Rashford: I Accept Criticism But Won't Apologize Where I Come From

Marcus Rashford after missing a penalty against Italy in the Euro 2020 final (Twitter @england)

JAKARTA - England striker Marcus Rashford has apologized for his failure to kick a penalty as England lost in a five-to-five shoot-out in the Euro 2020 final against Italy at Wembley. But he insisted he would "never apologize for who I am" after being one of three players who were racially abused.

Rashford, who along with Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka came on as substitutes and all missed a penalty in the 3-2 shoot-out loss, became the target of social media. A mural in Rashford's hometown of Withington was vandalized and overwritten with messages of support for Rashford.

pic.twitter.com/f7zT9gkAYk

— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) July 12, 2021

The racist abuse prompted a police investigation and widespread condemnation from England's captains and managers, the royal family, religious leaders and politicians.

"I can take criticism all day for my performance, my penalty wasn't good enough, should have gone in, but I will never apologize for who I am and where I come from," the 23-year-old Manchester United striker wrote on Twitter.

"I have not felt a prouder moment than wearing three lions on my chest and watching my family cheer me on among tens of thousands of people."

Rashford, who picked up England's third penalty after captain Harry Kane and defender Harry Maguire had scored, stepped in and although he managed to round Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into the wrong direction, his spot-kick hit the post.

"I don't even know where to start and I don't even know how to put into words how I feel right now," he added.

"I've had a difficult season, I think it's obvious to everyone and I probably went into that final with a bit of confidence."

"I've always been pushing myself for penalties, but something didn't feel right. Before doing so, I took some time out and, unfortunately, the results weren't what I wanted."

"I feel as if I let my team-mates down. I feel as if I let everyone down.

"Penalties are the only things I've been asked to contribute to the team. I can score penalties in my sleep so why not that one? It's been on my mind time and time again since I kicked the ball and there are probably no words to describe how it feels. "

pic.twitter.com/bs9lksGM4q

— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) July 12, 2021

England were eyeing their first major trophy since lifting the World Cup at Wembley in 1966 but lost on penalties after the match ended 1-1 after extra time.

"Final. 55 years. 1 penalty. History. All I can say is I'm sorry. I was hoping things went differently," continued Rahsford.

He also praised his team mates. "This summer has been one of the best camps I've experienced and you all have played a part in it."