This archive report was first published on 8 July 2021.
On July 7, England's historic Euro 2020 campaign reached its climax as Gareth Southgate's team prepared to face Italy in the final.
England's semi-final victory over Denmark on July 7 marked their first final in 55 years, with Harry Kane's extra-time strike securing a 2-1 win at Wembley.
For the first time since their 1966 World Cup triumph, England will contest the title match of a major tournament, facing an Italy side who last won the European Championship in 1968.
With history on the line, Southgate challenged his players to finish the job in style, praising their togetherness and teamwork.
"This group of players have been fantastic to work with, their togetherness, those not in the team supporting their team mates, they deserve what's happening," he said.
Italy, undefeated in their last 33 games, will provide a formidable challenge for England, but Southgate remains confident in his team's abilities.
"We know the size of the task. But what a brilliant moment for us. Let's savour tonight, then we can think about that on the coach back to Burton," he said.
England's players will have the support of the vast majority of the 60,000 Wembley crowd, a factor that Southgate believes will be crucial in their bid for victory.
"The big advantage was having our fans in those moments of the game where we had to dig in and towards the end where we had a little wobble when all we needed to do was to keep the ball," he said.
England's semi-final victory was a momentous occasion for the nation, with the team's joyous celebrations providing a cathartic moment for the fans.
However, Southgate is aware that England need to come back down to earth quickly as they turn their focus to Roberto Mancini's Italy.
"There was mayhem on the pitch and I was part of it. We've got to enjoy the fact we're in the final but there's one more massive hurdle to conquer," he said.
