The EURO 2020 final saw Italy face England at Wembley Stadium in London, with 60,000 fans allowed to attend this showpiece event. The crowd was understandably in support of the English, with a tiny Italian contingent, and England were hoping to use this to end 55 years of hurt and win only their second international title ever. Italy, on the other hand, were aiming for their second European Championship trophy, to go with their four World Cup titles, but have also seen a resurgence under Roberto Mancini, having failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Mancini named an unchanged XI from the side that came through on penalties against Spain in the EURO 2020 semi-finals, while England manager Gareth Southgate reverted to a back three, bringing in Keiran Trippier instead of Bukayo Saka.
England started the game in brilliant fashion, scoring inside three minutes, as Luke Shaw got forward from left wing-back and hit a sweet half-volley off Trippiers cross that hit the net via the inside of the post. The move had been started by Shaw himself, as he kept possession deep in Englands half, before Harry Kane spread it wide to the galloping Trippier down the right, who even had Kyle Walker, the right-sided centre-back, overlapping him when he crossed the ball. This goal was the perfect example of the advantage of playing with three centre-backs and wing-backs, and Italy looked all over the place in the opening minutes, failing to pick up Kane and leaving acres of space for Trippier down their left. However, England did not press their advantage, and instead dropped off after the first 15 minutes or so, allowing Italy to come back and retake control of the match. England moved to a low block, with all 10 outfield players behind the ball, making it difficult for Italy to progress centrally and forcing them to play long balls over the top. However, England themselves also did not create too many chances, and the first half ended with the Three Lions having a slender and precarious lead in the EURO 2020 final.
Italy up
