Yes we've actually made it to a final of a major tournament again, wow, I know it wasn't the greatest of games on Wednesday night but the lads did it, coming from a goal down (wonderful free kick by the way) to force extra time and a Harry Kane goal after Kasper Schmeichel saved his penalty was enough to bring us back to Wembley to take on Italy.
Likely to be a tight game, probably only one goal in it and I'll likely back 2-1 result either way, wouldn't be surprised if it went all the way to extra time and penalties either, if your nerves can stand it. The media will have hyped it up to the max no question, hopefully the full house at Wembley gets behind them throughout.
ENGLAND
Managed by Gareth Southgate since September 2016, having previously been the U21 manager for three years before that. The last time the two countries met at a major tournament, Italy won 2-1 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as the Three Lions finished bottom of their group. Italy also knocked Roy Hodgson's Three Lions out at the quarter-final stage of Euro 2012 on penalties in Kyiv. England have not beaten the Azzurri in the past three meetings. Can Southgate effect another change of fortune after the wonderful wins against Germany and Ukraine. Is constantly changing the side so we'll see who gets the nod to start, hopefully Jack Grealish doesn't get brought on only to be hauled off later, seemed bit harsh.
Latest - England midfielder Phil Foden will miss Sunday's Euro 2020 final against Italy with a foot injury. The 21-year-old is a doubt to face the Azzurri after missing the team's final training session at St George's Park. Mason Mount will start in place of Saka, with Foden not even named amongst the subs.
ITALY
Managed by Roberto Mancini since May 2018, Italy reached the final after an enticing battle against Spain that ended in Roberto Mancini's side winning 4-2 on penalties. It means the Azzurri have now gone an incredible 33 games without defeat. Italy dominated Group A, qualifying with a 100% record, but they did need extra time to beat Austria in the last 16 and Spain in the semi-final. Although they won this tournament in 1968 they've at least won a few World Cups since then to alleviate their pain. Mancini selects an unchanged starting eleven for the final.
The match is Live on BBC / ITV channels with kick off at 8pm.
England XI 1 [Shaw 2']
Pickford (Gk), Walker, Stones, 🟨Maguire, Trippier, Shaw, Phillips, Rice, Mount, Sterling, Kane (c).
ITALY XI 1 [Bonucci 67']
Donnarumma (Gk), 🟨Chiellini (c), Di Lorenzo, 🟨Bonucci, Emerson, 🟨Barella, 🟨Jorginho, Verratti, Chiesa, Immobile, 🟨Insigne.
F/T 1-1 Extra Time Ended 1-1
Penalties to follow ... Lost 3-2
Head to Head
Admittedly our record against the Azzurri is not great, 27 previous meetings and England only have 8 wins, compared to 11 for Italy, the remaining 8 have ended in draws. The most recent games ended in a pair of 1-1 draws in friendlies, since the 2-1 defeat in the 2014 World Cup during the reign of Roy Hodgson. Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson are the only remaining members of that game still involved in the current campaign.
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