The UEFA European Football Championship final aired last night (11 July)- but England narrowly lost out to Italy on penalties.

Celebrities across the North West have taken to social media to speak out about the result.

Jordan North, Paddy McGuiness and Liam Gallagher are just some of the famous names who commiserated England’s defeat and offered words of support to the team.

·Euro 2020: England lose to Italy on penalties

 

Other celebrities used their platform to speak out about the racist abuse of some England players- and are campaigning for change to take place.

Here’s what some North West celebrities had to say about the match:

Burnley radio presenter, Jordan North, said: “Not gonna lie,  I feel miserable today.

“That was a horrible way to lose a final BUT I’m so proud of Gareth and the team.

“They’ve given us the best few weeks, brought us together, and they’ve got so much more to give. It will come home one day.”

Bolton actress, Helen Flanagan, shared a cute picture of her family enjoying the match to her Instagram story.

The Bolton News: Helen Flanagan posted this to her Instagram storyHelen Flanagan posted this to her Instagram story

However, she also wanted to make a statement about racism, reposting a story from All On The Board which read: “Feeling gutted about losing a game of football is no excuse, for disgusting and vile racial abuse.

“Rashford, Sancho and Saka you have our support and we want to kick racism out.”

Carl Fogarty, MBE, from Blackburn said he was “gutted” about the result but also congratulated Italy on their victory.

Preston presenter, Ranvir Singh, is looking ahead to the next major football tournament.

She wrote: “Right when do tickets for the World Cup go on sale ? #England #comebackstronger.”

Ms Singh also commented on Domestic violent which often follows football tournaments.

She wrote: “There will be children who had a scary night at home - we need to be aware of that as we nurse our disappointment this morning.”

Bury-born Gary Neville had a lot to say about racism in football.

Speaking to a national paper, the football coach said: “There is an issue in society and football where we feel it is acceptable to criticise player sporting actions because of the colour of their skin.

“Social media companies have to come down harder on racist abuse and we need to isolate the individuals who are attacking the players in a racist manor by writing to their employers.

“People are being abused and it’s absolutely ridiculous that we are still talking about this in 2021… but we are”

Horwich presenter Vernon Kay wrote: That first cup of tea…Was Bliss. We’ll roar again.

Bolton’s Paddy McGuinness also had something to say about the match and admitted that he was “devastated.”

He wrote: “Not going to have a go at the penalty takers, just devastated we couldn’t do it in 90 minutes. Well done @England and thank you for giving us a great tournament. #Euro2020Final #gutted”

Bolton boxer, Amir Khan, simply tweeted: “Unlucky England”

Cumbrian journalist and TV personality, India Willoughby, had some critiques for Gareth Southgate’s management.

She wrote: “Southgate way too slow with his substitutions today. Didn’t give them a chance to make an impact. What a missed opportunity.”

However, she later tweeted: “The day after and I just want to say well done @England - fantastic tournament.
“All very proud of you - made the country happy. Young team too! Roll on the World Cup! Best wishes to @MarcusRashford @BukayoSaka87“

Warrington’s Jesse Lingard and professional footballer offered words of encouragement to the national team.

He tweeted: “Proud of the boys, keep your heads up.”

Oasis singer and Manchester-born Liam Gallagher, said: “Gutted about the footy but gotta BIG UP the lads and Gareth Southgate and the fans- that was something else.

“We go again on the World Cup.

“Peace and love- and most of all RESPECT.”

Bury actress, Gemma Atkinson shared the FA’s statement on discriminatory abuse and wrote: “This has to stop! Disgusting.”

Manchester’s Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis, also weighed in on the game.

He wrote: “Gutted. But still pride in the team. Hard to watch. Hard to react. We lost but the team aren't losers.”

Nicola Roberts from Runcorn, Cheshire,  criticised the Government’s Online Safety Bill, claiming it fails to stop abusive web users from rejoining social media platforms after being banned.

The singer, 35, responded to a post by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden on Twitter, in which he had condemned the racist abuse members of the England football team received following their Euro 2020 loss on Sunday.

Roberts wrote: “Until you close the gaps on making it impossible for an abuser to keep creating accounts [it will not stop abusive web users from rejoining social media platforms].

"The @DCMS had not spoken to victims to gain experience of how to make this bill the most effective. It can’t look like you’re making a change. The change has to happen.