ENGLAND are counting down the hours to their first major tournament final in 55 years as they look to win Euro 2020 tonight..
Gareth Southgate’s men have been enjoying some time on their unicorn inflatables before getting down to the serious business of plotting Italy’s downfall in the final.
However, Phil Foden is unlikely to play any part after missing England’s final training session through injury.
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Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
OLE! OLE! OLE! OLE!
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has warned Italy that Marcus Rashford will be ‘ready’ for the Euro 2020 final if he is given the nod for the crunch game.
The Norwegian boss has had his say on England’s Red Devils contingent, including Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, after their stellar tournament.
But Solskjaer sent Italy a warning over Rashford, saying the forward, 23, could be a key man if he is given a rare chance by Gareth Southgate.
Rashford has played just 83 minutes across four matches at the tournament so far, failing to score.
And hen asked about the impact of his Man Utd stars on England’s glorious summer, Solskjaer told the Man Utd website: “It’s tremendous.
“They’ve been so solid, the team, and I think Luke and Harry are definitely helping out in that respect.
“They don’t seem to concede chances and have been very robust.
“I’m very happy Harry is fit and playing while Luke just keeps on going.
“Over the last couple of seasons, he has just improved more and more.
“Marcus, of course, has had to be patient because there are other good players around. He’s just got to be ready.
“If, in the final, Marcus comes on, I’m sure he’ll be ready.”
Solskjaer then offered a little advice to his Old Trafford stars ahead of the Wembley final showdown.
The Red Devils chief added: “[I would just say] enjoy it, of course. Be focused.
“Of course, we’ve kept in touch about enjoying the victory and then then next morning, get on with the next one.
“Nothing becomes history as quickly as a football game.
“It’s history and you have to just look forwards to the next [one] and be ready.
“Luke and Harry, it’s just recovery, Marcus it’s train well, show a good attitude and show Gareth that you are ready.
“We keep in touch all the time. We will send them a good-luck message of course and it’s been the case for all the players, throughout the Euros and Copa America.”
FORZA ITALIA
SCOTTISH newspaper The National have made it clear who they want to win the Euro 2020 showpiece tonight.
Their front cover featured Italy manager Roberto Mancini dressed up as Mel Gibson in Braveheart with a clear message.
‘Save us Roberto, you’re our final hope,’ the headline read.
In brackets it added: ‘We can’t take another 55 years of them banging on about this.”
IN A SPIN
LEONARDO SPINAZZOLA has sent an impassioned letter to his Italy team-mates ahead of the Wembley showdown against England.
The defender will have to watch on from the stands after injuring his Achilles in the quarter-final match against Belgium.
The letter published by La Stampa reads: “If I went back in time, I would sprint for the ball again. I would do it 100 times again, trying to earn a meter on the opponent and shift the game on our side. It’s nothing special, these are the Azzurri’s rules.
“After all, you only cross the line if you are ready to give your soul to your teammates. The injury took me off the field but could not separate me from the group. My son Mattia, who is only three years old, understood that his dad could not remain on the couch at home to watch the game tonight.
“I am thrilled, I can’t hide it. When I got into the aeroplane, I felt I was reborn a little. In a few hours, I will be on the pitch with my teammates and in the stands with the rest of the country. It could have been better, but it could have been worse.
“We have the last battle of this Euros at Wembley. A tournament that I will carry inside forever. From the magic nights of the Stadio Olimpico to the temple of football against the hosts, we’ve come a long way.
“In my case, fate has added a few more kilometres to this journey: a stage of suffering in Finland, to adjust the Achilles tendon.
“Now, I am ready. I feel I have still so much to give. I will return on the wings in a few months, but I like to think this evening we’ll be sprinting all together.
“I toy with the idea of seeing Bryan Cristante, the first teammate who consoled me after the injury, lifts something more meaningful than my head. Here we are. Forza Azzurri!”
CAR BLIMEY
Man Utd coach Michael Carrick has told the Red Devils players in the England squad to enjoy the build-up to the Euro 2020 final.
Speaking to the club’s website, he said: “To be honest, I don’t think there’s loads to say. I think they’re in a good place [so it’s] pretty much ‘same as’.
“Yes, of course, it’s a one-off game in terms of finally getting your hands on the trophy but really it’s still make or break just like the last-16 was, just like the semi-final was, and they handled that pretty well.
“So I don’t think they need much of a message from me apart from do the same, carry on the same, be positive, enjoy the build-up, but enjoy the game for what it is and don’t play it for the occasion.
“I’ve seen a few messages on that, about how actually everyone else enjoys it but as a player you’ve got such a role to play and a responsibility, you have to go out there and perform and you don’t get caught up in what the rest of the country is doing.
“You have more fun at times as a fan but I think the boys will enjoy it finally if they win on Sunday night.”
HAIR WE GO
A football-mad England fan has shaved ‘It’s Coming Home’ into his back hair.
Hairy fella Alfie Callagher-Roberts, 23, also etched out the St George’s Cross onto his chest.
He told The Sun: “I have always been hairy and have ummed and ahhed about shaving my chest.
“I thought I would have to celebrate England getting through to the final before saying goodbye to it all.”
The scaffolder, from Poplar in London, predicted a 3-1 England victory in the Euro 2020 final tonight and insists he wasn’t egged into it- saying “as soon as I said it, they were all up for it”.
Alfie added: “I’ve always been told I’ve got more hair on my chest and back than an ape – so put it to good use.”
This England fan will be watching the clash against Italy toplessCredit: SWNS WHAT THE REF?
Italy midfielder Marco Verratti could be on a collision course with Euro 2020 final referee Bjorn Kuipers.
The Paris Saint-Germain star was seen remonstrating with the Dutch official after his side’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Manchester City back in May.
And Verratti made a startling claim about what Kuipers said to him during their exchange of words.
The 28-year-old alleged: “He (Kuipers) said ‘f*** you’ to me. I talk to referees a lot but I never say that or I get a 10-game ban.”
Verratti’s accusation was also backed up by his PSG team-mate Ander Herrera, who alleged Kuipers also said it to another of their players.
The former Manchester United man added: “We talk about respect with referees.
“The referee tonight said ‘f*** off’ to Leandro Paredes. It’s incredible. If we say that we get a three-four match ban.”
Verratti and Kuipers had the exchange after PSG’s Champions League defeat to Man City EUR JOKING
Octopus Energy have gotten into the spirit by projecting an England flag onto the country’s biggest fan in East Yorkshire.
Founder Greg Jackson uploaded an image on social media where the flag can be seen in Market Weighton.
The turbine, which is 73 metres tall, can be seen with the St George’s flag projected onto it.
GAR BLIMEY
Gareth Southgate has delivered a message to the England fans ahead of tonight’s Euro 2020 final.
Supporters cannot contain their excitement with the Three Lions set to compete in a final of a major tournament for the first time in 55 years.
Here’s what the England gaffer had to say.
ROO CAN DO IT
England legend Wayne Rooney has issued the Three Lions’ ‘one warning’ about Italy ahead of tonight’s final.
Speaking in his column for The Times, Rooney said: “I think we’re favourites. Quality wise England have enough and mentally you can see the players are in a good place.
“My one warning would be that we can’t get caught up in how Italy play, the way they’ll try and slow the game down.”
Before adding: “If I were Gareth I’d be telling England’s players to get the ball down and play quick, keep the tempo high, keep the Italians working, tire them out.
“In 2014, Uruguay were able to break up the game and suck us in to playing the way they wanted — but this England team is more streetwise.
“Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are great players — but not the quickest. I’m sure Gareth and Steve Holland will be looking at Alvaro Morata’s goal for Spain in Italy’s semi-final.
“It showed that if you can get bodies around those two great centre-backs, making sharp movements in behind them, they’re not comfortable.
“If England can get Raheem making his inside runs, and Harry and other quick players moving down their sides, Chiellini and Bonucci won’t enjoy it one bit.”
FINAL ANSWER
England will revert to a back-five for tonight’s Euro 2020 final against Italy – meaning there is no place for Bukayo Saka, SunSport can reveal.
Gareth Southgate is believed to have selected his side for the biggest game in the nation’s history for 55 years.
Saka is the only player from the semi-final starting XI to miss out, with Kieran Trippier the man to come in.
Take a look below at how the Three Lions are expected to start.
Bukayo Saka is set to miss out on starting in the Euro 2020 final against Italy ROARED ON
England fans came out in huge numbers to cheer on the England squad as they departed for Wembley.
The Three Lions have been based at St. George’s Park for the duration of Euro 2020 and have played all but one match at the national stadium.
Rows and rows of supporters armed with smartphones and St. George flags lined the streets of Burton on a memorable day for the England team.
Gareth Southgate has restored pride in the national team – a key goal of his when he took over in 2016.
Fans were also present outside the team hotel when the squad arrived on their coach on Saturday.
England are gearing up to play a final in a major tournament for the first time in 55 years OLE TRAFFORD
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has wished England well ahead ahead of their Euro 2020 final against Italy.
Red Devils stars Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford, Lukes Shaw and incoming signing Jadon Sancho are all part of Gareth Southgate’s squad.
Speaking to United’s website, Solskjaer said: “Enjoy it, of course, be focused.
“Of course, we’ve kept in touch about enjoying the victory and then then next morning, get on with the next one. Nothing becomes history as quickly as a football game.
“It’s history and you have to just look forwards to the next [one] and be ready.
“Luke and Harry, it’s just recovery, Marcus it’s train well, show a good attitude and show Gareth that you are ready.”
LIONS ROARING
Just in case you wasn’t excited enough about tonight…
OWEN GOAL
Former Man Utd striker Michael Owen has backed England to win the European Championship for the first time.
The ex-Three Lions star believes Gareth Southgate’s men will beat Italy 2-1 in the Euro 2020 final, with England to score late in extra-time.
He told Bet Victor: “Now, from a teams point of view, I think that England are going to go with a normal formation of a back four. The only big question mark I’ve got for Gareth Southgate is who plays in that attacking role?
“Is it going to be [Jadon] Sancho or is it going to be [Bukayo] Saka, who Gareth Southgate has turned to on most occasions.
“I think he’s probably going to go with the same line up as the one he played in the semi-finals against Denmark. From Italy’s point of view, I must admit, I didn’t expect them to reach this stage of the tournament.
“However, they have been the stand-out team with some unbelievable team performances and they are a real match for this England team.”
SON OF A GUN
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has wished England good luck ahead of their Euro 2020 final against Italy.
In a clip he posted on social media, he said: “Best of luck to England tonight.
“It’s been an incredible journey so far.
“But we’re all hoping yo can go one better and bring it home tonight.”
HOW ABOUT MAT
Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini believes it could be a special Sunday for Italians.
Not only could supporters be supporting the first Italian Wimbledon champion, but also a European Championship when they face England in the final tonight.
Commenting on the prospect of a double celebration, Berrettini said: “My first final in Wimbledon, it’s just crazy to think about it.
“I think I never dreamed about this because it was too much for a dream.”
“Obviously for Italian people in general, it’s going to be tough Sunday. But I think we deserve it. I think it’s going to be a special Sunday for all of us.
“It’s great day, great sport day. I’m really happy that together with football tennis is now one of the biggest sports in Italy.”
OH NO YOU DON’T
Novak Djokovic has risked incurring the wrath of England fans ahead of his Wimbledon final against Matteo Berrettini.
The Serbian ace has revealed he is rooting for Italy in their Euro 2020 final clash against the Three Lions later.
He told Sky Sport Italia: “Football and tennis, Mamma Mia Italia, it’s fantastic!
“Berrettini doesn’t have much to lose against me, perhaps Italy have more to lose with England.
“I hope it’s a wonderful couple of matches and that Italy only win in the evening!”
ITAL BE TOUGH
England take on Italy in the Euro 2020 final tonight after sneaking past Denmark 2-1 in extra-time.
But if history is anything to go by, the Three Lions will need a miracle to finally break their 55-year major tournament drought.
Despite England having home advantage, the Italians could be considered favourites to lift the trophy come Sunday evening.
After all, their record against the Three Lions is spectacular – particularly in major tournament showdowns.
In fact, England have won just EIGHT of their 27 meetings with Italy and are yet to record a victory in World Cup of European Championship games.
Italy have won 11 times against the Three Lions, most-recently in the 2-1 group stage win at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
England haven’t fared well against Italy in major tournaments EURO 2020 NEWS
Harry Kane has told England to be “calm and ruthless” tonight as the country wills them to win only their second major final ever.
The Three Lions are tipped to be unchanged, especially as Phil Foden could miss out through injury, against Italy in the Euro 2020 showpiece at Wembley.
And skipper Kane believes England’s run to their biggest match since winning the World Cup in 1966 is a natural progression.
He said: “It’s about doing what we have done and what we’ve learnt for the last four or five years as a group.
“That’s being calm in moments and then being ruthless — that’s what we are going to need to do against a very good Italian side.
“To have these Euros at Wembley, in front of our fans, where we can really connect with them and see their joy, has been truly special.”
In fact, boss Gareth Southgate believes the crowd of 60,000 could be key to England completing a flight of fantasy from “apathy” to ecstasy.
He said: “When we started, three or four years ago we had people throwing paper aeroplanes, they weren’t behind the team and there was an apathy.
“Now the energy in the stadium is fantastic. That is so important.
“The players need to feel that warmth and support. It has definitely helped inspire us.”
Meanwhile, Jack Grealish and Jordan Pickford have confirmed their plans to celebrate in Las Vegas if the Three Lions win Euro 2020.
SOUTHGATE: DON’T BOO ITALIAN ANTHEM
Gareth Southgate has urged England fans NOT to boo the Italian national anthem at the Euro 2020 final.
The gaffer encouraged fans at Wembley to do the right thing and “respect” the country’s anthem ahead of the crunch clash.
Over 60,000 fans will have Wembley rocking tomorrow night as Harry Kane leads the Three Lions into their first tournament final since 1966.
Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the final, Southgate told reporters: “It’s important our fans always respect the opposition.
“We know that when we play abroad and fans boo our anthem it inspires them more. I don’t think it will help the team.
“We can intimidate the team booing during the game, but it is different for the anthem.”
LION IN WAIT
Harry Kane has urged his England team-mates to be ruthless — and finally end 55 years of hurt.
Three Lions skipper Kane is fired up to beat the Italians at Wembley in the Euros final and emulate our heroes of 1966.
And he is also driven by his own painful run of suffering three final defeats with Tottenham.
Kane, 27, said: “It’s about doing what we have done and what we’ve learnt for the last four or five years as a group.
“That’s being calm in moments and then being ruthless — that’s what we are going to need to do against a very good Italian side.
“We’re representing the country and want everyone to be proud of what we’re doing, on and off the pitch.
“To have these Euros at Wembley, in front of our fans, where we can really connect with them and see their joy, has been truly special.”
ALL BEHIND YOU
Prince William has shared a rousing cry to England ahead of the team’s Euro 2020 final showdown against Italy.
The footie fanatic wished Gareth Southgate’s squad “the very best of luck” for the historic game and gushed: “I can’t really believe this is happening.”
The future king’s message read: “Gareth, Harry, and to every member of the England team on and off the pitch, I just want to wish you the very best of luck for tonight.
“What a team performance it’s been. Every member of the squad has played their part, and all the back room team as well have been truly essential.
“I can’t really believe this is happening. So exciting and I just wish you the very best of luck.
“You bring out the very best of England and we are all behind you.
“The whole country is behind you. So, bring it home.”
AROUND THE WORLD
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is at the Copa America final between Argentina and Brazil in Rio de Janeiro.
He’ll head straight to London to be in the stands at Wembley on Sunday night.
Not a bad sporting weekend.
.Credit: AFP ROYAL WISH
THE Queen last night sent a moving good luck message to Gareth Southgate and his team on the eve of their crunch Euro 2020 final showdown against Italy.
Her Majesty praised the Three Lions for their “spirit, commitment, and pride” ahead of tomorrow’s nail-biting final.
The 95-year-old has been swept up in the Euro 2020 excitement with England to face Italy tonight at Wembley in the historic game.
And the monarch said she hoped history would “record” the Three Lions’ success and show them beating Roberto Mancini’s tough Italian side.
Writing the note on Windsor Castle-headed paper, the Queen evoked memories of 1966 when she famously presented the World Cup to England Captain Bobby Moore after the 4-2 win over Germany.
The Queen – addressing the letter to manager Gareth Southgate OBE – wrote: “55 years ago I was fortunate to present the World Cup to Bobby Moore and saw what it meant to the players, management and support staff to reach and win the final of a major international football tournament.
“I want to send my congratulations and that of my family to you all on reaching the final of the European Championships, and 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.”
She signed the note “Elizabeth R”.
JUST ONE SCORENETTO
SUN mascot Harry Mane unfurls our England flag on a Venice gondola — to let Italy know our boys will lick them.
The lucky lion roared “it’s coming home” as he travelled the Grand Canal like the singer in the ice cream ad.
Harry caused a splash when he reached Venice from Rome ahead of tonight’s final.
And he warned: “They know we mean business now.”
Harry said: “It’s great to be in Venice – what a beautiful city. It’s amazing.
“It’s important we tell as many Italians as possible that it’s coming home! I had a good time singing that which amused the locals.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
