WITH the Euros final the hot topic on everyone’s lips, some of football’s big names are bravely coming out with their predictions.
England’s huge clash with Italy is likely to be on a knife-edge and even the bookies can barely separate the duo.
Italy head into the final on the back of 33 games without defeat while England are in their first final since 1966.
But with Gareth Southgate’s side playing on home soil, it might just give England the slender advantage needed to triumph over the 2006 World Champions.
Here’s how the pundits predict it will go…
Michael Owen – 2-1 England (AET)
The former Liverpool striker told BetVictor: “England needed extra-time to get the job done against Denmark in the semi-finals, while Italy were taken to extra time by both Austria and Spain.
“I can see this being a tense, nervy affair with goals at a premium and I am going for this one to finish 1-1 after 90 mins.
“However, with another incredible set of fans urging them on, I fancy England to finally claim their first major trophy in 55 years with a winner in what will surely be a nerve-jangling extra time.
“As with the Danes in the semi-finals, I’m going with 1-1 after 90 minutes and 2-1 to the Three Lions after extra time.”
Dimitar Berbatov – 1-0 England
The Manchester United legend is backing a narrow win for Gareth Southgate’s men.
He told Betfair: “The final is not going to be an easy watch for fans on either side.
“I would love to see goals but I think both teams will be very cautious. I predict that England will win 1-0 in normal time. Stay calm, England. You have the quality to bring this home.”
Jamie Carragher – 1-1 England on penalties
Speaking to Sky Sports, the former England defender said: “I think it will be a very tight game.
“I think it may go to penalties and England come out victorious. We have done a lot of work on penalties, so let’s not let that go to waste!
“I don’t think there will be too many goals in the game. Italy are very strong defensively, so are England. I think it will be 1-1 and then go to penalties.”
Alan Shearer – England win
The 63-cap former England international believes the Three Lions can come out on top if Raheem Sterling is at the top of his game.
He told BBC Breakfast: “This is going to be an incredibly tight game because they’re superb opposition.
They haven’t lost for 33 games and whatever standard of football you’re playing, that’s impressive.
“There will be space in behind, Italy do play a high line. Raheem Sterling (vs Denmark) was just incredible. What a performance.
“It was a brilliant team performance but I think the performance of Raheem Sterling was absolutely magnificent so he could have a little bit of joy down the sides of the Italian defence.”
Rio Ferdinand – England win
The BBC pundit and ex-England international remains very confident England can get over the line.
He told BBC Sport: “It doesn’t matter who has gone through here because I believe England can beat both these sides (Italy and Spain).
“I just feel no one can compete with us right now. The confidence we’ve got… people might say I’m getting carried away but I don’t care.
“From what I’ve seen, England are the better team, the best team and they beat both of these teams.”
Fabio Capello – Italy win
The Italian and former England boss is backing his home nation to get themselves over the line.
He told Corriere Dello Sport: “Italy can win the Euros.
“England have an interesting team, not yet a great team.
“The midfield does not have much quality but all the midfielders are strong, aggressive and dangerous on the wings.
“They defend well with their physicality and their speed. Then they have the only centre-forward at the Euros, Kane.”
Antonio Conte – Italy win
The former Chelsea boss told Gazzetta: “Our football has always been made up of study, application and knowledge.
“There will be a reason why we have almost always made it to the end in big tournaments. Italy remains a guarantee. Our story says it.”
Alessandro Del Piero – Italy win
Before England’s win over Denmark, the legendary Italy forward was hoping to face the Three Lions in the final.
He told ESPN: “Because England will play at home so in that scenario you will be the underdog.
“But to play away from home gives you that little bit of spice and the strength can bind you together.
“But also I believe that England have better single players, so it’s dangerous.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
