COULD it be? After 55 years of waiting, disappointments and heartbreak, that England will finally be able to bring home a major tournament victory?
Or will Italy look to add another year of agony to the English fans and add a second European Championship trophy to their wall?
No doubt both teams have battled their way through the tournament and will feel they deserve to be the ones to emerge victorious at Wembley.
The last time England laid fingers on a major trophy was after the win over West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final, and this time if they want to break the curse that has been long hanging over them, they just have to play the same football they have been playing throughout the tournament.
The Three Lions have had an impressive record so far in the tournament, only conceding once via a stunning free-kick from Danish winger Mikkel Damsgaard in the semi-finals.
But Southgate’s boys bounced back showing great drive and constant attempts at goal.
England have been looking good so far, silencing critics with their consistent performances and skilful play. Now in their first-ever European Championship final, they have quite the challenge ahead of them, as they take on an Italian side that is equally hungry.
Even though Roberto Mancini’s side looked second-best against Spain in the semi-finals, their composure in the shootout showed they deserve the impressive record they’re on.
Gianluigi Donnarumma proved to be the hero against La Roja, stopping Alvaro Morata’s penalty before Jorginho with his usual coolness and put it past Unai Simon.
The Azzurri will still be without Leonardo Spinazzola, the Roma full-back will be out for several months after having been stretched off against Belgium and subsequently undergoing surgery on a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Emerson Palmieri of Chelsea stood in for Spinazzola against Spain and is expected to do so against England.
Roberto Mancini’s men have shown they can adapt their style of play to any opponent. Under constant pressure from the Spain attack, the Italians retreated into a more traditional defensive shape, proving that can handle any formation from England.
In their last eight meetings, England have only won once, in a 2012 friendly in Switzerland. The last two matches, both friendlies, ended in 1-1 draws.
The Vibes Prediction: England 2-1 Italy
It is a tough one to call, and could go right down to the wire. Both teams will be bringing their A-game in the hope of emerging champions.
Finals usually are tight, nail-biting roller-coaster of emotions, and this will no different. Will England finally be able to bring it home, while playing at home? Or will the Italians crash the party and look to add another European Championship title under their belt? The Vibes. July 11, 2021
