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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Gareth Southgate delivers final message to fans ahead of England vs Italy Euro 2020 final

Gareth Southgate has issued a final battlecry to England supporters ahead of the Euro 2020 final.

The Three Lions are targeting a first ever European Championship success when they face Italy at Wembley tonight.

England have enjoyed home advantage in all but one of their games thus far.

Fan support has played a huge role in their journey thus far with Wembley reaching fever pitch in wins over Germany and Denmark.

Southgate, who has helped connect this team with the fans, has praised the way supporters have got behind the team and accepts it is now on them to deliver.

He said on social media: "Just wanted to take the time to thank everybody for their incredible support throughout this tournament.

Gareth Southgate has England on the cusp of Euro glory (Pool via REUTERS)

"We hope that we've represented you in the right way, we hope that you've enjoyed watching us play.

"I'm very grateful to all of the players and the incredible staff that we've been able to get to our first final in 55 years.

"But, of course, we know now that we've got to deliver for you, so we'll be doing everything we can. Your support and energy has given us a huge lift and I know it will on Sunday."

Manchester United stars Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have been hugely influential figures for the Three Lions.

Marcus Rashford too is an option for Southgate and Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has issued his players with a message of support.

“Enjoy it, of course, be focused. Of course, we’ve kept in touch about enjoying the victory and then then next morning, get on with the next one. Nothing becomes history as quickly as a football game," he told the United website.

“It’s history and you have to just look forwards to the next [one] and be ready. Luke and Harry, it’s just recovery, Marcus it’s train well, show a good attitude and show Gareth that you are ready.

“We keep in touch all the time. We will send them a good-luck message of course and it’s been the case for all the players, throughout the Euros and Copa America.”

Italian centre-half Giorgio Chiellini has taken a sly dig at England in the build-up to the final.

The defender will need to be on top form if the Azzurri are to win a second European title - but he believes the Three Lions have been helped by the Wembley factor.

He said: "They reached the semi-final at the World Cup, plus it was predictable England would be in the final of the Euros, as they played six out of seven games on home turf."

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