European Championship
Jul 11, 2021 8.00pm
1
1
HT : 0 1
ET Wembley Stadium
  • Nicolo Barella 47' yellowcard
  • Leonardo Bonucci 55' yellowcard
  • Leonardo Bonucci 67' goal
  • Lorenzo Insigne 84' yellowcard
  • Giorgio Chiellini 90'+6' yellowcard
  • Jorginho 114' yellowcard
  • goal Luke Shaw 2'
  • yellowcard Harry Maguire 106'

How England could line up against Italy

How England could line up against Italy

England manager Gareth Southgate is facing some of the biggest decisions of his managerial career so far ahead of Sunday's Euro 2020 final versus Italy at Wembley.

The 50-year-old appears to have settled on a first-choice 4-2-3-1 formation, but he could yet decide to field a back three against a team of Italy's calibre given how well such a setup worked in the last 16 against Germany.

However, there is nothing to suggest that the England coach will deviate from the starting XI which got the job done against Denmark in the semi-finals, and Southgate's players reported no injury or fitness concerns from that 120-minute battle.

As a result, an unchanged rearguard should see Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw fend off the competition to keep their places in the full-back areas, while Harry Maguire and John Stones continue their partnership in the heart of defence.

Jordan Henderson has had to take a backseat role as Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips man the engine room with aplomb, while Mason Mount will hope to keep his place further up the field as Jack Grealish prepares to make an impact from the bench, but Phil Foden is doubtful with a foot injury.

Bukayo Saka is one uncertainty if Southgate does decide to field a back three, but having provided the assist for England's equaliser against Denmark, the Arsenal teenager should be rewarded with an unforeseen start in the final.

Raheem Sterling will smell blood against Italy's Giovanni Di Lorenzo, while captain Harry Kane would overtake Gary Lineker as England's all-time leading goalscorer in major tournaments should he find the back of the net in the final.

England possible starting lineup: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Phillips; Saka, Mount, Sterling; Kane

> Click here to see how Italy could line up for the final

POLL
Who will win Sunday's Euro 2020 final between Italy and England?
Italy 66%
England 34%
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