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So is it really coming home? We are almost at the finish line for EURO 2020 and there are only two teams left in the race. The hosts England and the fierce Italians have battled their way through six matches to grace the pitch at beautiful Wembley Stadium this Sunday. Each teams last major final appearances were during very different times. Italy was last in a final at EURO 2012 where they lost 4-0 against that great Spanish team with the likes of Iniesta, Xavi, and Fernando Torres. England however hasn’t seen a major cup final since they last won one in 1966, their famous World Cup trophy against West Germany. Both teams won their group and haven’t looked back since. The media hype and anticipation surrounding this one match have the world at a standstill. Is it coming home or is it coming to Rome? We will find out soon enough. Let’s get into it.

England a.k.a The Three Lions

They’ve finally done it. The semi-final curse has finally been lifted. After losing their last four semi-final appearances England has finally jumped over that seemingly never ending fence that was previously blocking them to get here. The stage is set perfect for the Three Lions. The final at their home stadium at Wembley, which is the same exact stadium where they won their famous 1966 World Cup. However, this also has a negative connotation because the last two EUROS that had a home team in a final have lose. In EURO 2016 France was at home against Portugal and ended up losing and in EURO 2004 Greece upset Portugal in Lisbon. To me, this just means that all superstitions go out the window for this match. Whoever plays and executes better will be the side that lifts the trophy at the end of the night.

England managed to squeak by Denmark with a score of 2-1, but it wasn’t done in 90 minutes. The Danes struck first with an incredible free-kick by the youngster Mikkel Damsgaard in the 30th minute. However, they didn’t hold the lead for long as Bukayo Saka played a cross into the six yard box and the ball was deflected into the net by the Danish captain Simon Kjær nine minutes later. The scored would stay at 1-1 all the way in to the 104th minute of extra when Raheem Sterling was fouled inside the box. England skipper Harry Kane would step up to take the penalty, missed, but quickly tapped in the rebound to secure the winner for England. This match will be their toughest test yet. Besides Germany this England side have not faced a powerhouse country like Italy, and it’ll be an Azzuri side that hasn’t lost in 33 games. I still believe in them regardless, here’s how I would line up on Sunday if I were Gareth Southgate.

YSN’s ENGLAND XI

After the back four’s stellar performance on Wednesday I wouldn’t change anything. The midfield pair of Rice and Phillips stays the same, maybe bring on Henderson around the 80th minute mark depending on the situation. Keep Sterling and Saka on the wings, the pace and ability to find their way into open spaces has been on display all tournament. And obviously the skipper has got to stay up top. After a slow start to his tournament he has found his way back in to form since the round of 16 game against the Germans. My one and only switch would be to start Jack Grealish instead of Mason Mount. Every time Grealish has come on, he has changed the pace of the game and his ability to draw fouls is an incredibly valuable asset. I would also say to start Sancho at RW, however you want to keep a star on the bench to come on and change the game since I’d be starting Grealish at CAM. Here are my suggested subs (unless an injury happens).

Henderson -> Phillips

Sancho -> Saka

Italy a.k.a Azzuri

The nightmares of the Roberto Baggio penalty, EURO 2012 final, and missing out on the World Cup in 2018 are distant memories for Italians now. This team has not missed a single beat under Roberto Mancini and they are looking to claim their spot at the throne. A unbeaten streak that has now reached 33 games is going to be at risk this Sunday when they travel to play The Three Lions at their home ground in London.

This team is ready for whatever comes at them. After losing arguably their best player in Leonardo Sinazzola to an achilles injury, the Italians kicked it into overdrive and beat Spain in an intense penalty shoot-out. After 45 minutes both countries were at a standstill, finding it difficult to produce in the other teams final third. However, fifteen minutes after the restart Federico Chiesa curled a shot in to the bottom right corner and it looked like the Italians were going to walk away with the win. What they didn’t account for was Alvaro Morata coming on and scoring the equalizer in the 80th minute. The Azzuri regrouped and composed themselves for extra-time, holding strong and sending the game to penalties. Locatelli was the first taker and missed but Andrea Belotti, Leonardo Bonucci, Federico Bernardeschi, and Jorginho made Italy’s next four to send them to the final. Even though the Italians have looked like the best team in the tournament, they’d be silly to overlook this England side. If Italy thinks they have depth England has twice as much. With players like Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, and Jadon Sancho all sitting on the bench a substitute can come on and change the game at any moment. Mancini will need to deliver a masterclass in tactics and keep the lads composed in order to win this game. Here is how I would line this Italy side up if I was manager.

YSN’s ITALY XI

I would keep the lineup the exact same. Emerson did his job against the Spaniards in Spinazzola’s role in the semi-final and he also knows the players on England as he plays for Chelsea in the Premier League. The other three in the back four and no-brainers for me. Honestly the rest of the team is a no-brainer for me. They’ve been pretty consistent this tournament with their lineups and I definitely don’t think it should change at the final. Here are my suggested subs (unless any injury happens).

Andrea Belotti -> Ciro Immobile

Manuel Locatelli -> Nicolo Barella

Rafael Tolói -> Emerson

My Prediction: England 2 Italy 1

I’m definitely biased in my pick because my skipper Jordan Henderson is on the England team. However, there is a method to my madness. I feel like this is the year that England remove all curses and finally win a major tournament. This is their deepest team in years and I just believe in them to win it all. I expect Italy to strike first just like Denmark did in the semi-final, but I think England will score twice in the second half. Once within 10 minutes of the restart and the other goal after the 80th minute to win the final. Ladies and gentlemen, it is coming home. God-willing. This is yours truly YSN, until next time, signing out.