It is an image that no England fan wanted to see - Roberto Mancini and his coaching staff embracing in ecstasy as the Italy players raced around Wembley pitch in jubilation.
After reaching the final and the chance to lift a first international trophy since 1966, a fairytale story ended in a depressingly predictive manner - one that Three Lions supporters know all too well - England losing out on penalties. A year on from that fateful day at Euro 2020, and it is the women's turn to inspire a nation.
While the men might have fallen at the very last hurdle, there is reason to be optimistic this summer as England host the Women's Euro 2022. Sarina Wiegman's side have started off in fine fashion, claiming victory against Austria in a nervy opener that could have been a potential banana skin.
With three points on the table, it has taken off some of the pressure on the Lionesses heading into the biggest test of the group stage - Norway. Tipped as potential dark horses, the Scandinavians have some of the best players in the world - not least the inaugural Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg.
However, she is not the only one to be wary of with Barcelona forward Caroline Graham Hansen, Arsenal's Frida Maanum and Manchester City's Julie Blakstad and Chelsea duo Maren Mjelde and Guro Reiten all featuring in their eye-catching 4-1 win over Northern Ireland last week.
While it is important not to discount your opponents, England must remember they have some frightening firepower of their own. In the build-up to this summer's tournament, there have been relentless maulings of Switzerland, Belgium and Euro holders Holland.
Arsenal forward Beth Mead has been on fire, Chelsea star Millie Bright is solid at the back while Ellen White remains a figurehead for the team. "[Norway] are a phenomenal team. It's a really tough group," the Manchester City striker said. "We've watched them and analysed them and we're fully focused on what we can do. It's a big, big game for us and we're excited."
White will be hoping to add to her 50-goal tally for England, already the highest scorer for her country, against Norway on Monday night while the Lionesses have a manager who knows exactly what to do to win the tournament. Wiegman led the Netherlands to victory in Euro 2017 while they reached the 2019 World Cup final before losing to the United States.
Prior to Euro 2022, former England and Arsenal star Kelly Smith said: "I think I have seen a shift in mentality. The new manager has a great pedigree and she has come in and galvanised this England team, she has got them believing. I just see they've made great strides under the new manager and I do think they can deliver in this Euros.
"The confidence is high and I think when you reach semi-finals and you have that experience of heartache and being so close, that can add extra drive for you. With it being on home soil, home crowd, you can either crumble or take that and add it as an extra string to your bow, and I think they will really deliver on the day."
And that home crowd could be the difference in this summer's tournament having already seen an incredible 68,871 turn up to watch the opener - an attendance record in the competition's history. If fans had been left heartbroken last year by the men, the support has never bowed.
When England kick off at the Amex Stadium on Monday night against Norway, it will be against a background set a year ago on that cruel night at Wembley. Yet, fast-forward to 31 July, and one of the most famous grounds in sport will play host to a new European champion.
