BURY-born England star Kieran Trippier has spoken of his pride in his Three Lions team-mates following Sunday night's loss to Italy.

England lost 3-2 on penalties to the Azzuri in the European Championship final.

And Kieran, 30, thanked fans on Twitter for their support: "I'm so proud of this team. Such a young talented group of players.

"We gave everything we had for you fans and I'm sorry it wasn't enough.

"The support we've received is something we will never forget.

"We will be back stronger. Thank you."

Trippier grew up in Summerseat and attended Holcombe Brook Primary School followed by Woodhey High School.

The game's aftermath saw a divisive response on social media, with some offering support and reassuring the players they had done the nation proud, while others posted abusive and racially insensitive comments.

Fans across the country are devastated following the results, but many are pointing to the fact that England made it to the finals for the first time in 55 years, already a tremendous achievement.

After the past year, many were looking forward to a victory for England as a way to heal the wounds caused by the pandemic.

This comes after England manager, Gareth Southgate confirmed he would be staying on as the England manager, following the heartbreak of Sunday's game, saying he felt his stomach muscles had been "ripped out this morning."

At a press conference, he addressed the racism that has been circulating online: "It's just not what we stand for.

"We have been a beacon of light in bringing people together, in people being able to relate to the national team, and the national team stands for everybody, and so that togetherness has to continue.

"We have shown the power our country has when it coes come together and has that energy and positivity together."

The Duke of Cambridge, who attended the match at Wembley, tweeted: "I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night's match."