STARTING LINEUP
England predicted lineup
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Phillips, Rice, Mount; Saka, Kane, Sterling
Italy predicted lineup
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson; Verratti, Jorginho, Barella; Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne
Tell me. what to watch November 21, 2024 6:00 pm
ENGLAND VS ITALY
England are looking to win their first major tournament in 55 years when they face Italy on Sunday night at Wembley Stadium for the Euro 2020 final.
Under Gareth Southgate, a new England football team has emerged and the team have led football into a new exciting era bursting with talent and depth.
Wednesday’s semifinal against Denmark saw England dominate the game, an extra-time goal – caught on the rebound from Harry Kane and a Denmark own goal thanks to Raheem Sterling forcing the defender into the box wiped out Denmark’s stunning free-kick.
Before the Demark game, England gave Ukraine a quarter-final thrashing in Rome, there was the historic win over Germany and efficient victories over Croatia and the Czech Republic that secured England the top spot in Group D.
Now England is in its first-ever European Championship final and will face the formidable Italy who have had a hugely impressive tournament so far.
Italy held their nerve in a semi-final penalty shootout battle with Spain, while previously recovering from Leonardo Spinazzola’s injury to eliminate the world’s no1-ranked team Belgium in the quarter-finals. Only in the extra-time last-16 win over Austria did they look even the briefest bit rattled after brushing aside Turkey, Switzerland and Wales to top Group A.
After missing out on qualification for the World Cup in Russia three years ago, the Azzurri have been eager to make up for lost time, putting together a truly formidable run of 33 matches unbeaten. Their last defeat came all the way back in September 2018.
This will be Italy’s 10th major tournament final overall and fourth at the European Championship, where they were runners-up in both 2012 and 2000. Their only success to date came as hosts back in 1968.
ENG V ITA
Wembley Stadium
THE BIG MATCH
Wembley Stadium is expected to see around 60,000 football fans.
Odds for the Euro 2020 final
- England to win in 90 minutes – 13-8
- Italy to win in 90 minutes – 19-10
- Harry Kane to score first – 9-10
- Luke Shaw to register an assist – 11-2
- England to win on penalties – 15-2
- Either team to win in extra time – 5-1
*All odds via Betfair and correct on 8 July
PREDICTION
Both of these teams have oceans of momentum behind them and picking a winner is extremely difficult.
It will surely be a tense, gripping and tight affair between two excellent, confident teams, potentially decided by just the one goal.
Sunday’s contest really could go either way and maybe it’s heart ruling head just a little bit, but I’m backing England to get that extra push they need from another raucous home crowd. England 1-0 Italy – The Evening Standard
It’s difficult to call. The Italy we saw earlier in this tournament would probably beat England. England would probably beat the Italy we saw against Spain. A tight game feels likely, whatever the scoreline. So, is it coming home? Let’s say it is, maybe. England 2-1 Italy. – The Independent
WTX NEWS PREDICTION – ENGLAND 1-0 ITALY
ENGLAND-ITALY | Team News, Where To Watch
Bukayo Saka had been England’s only fitness concern, missing the thrashing of Ukraine before returning in place of Jadon Sancho in the front three to face Denmark, where he played a crucial role.
Southgate stuck with a four-man defence for the semifinal after previously switching to a three to counter the impacts of the German wing-backs.
Southgate will have to face a similar decision over his formation against Italy. Jack Grealish was subbed off in extra-time against Denmark having only come on in the second half of the initial 90. The move is expected to be a tactical decision rather than an injury.
Italy are without Spinazzola after the full-back was stretchered off in the Belgium game – he is expected to be out for several months.
Emerson Palmieri deputised well for Spinazzola against Spain and will be expected to do so again on Sunday.
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Kane scores twice as Tottenham beat Palace 4-0
Kane scores twice as Tottenham beat Palace 4-0 Harry Kane scored two goals in last night’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace, to see Tottenham
