England players were stunned by coach Gareth Southgate's decision to have Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka their fifth penalty taker on Sunday.
The attacker saw his effort saved by Italy goalkeeper Gigio Donnarumma - and with it the Euro 2020 final was won by the Azzurri.
The Daily Mail says Saka, 19, was only considered a borderline candidate to make Southgate's squad on the eve the tournament, yet was chosen to take a penalty ahead of more experienced players such as Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish because of his outstanding conversion rate in training sessions.
Some England players were shocked that a teenager had been put in a position to determine the outcome of their biggest match in 55 years.
The Arsenal midfielder was only winning his ninth cap and had never previously taken a penalty at senior level, his only experience of spot kicks coming in youth-team matches.
