Euro 2020 Final: England vs Italy Preview
So that happened…
England are into a final of a major competition for the first time since 1966.
History has not repeated itself and a renewed sense of optimism has taken over a country who believe this group of players, with Southgate at the helm, can do it.
The performance against Denmark wasn’t one to take your breath away, in fact for large periods of the game Denmark were the stronger side. They controlled the midfield as England were outnumbered and struggled to cope with the intensity that Denmark were playing at.
It was only when substitutions were made, and the Danes tired in extra-time, when the momentum changed in England’s favour.
Despite getting subbed back off, I thought Grealish had a massive impact off the bench once again. Henderson helped England take back control and was more progressive on the ball (how times have changed). The penalty may have been dubious, but it was the least England deserved, they created more chances and before that point, were very unfortunate with some of the refereeing decisions.
All that really mattered to us English fans is that Kane stepped up and scored (at the second attempt).
The scenes of ecstasy and jubilation will stick with me forever, I’ve never seen an atmosphere quite like it, Wembley was buzzing. Sweet Caroline came out for a second rendition and life was really good.
In the other semi-final, Italy defeated Spain on penalties, a cruel way for the Spaniards to go out after being the better side on the day. It was the game of the tournament for me, end to end excitement, high quality football and some moments of individual brilliance.
Pedri. What a player he is going to be, he already is phenomenal.
He ran the show once again for Spain who dictated large parts of the game and undoubtedly had the better chances.
Ultimately though, the headlines went to Morata who went from hero to villain, the story of his career.
He scored a hugely important late equaliser before missing the all-important penalty in the shootout, leaving Jorginho of all people to jump, skip and hop before tapping it in the bottom corner, nerves of steel.
“My Final Prediction: England 1-0 Italy (It’s Coming Home)”
I think this game will be tight, tense and in all honesty, dull. I am not saying any English or Italian fan will be bored watching it as there is far too much at stake for that. I just think you have two sides in a position they aren’t used to, playing in a final and finals can be cagey at the best of times.
Also, Italy play a more expansive and pragmatic style but they love defending more than anything else and England have a defence first, attack second mentality under Southgate.
All I’m saying is don’t be surprised if this isn’t entertaining or pretty as both sides are desperate not to lose.
Football means everything in both countries and both nations have had their fair share of hurt in just the last 5 years alone.
The game could go slightly different if Southgate makes the switch in the starting XI I think he should make. I have learnt to trust Southgate with whatever he decides but he hasn’t been afraid to make changes, so this is something he might actually do.
I would consider bringing Henderson into the midfield as someone whose more gifted on the ball and more positive, as England need to get a hold of the midfield battle that Italy will be favourites to win.
He has experience and leadership qualities as well which will be invaluable for such a momentous occasion.
He is also a winner, he’s won the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool and that can’t go unnoticed.
The other change I would consider making is starting Grealish on the left and Sterling on the right.
Grealish has made an impact every appearance he has made, and he would be an unpredictable factor that could just throw Italy off, who will be expecting to deal with Saka on the right on and Sterling on the left.
Sterling is also at his best on the right which is his natural position, just look how much better he was when moved out to the right against Denmark.
Foden over Mount is less important but could be a good idea too, for the brief time that Foden, Grealish and Sterling were on the pitch together, they were making things happen and looked an exciting trio.
Grealish and Foden clicked particularly and those two with their forward-thinking positivity, could just make the difference on a historic day in English football.
In Gareth we trust but the smallest margins will decide D-day and Southgate can’t afford to get it wrong, not now.