It's coming home - England to win Euro 2020
Wembley Stadium is the centrepiece for the final of UEFA Euro 2020. 'Hosts' England, in their first major championship deciding match in the men's game for over half a century, take on Italy, who have perhaps been the most consistent performing nation alongside Gareth Southgate's Three Lions. Both had to overcome stubborn resistance from Spain and Denmark to reach the showpiece event on Sunday evening, and have ultimately deserved their berths through performances as well as results. It is difficult to separate them from observing the duo thus far, and on paper is little different. However, there is arguably more momentum with England, and with the vast majority of the amassed crowd in the capital London backing them, this could be the moment to belatedly end the long years of flattering to deceive. Read our preview here:
Donna kebabs all round
Roberto Mancini will remain without star left-back Leonardo Spinazzola after the Roma player's injury against Belgium in the quarters. Perhaps the best individual in that role in the tournament, not only will he be a big miss on Sunday, he will also be out until perhaps Christmas for new head coach José Mourinho back in Serie A. His replacement Emerson acquitted himself well against the marauding attacks down his flank by Spain, but lacks the dynamism going forward himself his teammate possesses. On the opposite side, Giovanni Di Lorenzo has appeared susceptible to balls in behind him, and given their adversaries' strength down that wing, Mancini must devise a plan to shut down not just Luke Shaw's propensity for assists, but also the movement of Raheem Sterling in that half-space. Gini Donarumma, now confirmed as Paris Saint-Germain's custodian of choice for 2021/2022, has been exemplary thus far, and could be busier than ever. His reflexes and concentration will have to be at their apex for long spells of the match if Gli Azzurri are to come out on top to win their first European Championships since hosting them in 1968.
The exchange rate of Sterling
Southgate's team and shape selections, barring a single collective below par display against Scotland, have been spot on, never choosing the same XI two games in a row whilst also never suffering as a result of that decision. His charges' strength in depth, coupled with the ease of which they came through their test with Ukraine, allowed them to maximise the number of substitutions in that encounter and appear all the fresher against Denmark, which began to tell around the hour mark on Wednesday. He has the option to revert to a back three to match up with Italy's attack man for man, which will in turn allow the wider players to put pressure on the full-backs in blue from the outset. Sterling has been at his inspirational best this summer, assisting main striker Harry Kane an untold amount by creating space and going beyond the wantaway Tottenham Hotspur star. Whilst the duo of Leandro Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are an upgrade as a partnership on any he has faced thus far, he's more than experienced against both for club outfit Manchester City, and his own future could still be up in the air. If that is the case, it hasn't manifested itself on the pitch, and he has only restored or even enhanced his reputation.
55 years of hurt
There is a narrative to suggest the vast majority of most, if not all of the other countries' supporters in Europe are willing Italy to beat England. There was more than a touch of controversy at different points in this tournament to the finalists' progression, and in truth, many neutrals will simply be wishing for a keenly contested final, free of the histrionics and soft penalties that have been major features of what has otherwise been a memorable event. The English FA originally targeted next year's World Cup in Qatar as the deadline/trophy they were looking for all of the talent and coaching setups to mature into something tangible. Italy's best route to preventing that ambition coming to fruition a year early is to quieten the partisan crowd early on, and be relentless through their flexible and skilled midfield to prevent a deluge of attacks in white. Betway have odds of 2.60 for that not to prove sufficient, and England to win in 90 minutes to end three generations of disappointment.
