England have no excuses after their exit from Euro 2004 and they need a change of luck to win a major title, captain David Beckham says.
Beckham said on Friday the area around the penalty spot had given way under this foot, causing him to sky the first penalty in the shoot-out against Portugal on Thursday into the stands. Portugal won the quarter-final shoot-out 6-5.
"The night before the match we practised penalties at both ends. Our feet were giving way under us and I think the manager made an official complaint.
"I don't know whether anything was done about it.
"The same thing happened on the first penalty. When I planted my foot, the ball lifted.
"I said we have a great team and I still believe that - but you need luck." England had a goal disallowed in the dying seconds of normal time after Sol Campbell headed home. This would have given them a 2-1 victory.
"The linesman had given the goal, he was running back towards the halfway line but the referee made the decision.
"But there are no excuses from us. Portugal kept the ball very well and we congratulate them.
"I'm still very proud to be captain of this team. All the players gave 110 percent and there were certain players like Ashley Cole who didn't deserve to be on the losing team."
The game ended 2-2 after extra-time.