Introduction

The Euro 2020 final between England and Italy was held on July 11, 2021, at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London. It was a highly anticipated match for both teams and their fans, as it marked a chance for either England to win their first major international tournament since the 1966 World Cup or for Italy to secure their second European Championship title.

The Build-Up to the Final

England and Italy had both come into the final at the back of impressive runs of form throughout the tournament. The two teams were unbeaten coming into the final, with England having won all of their previous matches, while Italy had won four of their five matches and drawn one.

England's route to the final saw them dispatch Croatia, Scotland, and the Czech Republic in the group stages, followed by knockout stage victories over Germany, Ukraine, and Denmark. Italy, on the other hand, beat Turkey, Switzerland, and Wales in the group stages, followed by knockout stage victories over Austria, Belgium, and Spain in the semifinals.

The Match

The match started brightly for England, with Luke Shaw scoring the opening goal just 2 minutes into the game. It was a stunning goal, with Shaw volleying home a cross from Kieran Trippier. Despite the early setback, Italy gradually grew into the game, with Leonardo Bonucci equalizing for them in the 67th minute.

The match remained level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, leading to extra time. However, neither team was able to break the deadlock, and the match went to penalties. Unfortunately for England, they were unable to convert their penalties, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka all missing their spot kicks. Italy, on the other hand, scored all of their penalties, winning the shootout 3-2 and securing their second European Championship title.

The Aftermath

The result was a bitter disappointment for England and their fans, who had hoped to win their first major international tournament in over 50 years. Despite the loss, however, it was a historic achievement for the team to make it to the final of a major competition and to have captured the hearts of their nation with their performances throughout the tournament.

For Italy, it was a well-deserved victory, and the team's defensive solidity and teamwork throughout the tournament were key to their success. The win also marked a remarkable turnaround for the team under manager Roberto Mancini, who had taken charge of the team in 2018 after they had failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Conclusion

The Euro 2020 final between England and Italy was a thrilling match that showcased the best of both teams. While England ultimately fell short in their quest for victory, their performances throughout the tournament were a source of pride for their fans. Italy, on the other hand, demonstrated their quality and team spirit throughout the tournament, culminating in a well-deserved victory in the final.