England coach Roy Hodgson was proud of his players after their Euros penalty shootout defeat to Italy.

With the scores goalless after extra-time despite Italy's domination, Manchester United winger Ashley Young and Chelsea's Ashley Cole both missed from 12 yards before Alessandro Diamanti sealed England's fate.

It was a backs-to-the-wall effort from the Three Lions, although they did have their moments and Hodgson was determined to cling to the positives after the game.

"I thought the chances were there for both teams," he said. "I actually thought we created some very good chances ourselves.

"But as the half wore on, and extra-time, I thought we were tiring badly and we weren't able to establish enough good possession in the midfield so they came at us time and time again.

"In some ways, you might have even preferred it if they'd have got a goal in that time when they were playing well as that's a little bit less of a cruel way to lose than on penalties.

"We've gone out but we've gone out without actually losing the game and I think we've gone out with our heads held high.

"I personally think the lads have done a fantastic job for their country and I also think that people have appreciated it.

"I really can't fault the players for their effort. Towards the end we had a lot of players out there running on empty really.

"Tired legs, fighting off cramp - but they kept going right to the end.

"But when you go to penalties you have a chance. Unfortunately it was Italy who took that chance and not us."