CARLO ANCELOTTI correctly predicted England would meet Italy in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final BEFORE the 24-team tournament started.
The new Real Madrid boss believed having six 2021 Champions League final players would inspire the Three Lions.
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And he tipped his countrymen to also go all the way thanks to ex-Manchester City chief Roberto Mancini building a 33-game unbeaten run and a “proven defensive” record.
Ancelotti has been linked with his former Everton striker Richarlison as well as France frontman Kylian Mbappe after returning to the Bernabeu last month.
And his wily reputation will only have been strengthened by his successful breakdown of a thrilling, fluctuating Euros tournament.
Italy and England were both unbeaten group winners on seven points.
The Azzurri then squeezed past Austria after extra time and Belgium before overcoming Spain in a semi-final shootout following Tuesday’s 1-1 draw.
Meanwhile, the Three Lions notched a solid 2-0 win over Germany, a rampant 4-0 victory over Ukraine and Wednesday night’s tense but deserved 2-1 defeat of Denmark after extra time.
Premier League winners City provided three England starters in Raheem Sterling, John Stones and Kyle Walker, plus sub Phil Foden.
And City’s Champions League final conquerors Chelsea had Mason Mount in the England midfield, with Reece James unused on the bench.
Ancelotti said of England’s hopes: “There are six players returning from the Champions League final, a very important number for the competition.”
And during the group stages he added: “I said it before the European Championship started, and I repeat it now: I see England and Italy in the final.
“The first results seem to support my prediction. I hope it ends just like that.”
He was also gushing in his praise of Italy, saying: ” It is a great surprise and at the same time the novelty of the tournament.
“Because he (Roberto Mancini) plays offensive football, without any calculation, has a proven defensive organisation and has the youth that guarantees running and enthusiasm.”
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Match-winning skipper Harry Kane and the rest of the England players who played most of the 120 minutes against Denmark were given the day off on Thursday.
Instead boss Gareth Southgate and assistant Steve Holland oversaw those stars like Marcus Rashford and his new Manchester United team-mate Jadon Sancho who failed to play any part at Wembley.
The Three Lions are preparing for only their second ever major final – following the 4-2 World Cup triumph over West Germany in 1966 at the same venue.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
