Gareth Southgate could name an unchanged team for the first time in more than three years against Italy tonight as the England manager seems set to stick with Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka on the right wing.
Manchester City’s Phil Foden is a significant doubt having picked up an injury in training but England have no other concerns ahead of the second major tournament final in their history.
Jordan Pickford will again be protected by a back four consisting of an even split between Manchester United and City, with Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire left of John Stones and Kyle Walker.
Apart from Saka getting the nod ahead of Jadon Sancho, the only question remains over whether Jordan Henderson makes his first start of the tournament for one of Declan Rice or Kalvin Phillips. The chances of that seem slim, however, with Southgate set to remain loyal to the West Ham and Leeds players.
Chelsea’s Mason Mount, looking to join a rare list of players to win the Champions League and European Championship in the same summer, will start in front of them with Raheem Sterling on the left of Harry Kane. Expect Jack Grealish to be the first man off the bench should England require a goal.
Italy’s team will feature Chelsea midfielder Jorginho and left back Emerson Palmieri, who came into the side for the semi-final against Spain following Leonardo Spinazzola’s achilles rupture versus Belgium.
Asked to predict what the key of the game may be last night, Southgate said: “When you’re coaching you watch everything but you have to decide the most important information for the players, not flood them with too much.
"You try to adapt the game to our strengths and the weaknesses of our opponent. They have a good tactical plan, experienced coach and an amazing record over the past 30 games.”
