The unenviable task of remaining objective when selecting a mixed team of the European Championship finalists was more challenging than I first anticipated.
Who should I select or leave out? Should it be based on merit, personal preference or performances in the tournament?
The temptation was to pick an all-Italian defence but after reviewing results, reports, statistics and highlights videos it didn’t seem fair.
Equally, the midfield was also full of several worthy candidates, not all of them from the Azzurri.
In attack it was rather more straightforward. I opted for a 4-5-1 formation and eventually settled on six players from Italy and five representing England.
Italy should rightly be considered favourites after progressing despite having a considerably more arduous route to the final than England. Roberto Mancini’s side navigated their way past Austria, Belgium and Spain in the knock-out stages while Gareth Southgate’s team were handed a relatively favourable draw in eliminating Germany, Ukraine and Denmark to progress to the final.
Here is my combined Italy-England team ahead of tomorrow night’s Euro 2020 climax at Wembley.
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)
The tournament’s outstanding goalkeeper and still just 22. Confirmed his lofty status with a series of eye-catching saves. The new PSG shot-stopper displayed gravity defying elasticity to deny Austria’s Louis Shaub in the round of 16 and Kevin De Bruyne as the Azzurri navigated past Belgium in the quarter-finals. Stretched out a palm to stop Alvara Morata in the penalty shoot-out as Italy overcame Spain to reach the final.
Right-back
Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Italy)
The robust Napoli defender is arguably the most underrated in Roberto Mancini’s team.
Positionally astute, reliable and with limitless stamina, the 27-year-old seized his place in the starting line-up after an injury to Alessandro Florenzi. His tireless tracking and ability to win aerial duels were key features in a collective defensive effort as Italy survived strong resistance in the knock-out stages from Austria, Belgium and Spain.
Centre-back
Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)
The commanding general of the Azzurri remains a fearless, inspirational figure. Undaunted by occasion or opposition he defies age, taking challenges head on like a battle scarred gladiator returning to the Colosseum for a final showdown. The unflappable Juventus defender has been magnificent throughout the Euros, an immovable object always willing to make physical sacrifices. Along with fellow thirtysomething Giorgio Chiellini he will be aiming for his first major international trophy in this evening’s final.
Centre-back
Harry Maguire (England)
Rarely beaten in the air and a better distributor than given credit for the Manchester United defender is England’s defensive leader. Injured early on in the tournament, the 28-year-old is an essential part of a back four which has only conceded one goal in Euro 2020. Boasting an impressive pass completion rate, the former Leicester City player is dangerous from set-pieces and netted a powerful headed goal in the quarter-final rout of Ukraine.
Left-back
Luke Shaw (England)
Followed up an excellent season with Manchester United by contributing three crucial assists in England’s route to the final. Questions over his fitness and ability seem like distant history as the former Southampton defender has silenced his numerous detractors. Consistently accurate deliveries and timely defensive interventions have been the twin staples of his performances in the competition. Only included after an injury to Italy’s Leonardo Spinazzola.
Centre midfield
Jorginho (Italy)
Elusive dribbling, drag-backs, flicks and immaculate close control are all hallmarks of the Chelsea midfielder’s extensive arsenal. He remained calm and composed to execute a well rehearsed penalty when it mattered most in the semi-final shoot-out against Spain. Possessing a seemingly panoramic view of the pitch, the former Napoli player has an almost perfect passing success ratio. Consistent and reliable throughout the Euros he will need to be at his best if Italy are to lift the trophy today.
Centre midfield
Declan Rice (England)
An indefatigable, hard running presence who seems powered by an internal rechargeable battery.
The much sought after West Ham midfielder has improved as the tournament has progressed.
Excellent in a dominant quarter-final victory against Ukraine, he motored up and down the Wembley pitch relentlessly as England clinched an extra-time win against Denmark to advance to the final. Now has the task of shutting down Italy’s dominant midfield.
Centre midfield
Nicolo Barella (Italy)
A vital component of the Italian midfield press which snares opponents like a Venus flytrap.
The Sardinian is perseverance personified. A major contributor to Inter’s Serie A success, he has also excelled for the Azzurri; pickpocketing possession and charging forward on the break. A brilliant goal in the quarter-finals stunned Belgium and showed all his qualities; tenacity, quick feet and great technique to finish.
Left-wing
Lorenzo Insigne (Italy)
Outstanding in the quarter-final victory against tournament favorites Belgium he produced a trademark moment of genius to send Italy ahead.
Jinking from left to right he incisively found space before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner. It was a move he could copyright and allied to his darting runs, impressive lay-offs and accuracy from distance the Napoli winger has been one of the Azzurri’s best Euro 2020 performers.
Right-wing
Raheem Sterling (England)
The star of Gareth Southgate’s side. England would not have reached the final without him. Surfed a tidal wave of criticism before justifying his selection to coast into waves of adulation. His scintillating bursts and timely goals against Croatia, the Czech Republic and Germany have proved invaluable. Still a polarizing figure, he won a controversial penalty against Denmark and will pose a huge threat in the final.
Centre forward
Harry Kane (England)
The only genuinely world class player in Gareth Southgate’s team overcame a rusty start to deliver four goals in the latter stages of the Euros. A deadly finisher for club and country, the 27-year-old has handled the weight of expectation impressively and possesses great positional sense and technique. Equally adept on the ground or in the air the England captain will again be under pressure in his country’s first European Championship final.
A version of this article featured on the Football Italia website on Saturday, July 10, 2021.
Stephen Kasiewicz 