Match #51: THE FINAL England 1-1 (P) Italy (8pm, Sunday 11th July)

[wolf359]

My first final my first match thread.

I predict failure, I hope for more.

[Daytonahammer]

Unfortunately, Italy has a great midfield press and can score from open play soooooo yea it's gonna be a rough one. I hope this game doesn't devolve into complete sh*t housery but I could see it happening.

[Shabu]

We have no chance. We're definitely losing.

The Oracle Hath Spoken

[wolf359]

We have no chance. We're definitely losing.

The Oracle Hath Spoken

(Looks at my prediction record). I whole heartily agree.

[prophet:marginal]

The problem with playing Italy isn't simply their pedigree, its that ridiculously good run they've been on, to date; unbeaten for >30 straight matches.

Harry 'Walking' Kane -v- Immobile?

[WCpete]

I just hope that Dec gets to play. I have this sinking suspicion that Southgate might finally make shake that midfield up. There's no reason to, they've been great. I just wonder if Gareth is going to throw Italy off. I hope he doesn't. Dec deserves to play.

[r99c]

Think we'll win. Home advantage. In three knockout games, Italy have looked shaky in two, whilst we have been solid in two and 50/50 in one. Come on England.

[r99c]

I just hope that Dec gets to play. I have this sinking suspicion that Southgate might finally make shake that midfield up. There's no reason to, they've been great. I just wonder if Gareth is going to throw Italy off. I hope he doesn't. Dec deserves to play.

He will fella.

[WebmasterFF]

I think we will revert to a 343/541 for this one

Pickford
Walker Stones Maguire
Trippier Rice Phillips Shaw
Saka Kane Sterling

The system worked well against Belgium (first time round in the Nations League, not the second) and Germany, with Saka and Sterling having that pace to beat Bonucci and Chiellini whilst Shaw/Trippier Occupy the Italian fullbacks

[Crouchend_Hammer]

England will win more comfortably than people expect IMHO
2-0
Kane and Maguire

[r99c]

[DasNutNock2]

Hope we win.

[BigFatSam]

The initial thought for any England fan is to think we will lose. But Italy were second best in their game yesterday and looked very leggy.

They also went the distance with Austria.

We’re at home, have played less minutes than them and look much fitter (if you look at how we finished today).

[Het-Field]

Two best teams make it to the final. In many respects that is always nice to see.

Tougher game for England than the last two, simply because of the vast differential in quality between the Italians and Ukraine, and the strength in depth of the Italians as against the Danes.

Italy won't have faced a team that is as organised as the English, while also facing down fitness that was undoubtedly higher than that of the Belgians who have relied on high performance.

Not sure if the 120 Minutes played by both in the semi is a factor, England could have run for another 120 tonight, and Italy have an extra recovery day.

I think you'd go close to a 50/50 split if you were to pick a 'best eleven' (with the obvious difficulty being the 11th man).

Both managers are exceptionally savvy and will set up in a bespoke way.

Simply put, this is a hard one to call, as I think the qualities of both team have manifested themselves regularly over the course of the competition, but there are weaknesses to be exploited.

[Doc H Ball]

I’ve loved watching Chiellini but thought he was tiring against Spain marking space not the man. For all his brilliance he maybe a weak link.

[smuts]

I got the Germany result right, said we'd win easily against Ukraine and predicted 2-1 England tonight with Denmark taking the lead through a set piece...

England 3-1. I really think we'll win comfortably and I'm always on the pessimistic side of the fence.

[e17]

Was certain we’d lose to Denmark after some of the smug assumptive press before the semi final.

So whatever happens, being in the final is a massive bonus.

[Ironing Board]

Best of luck to England. Think Italy will win at a canter, but you never know with Southgate's safety first style - he might squeak a win on penalties.

[Samba]

We're easily the underdogs in this, I'd say & there'll be the dark arts from Italy, like you've never seen before.
However, our mentality & the way we've been consistently playing is probably the best I've seen in an England team.
If any England team/squad could beat Italy, it can be this one.
Too much in the past, the England team have played like individuals.
These players are playing like a real team.

[iLoveLasagne]

I have had quite a good prediction record of games I have a hunch on. I predicted 1-1 for both semis. I think 1-1 again. Then it is a coin toss to decide the winner. Italy rely on energy though and I suspect England will have far more endurance. Not sure if that extra day will hold any benefit for Italy. May te best team win. Hopefully England.