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How European newspapers reacted to England's Euro 2016 elimination

Dele Alli
Image: Dele Alli stands alone as Iceland celebrate their progress to the quarter-finals

England have suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Iceland and are heading home from Euro 2016.

England crash out
England crash out

Roy Hodgson's side suffer shock Euro 2016 elimination

Despite taking an early lead against their unfancied opponents, England conceded twice to crash out of the competition at the last-16 stage.

We take a look at how Europe's newspapers reacted to the surprise result....

Wayne Rooney (2nd R) of England walks to console Gary Cahill (1st L), Joe Hart (2nd L) and Dele Alli (1st R) after their defeat against Iceland
Image: England struggled to carve out many clear opportunites against Iceland

A headline in Marca from Spain read: "Iceland ridicule England, kicking them out of the Euros."

Then, in an editorial, added: "England never found solutions and were inferior to their opponents."

Ragnar Sigurdsson (C, obscured) of Iceland celebrates scoring his team's first goal
Image: Goalscorer Ragnar Sigurdsson (centre, obscured) was one of several Icelandic heroes on the night

Hosts France will play Iceland in the quarter-finals and their sports news daily L'Equipe described England's failure to deny Kolbeinn Sigthorsson his winning goal.

"Each touch the Icelanders took in the England half seemed to make the Three Lions fans catch their breath," read a report.

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"How did the England coach and his troops fall for it? (Aron) Gunnarsson swung in the ball like Thor throws his hammer - it was THE classic Icelandic attack."

Roy Hodgson
Image: Roy Hodgson was already resigned from his position as England manager

Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport wrote: "England, another Brexit! A fairy story as Iceland reach the quarters while Hodgson has already resigned."

Kicker, a German football magazine continued on a similar theme: "Their first experience of the European Championship has been perfect - underdogs Iceland have bowled England out of the tournament."

And finally to Iceland. National newspaper Morgunbladid hailed the win by writing: "Iceland are among the best footballing nations in Europe. That is clear after this historic victory over England in Nice."

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