England will set out to win their first ever European Championship when they face Italy in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final.
The Three Lions have found form at the perfect time and ran through Germany, Ukraine and Denmark in the knockout stages with very few issues, and they’ll have the support of the Wembley crowd for this momentous occasion.
It’s Gareth Southgate’s toughest test to date, and here’s how he could set up.
Jordan Pickford (GK) – Pickford looked a little shaky at times against Denmark, but he has largely been outstanding this summer and deserves the Golden Glove award that is coming his way.
Kyle Walker (RB) – Outstanding against Denmark, Walker has the kind of trophy-winning experience England will need at the back.
Harry Maguire (CB) – Maguire has led by example so far and will be confident of keeping Ciro Immobile quiet.
John Stones (CB) – Italy will press relentlessly from midfield, so Stones’ ability to ping the ball across the pitch may be crucial.
Luke Shaw (LB) – Shaw’s work down the left side has been impeccable so far, but he will have his work cut out for him against Federico Chiesa.
Declan Rice (DM) – Up against Jorginho, to whom he is relentlessly compared by Chelsea fans, Rice will know he needs to turn on the style.
Kalvin Phillips (DM) – England need energy from Phillips, who will need to hound Italy’s midfielders from start to finish.
Bukayo Saka (RM) – Italy do a lot of their attacking down the left, so Saka’s defensive work rate could be crucial to keeping Emerson and Lorenzo Insigne at bay.
Mason Mount (AM) – Don’t be surprised if Mount is deployed deeper in a 4-3-3. Italy’s strength is in midfield, and the Chelsea man’s relentless pressing may be needed to unsettle them.
Raheem Sterling (LM) – The star of the show, Sterling is a leading candidate to win the tournament’s Best Player award. A good showing here and he’ll seal it.
Harry Kane (ST) – After a very slow start to the tournament, Kane has picked himself up at the right time. Will he get the two goals he needs to win the Golden Boot?
