Tonight England have the opportunity to celebrate their biggest triumph since 1966 when they face Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley. Victory would be the country's first major tournament win in half a century and for the team the biggest moment of their professional lives so far. The England players hold their destiny in their own hands, but they'll have to be at their very best if they're to topple the Italian side and realise their European dream.
Gareth Southgate and his young team have the opportunity to become national heroes when they step out in front of 60,000 supporters at Wembley in the most important match the national side has played in a generation. This is the moment many England fans thought they would never see, a milestone in English sporting history and an unmissable opportunity to deliver the country from the gloom of the last year by embracing the prize of European glory.
As this momentous day dawns Bobby Moore remains the only male captain to have lifted silverware, but Harry Kane is just one win away from doing what no other England captain has done since that fateful July day. He has a special gift where football's concerned, plus a heartfelt drive to win it for the fans, and after scoring the goal that ended England's run of major semi-final defeats he knows he's spearheaded a team that has thrilled the nation.
The squad are all just normal lads doing a job but this'll be the biggest game in their careers so it's time to step up and grab the opportunity with both hands. A tough game lies ahead but the Three Lions know they can win it so the mood is upbeat and confident. Every one of them should be proud of the way they've represented themselves on behalf of the country, their motivation's been 100%, so it's just a case of staying calm and positive and believing they can do it.
It's now four weeks since Harry Kane led the team out for their opening game and so much has happened on the road from Wembley to Rome and back again. The players have peaked at precisely the right time, working towards a common goal and underlining their collective tactical focus. Football has dominated the national conversation with the country cheering the boys every step of the way through tears of unbridled joy. It's been an undeniably exciting time.
There's no doubt that England have reshaped the history that has weighed them down in past tournaments. We now have a national team to be proud of, overflowing with personality, pride and purpose, shepherded by a kind, intelligent and empathetic ambassador who knows the scale of the challenge. They have the confidence to step up when it matters and the self-belief to remain focused and clear-minded in the face of fierce opposition, both on and off the pitch.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a new generation of down-to-earth footballers to share the stardust and write one more piece of history. Rashford, Saka and Sterling have the technique and mentality to withstand the pressure, grasp home advantage and finally end England's long-term generational shame. This must be the moment each player dreamt of as a child, lifting a trophy for their country on the steps at Wembley, not the usual agonising loss on penalties.
The final training sessions have been completed as the build-up reaches fever pitch. The road to Wembley has rarely been more passionate. There's only one place to be tonight, whether you're at home or in the pub, as excitement exceeds expected levels and hope is superseded by belief. England have never lost a major tournament final and are hoping to get their hands on the European trophy for the first time, and the team that scores the most goals will win it.
Every time England play they have an opportunity to create new memories for fans that last a lifetime. Football runs deep through the veins of this island and the team's hunger for success has already inspired a generation. These are the big moments when heroes stamp their names on footballing history as all ages come together to rally behind the flag. You don't realise you're in the moment until it's a memory, but tonight will be remembered forever whatever the final result.
Expectations are also high for Italy who are unbeaten after 33 matches, but there is pride at the school where Kane grew up and Gareth Southgate has a depth of options and the team is impatient for glory and millions of fans are managing their nerves and the question on everyone's lips is whether a team focused on passion and dedication can restore national pride and you have to believe it's possible so we'll all be cheering them on in every corner of the country.
It's a tense countdown for England supporters as they manage their nerves in advance of kick-off, tens of millions of us will be getting ready to watch the drama unfold, the focus of the world will fall on Wembley, the fans cannot wait to find out what happens on the pitch, it's a massive deal, everyone's got that butterfly feeling that we can end that 55 year-old drought, the talking is almost over, there'll be some sore heads on Monday morning.
Tonight is the toughest step of all, the very definition of a landmark experience, a unique national occasion, we're finally within touching distance of glory, it's payback for all those years of falling short, half a century of hurt, the lads have already done the whole country proud, they'll face a tough fight, they say they're ready, the ultimate goal is to finish the job, there'll be nerves, expect a fierce battle from both sides, fate will surely prevail.
England expects, it's time to deliver, echoes of 1966, a real 50-50 game, a match to remember, a scramble for silverware, a crowning moment, a huge weekend, one for the history books, it's what we live for, failure is not an option, it's coming home*!
Tonight England have the opportunity to celebrate their biggest triumph since 1966 when they face Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley. Victory would be the country's first major tournament win in half a century and for the team the biggest moment of their professional lives so far. The England players hold their destiny in their own hands, but they'll have to be at their very best if they're to topple the Italian side and realise their European dream.
