London, July 8
Roberto Mancini’s Italian side progressed into the final of the Euro Cup 2020 beating Spain by the narrowest of margin in a 4-2 penalty shootout on Wednesday. Gareth Southgate’s England team registered their spot into the final stage as well defeating Denmark 2-1 in the added extra time. Both the finalists have either looked superior or have matched the intensity of their opponents.
The Blues looked comfortable in the group stage scoring a total of seven goals conceding none. Placed in a relatively comfortable group than their finalists opponent, they were barely troubled throughout that period. Things went pretty tight for them in the Round-of-16 against Austria when they pulled of a stoppage time goal in the second half. However, they were pretty comfortable against the world’s number one side Belgium defeating them by a 2-1 margin. The semifinal win against three time Euro champions, Spain, was even sweeter taking a revenge of their Euro 2012 final defeat. So the Italians are all about pressing the ball, winning it and attacking their opponents. However, they are swift at counterattack as well.
The three lions had a decent group stage winning two games and scoring only two goals. There were often questions about their attacking ability in this tournament but as the tournament progressed they have scored enough goals causing enough threats for opposition defense. England’s 2-0 victory against Germany was quite remarkable as they were comfortable both on and off the ball. Quarterfinal was like a walk in the park for them as they dismantled Ukraine by 4-0 defeat. Denmark have so far been the toughest of their opponents dragging the semifinal game beyond 90 minutes. However, Kane scored off a rebounded ball from his missed penalty to sail their ship into the finals. England love to keep the ball and create attacking chances. Crosses from either their fullbacks or wingers have been lethal for them as they have managed enough headed goals.
We might witness a defensive approach from England as they can go for a back 5 system inviting their opponents to attack. England have not conceded a single goal from open play in the tournament. However, Mancini will be aware about he pace of English attacker and their ability to hit them on the brake.