Marcus Rashford's mother has sent the England star a heartfelt message ahead of the Euro 2020 final.
The Three Lions meet Italy in Sunday's Wembley showdown after making it to the major tournament of a final for the first time in 55-years.
Gareth Southgate's men have created history and are on the cusp of greatness as the Azzurri, who are 33-games unbeaten, await.
Manchester United forward Rashford has played a role in England's route to the final, albeit from the substitutes bench, and the striker appeared in high spirits as he was put through his paces alongside his Three Lions team-mates on Saturday.
Rashford is already a national hero for his tireless work reducing child poverty, earning an MBE after forcing a government U-turn on free-school meal vouchers.
But he will be hoping to make his impact on the pitch in Sunday's final if afforded the chance by boss Southgate.
The 23-year-old has spoken candidly about the sacrifices his mother Melanie Maynard made in making his footballing dream a reality during a challenging upbringing in Wythenshawe.
And proud mother Melanie has now penned a personal good luck message to son Marcus on the eve of the biggest fixture of his young career.
She wrote about how football provided a release for her son during the tough times of his childhood and how he has risen from playing in their family home.
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"If there was a ball at Marcus' feet, there was always a smile on his face," she wrote in the Telegraph.
"A smile that can light up any room. When we had very little and times were tough at home, he found comfort in that ball.
"It is one of the most consistent things he’s ever had in his life. His escape.
"We lost tiles off the roof, vases went flying, school shoes got scuffed. All part of what has been the most fulfilling journey.
"I can’t think of a better feeling than seeing your child’s dreams come true. Pulling on that England shirt is met with endless pride and moments shared over this summer will be cherished forever.
"Communities have come together with a shared goal of bringing this home and it’s amazing to see a representation of all communities reflected in this squad.
"Come on England. We’re all extremely proud."
Rashford is set to start on the bench in the final with Southgate likely to retain impressive performers Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka with Harry Kane in attack.
The United forward has not started a game in the tournament, but has made a number of cameo appearances from the bench.
He will be one of a number of exciting attacking options the England boss can utilise should the Three Lions find themselves chasing the game against Roberto Mancini's side.
Meanwhile, England playmaker Foden sat out training on the eve of the Euro 2020 final against Italy with a “minor knock”.
Gareth Southgate’s men are making their final preparations for Sunday’s date with destiny against the Azzurri at Wembley.
Foden was conspicuous by his absence from training on Saturday morning, when the rest of the 26-man squad trained at St George’s Park.
Foden did not train on grass as a precaution, with England confirming the 21-year-old was “sitting out due to a minor knock”.
Should Foden not recover in time, it means Southgate is left to decide between Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho for a spot on the wing, with Raheem Sterling expected to start alongside Harry Kane
