The next time England step out from the tunnel at Wembley Stadium, they will be looking to do something the Three Lions last achieved in 1966: to win a major international tournament.
England v Italy Betting Odds: Who to Back in the Euro 2020 Final
Three Lions Look to Make History at Wembley
England have reached the final of a major international tournament. Yes, England could win an international trophy this weekend.
Gareth Southgate’s side have drawn the country together in unity as they have strolled to the Euro 2020 final and on Sunday (July 11), the nation will be behind them once more as they look to win the European Championships.
The Three Lions have not always produced entertaining football, but they have done what has been required in order to progress.
Whether it be a defensive set-up against a frustrating Scotland or the tactical change made against Germany in the Round of 16, Gareth Southgate’s worth as England manager has been proven with his excellent knowledge of the game.
READ MORE: England v Italy: Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Euro 2020 Final
The Three Lions fell behind midway through the first half of their semi-final clash with Denmark at Wembley; Mikkel Damsgaard’s wonderfully placed freekick was just out of reach for the diving Jordan Pickford as England conceded for the first time in the tournament.
Nine minutes later England drew level when Bukayo Saka’s dangerous cross as Danish captain Simon Kjaer put the ball into his own net.
Kasper Schmeichel pulled off a series of great saves to deny Raheem Sterling, Harry Maguire and Harry Kane from finding the net as extra time loomed near.
Wembley erupted into thunderous noise when VAR confirmed that Sterling had been fouled by Joakim Maehle in the penalty area. Kane’s tame spot-kick was stopped by Schmeichel, but the rebound fell to the Tottenham Hotspur forward who made no mistake with his second attempt to send the nation into jubilant celebration.
Now they look to defeat an Italy side which, under the guidance of Roberto Mancini, are enjoying a 14-game winning run and are unbeaten since September 2018 – when they lost 1-0 to Portugal in the Nations League.
Italy’s last success on the international stage was the 2006 World Cup, but their last European Championship triumph was 1968 – two years after England won the Jules Rimet at the Old Wembley.
Ahead of the big game, Last Word on Football has taken a look at what the best betting odds are for England v Italy.
Please note betting odds may change nearer to kick-off on July 11.
Who Will Come Out on Top?
Italy have been juggernauts in the competition so far, easing past Turkey and Switzerland with 3-0 victories in their opening two matches.
It is a bit of a surprise, therefore, to see England priced as favourites; however, there must be some benefit of training at home, playing in your home country and having a familiar crowd supporting you in the stadium.
READ MORE: The Key Picks to Make For Your Fantasy Team Ahead of the Final
England to win in 90 minutes is available at a super boosted odds of 3/1 on Sky Bet. Italy to win the tie outright, however, is an evens 1/1.
Three of the last six European Championship finals went to extra time and, with both teams winning after extra time already in the tournament, this clash could go the distance too.
PaddyPower are offering odds of 5/1 for either team to win in extra time.
Both Teams to Score?
Both England and Italy have had watertight defences, conceding a total of just four goals throughout the competition.
Only Spain have scored more goals than Italy’s 12, while England have scored ten goals so far.
READ MORE: Gareth Southgate’s England Side: One Step Away From History
England showed against Denmark that, when they invite pressure onto themselves, they can struggle and concede. At the other end, however, they have plenty of pace – through the likes of Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling – to make the hairs stand up on Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini’s necks.
With both sides looking dangerous in attack, the SkyBet odds of 11/10 for both teams to score is recommended.
Kane to Continue His Scoring Run?
With four goals in his past three matches, Harry Kane is hitting the right note in front of goal.
The Tottenham Hotspur striker is one goal behind Patrik Schick (Czech Republic) and one goal and an assist behind Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal).
If the Spurs forward can net a brace on July 11, he will take home the Golden Boot award to go alongside his 2018 World Cup Golden Boot.
Harry Kane to score at any time can be found at 17/10 with Betfred.
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