The Euro 2020 final is upon us and these are just five of the questions rattling around our heads in anticipation …
Can England press like Spain?
England have catered their plan for their opponents in every game so far this summer, tweaking their approach from game to game.
So we’re sure Gareth Southgate noticed that Spain pressed Italy high and were the only team so far to put Roberto Mancini’s side on the back foot.
Maybe it’s a riskier approach than Southgate will want to employ but getting their pressing right and pushing upfield could be the path to success, at least if England want to see plenty of possession and make sure Italy don’t dictate the game.
Who is Italy’s biggest threat?
England have excelled in keeping the biggest threat of the opposing side quiet. Robin Gosens and Joakim Mæhle both had great tournaments until they arrived at Wembley and were shut down.
With both being left-backs, perhaps the injured Leonardo Spinazzola wouldn’t have had much joy anyway?
But his absence could see Italy switch their focus to the other flank, where Nicolò Barella drives in the right channel and Federico Chiesa holds his width. Will Italy get more joy against the attack-minded Luke Shaw than against the more reserved Kyle Walker on the other side?
Does Saka keep his spot?
The right-wing position has been subject to quite a few changes for England so far but who will start this one?
Saka seems to have the position now, offering calmness in possession, driving runs in behind, and superb work ethic. But will he keep his spot?
Can Italy be broken down?
Lots has been made about England’s defensive record — Mikkel Damsgaard’s free-kick is the only goal they’ve conceded — but Italy’s is also ridiculously strong.
They’ve conceded just three times so far, with one coming in extra-time against Austria, another from the penalty spot against Belgium, and the third against Spain in the only game they’ve been under any real pressure.
Harry Kane’s tendency to drift into midfield could be crucial for England, giving Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci with decisions to make when it comes to covering him and not exposing themselves.
Is there room for Jordan Henderson?
Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips have started every match so far. It would be harsh to drop them now, right?
But Jordan Henderson has the experience in these occasions and as much quality, if not more, than the pair England have stuck with so far.
Will Southgate be tempted to get the Liverpool skipper, who is now finally fully fit, into his starting lineup? And if so, who comes out
