Former England striker Alan Shearer has hailed Raheem Sterling's performances for the national side and issued his prediction for the Euro 2020 final.
Sterling played an integral role once again in England's semi-final victory over Denmark, which sealed a first major tournament final for the Three Lions in 55 years.
Italy are now all that stand in the way of Gareth Southgate's side and legendary status, in what will prove to be a difficult clash.
Roberto Mancini's side have also impressed at the tournament and are in the midst of an incredible unbeaten streak.
However, Shearer believes Sterling could be the key to breaking down Italy's experienced defence and hailed the 'magnificent' Manchester City ace.
"This is going to be an incredibly tight game because they’re superb opposition. They haven’t lost for 33 games and whatever standard of football you’re playing, that’s impressive," he told BBC Breakfast.
"We’ve watched them a few times live this tournament. They, like England, have a great togetherness and they’ve got pace on either side. They’ve got two giants of defenders in [Leonardo] Bonucci and [Giorgio] Chiellini.
"They are very, very experienced and despite their age they both played the extra-time against Spain and Bonucci even went up and took a penalty so they’ve got great experience in their team. We’ll have to be very wary of that and it’s such a tough one to call.
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"There will be space in behind, Italy do play a high line so I hope and expect, very much like last evening, Raheem Sterling last night was just incredible. What a performance.
"It was a brilliant team performance but I think the performance of Raheem Sterling was absolutely magnificent so he could have a little bit of joy down the sides of the Italian defence."
