Joe Wicks 'really affected' by Euro 2020 defeat and post-match trolling of players

Joe Wicks was "really affected" by the Euro 2020 final and the racist abuse England players suffered afterwards.

Fitness expert Joe, 34, went to Wembley Stadium for England's showdown with Italy, which concluded with Italy winning during a penalty shootout. England players Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho missed their penalties and were subjected to racist abuse on social media after the game.

And Joe has admitted that the mood after the defeat affected him so much that he struggled to "bounce back" following the match.

"I was at Wembley for the Euro final when people were trying to break into the stadium," Joe told the Metro. "I was trying to get in with my ticket and people were trying to push the fence down and throwing smoke grenades into the crowd. Police horses were running past and everyone was screaming; it felt like a riot.

"It was really scary and the tension, hostility and all the racist tweets afterwards affected me massively. I couldn't bounce back. I felt sad and disappointed and just didn't want to exercise."

He also said he felt a "responsibility" being the nation's PE teacher during lockdown last year, but struggled when it was over.

"I was proud and when it finished I felt down. It was like after winning a medal at the Olympic Games - I felt flat and wondered what I would do next," he admitted.

In lockdown, Joe shifted from high-intensity training to slower activities like walking in nature, yoga, and guided meditation.

He is sharing this knowledge in a new YouTube series, The Year That Changed Me, in partnership with activewear brand Lululemon.