An expectant nation will have all eyes firmly set on Wembley when England tackle Italy in the final of Euro 2020 on Sunday night.
While the country has allowed itself to dream of football finally coming home and emulating the World Cup triumph of 1966, England manager Gareth Southgate remains determined to stay focused on the job in hand.
The Queen has wished the Three Lions well, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson also penned a personal note to Southgate and his squad, who were FaceTimed by Hollywood A-lister Tom Cruise.
“We had a fabulous reception when we left St George’s. All the local villages had come out, lining the route,” Southgate said.
“People pulled over in lay-bys so you got more of a sense of what’s gone on outside of the bubble that we’ve been in.
“It’s important how we’ve represented people and we’re pleased that legacy has been there – but now we want to go and win the trophy for everybody.”
Mancini ready to finish his Italian job
Having beaten Spain on penalties in their semi-final, Italy are now undefeated in 33 games.
Reaching 34, though, could yet prove to be the toughest test yet of how far his team have come – and can go on the road towards Qatar 2022.
?? Final preparations for Italy ?#EURO2020 | #ITA pic.twitter.com/tvNiWf126z
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 10, 2021
“England are a strong team. They have some brilliant players and a lot of depth, but the fact that we have reached this point, means we are a strong side too,” said the former Manchester City boss.
“We must be concentrated on our football and understand it is the final hurdle.”
Mancini added: “I really hope that I can enjoy an experience that I did not during my playing career, despite the fact I played in some wonderful Italy teams.”
“I send my good wishes for tomorrow with the hope that history will record not only your success but also the spirit, commitment and pride with which you have conducted yourselves.”
A message from Her Majesty The Queen to Gareth Southgate & @England ahead of the #EURO2020 Final. pic.twitter.com/uFX2O38kxi
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 10, 2021
Foden fitness test
Three Lions stand on the Edge of Tomorrow
Quote of the day
The skipper’s pre-final thoughts ?©️#VivoAzzurro #ITA #ITAENG #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/iQenIIbm1Y
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) July 10, 2021
England’s youthful frontline are expected to stretch Italy’s veteran Juventus central defensive partnership of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci at Wembley. Azzurri captain Chiellini, though, reckons Southgate’s squad has enough talent to fill two teams which would have given anyone a run for their money at Euro 2020. He said: “It almost makes me laugh because I think England’s bench could probably have made it to the final on their own because they have some extraordinary players.”
Stat of the day
Up next
Italy v England (final, July 11, Wembley, 2000 BST)
