you ride your luck, and you think it is your night, especially when we got them to penalties, I thought this was it. It wasn't to be, but I'm proud of the team and I've enjoyed leading the boys.
"From a personal point of view, I've left everything out there, and the boys have as well. We've stuck together and worked so hard to get in this position. You need to get the balance right with expectations, there were a lot of critics before the tournament, and we've proved we can compete at this level. It's important we dust ourselves off and go again."
Italy will now face Germany in the semi-final in Warsaw on Thursday.
Michael Penkman
