In a clash of football titans, England is gearing up to face off against European champions Italy in a high-stakes Euro 2024 qualifier. The showdown, set to take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium, marks the first time Italy and England will meet on this hallowed ground since their dramatic encounter in the final of Euro 2020.
For those who can’t quite recall the heart-pounding spectacle that was the Euro 2020 final, here’s a quick recap: England opened the scoring with a lightning-fast goal from Luke Shaw just two minutes into the game. But the Italians clawed their way back, with Leonardo Bonucci equalizing from a corner in the 67th minute. The match ultimately culminated in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, where England’s fate took a cruel twist. They missed three of their five penalties, allowing Italy to claim the European crown.
This time around, England is looking for redemption. Kyle Walker, a formidable presence in England’s defense, expressed his eagerness to settle the score. “We fell short that night,” he reminisced about the Euro 2020 final. “Hopefully we can get a little bit of payback.”
Walker’s perspective mirrors the dynamic nature of football, where victories and defeats shape the evolution of players and teams. Drawing a parallel to his club career with Manchester City, he highlighted the transformative effect of setbacks. “At club level, I went to Porto and lost against Chelsea and then two years later we won the Treble,” Walker noted. “People and teams evolve from that, I think you learn from occasions where you’ve been in finals and lose in finals, and setbacks, and then you go on to achieve something great.”
In the red corner, England’s gaffer, Gareth Southgate, emphasized that the current squad is a different beast than the one that stumbled in the Euro 2020 final. He cited their experience in winning big matches, consistent performances, and their remarkable status as a top-five team in the world since 2018. Southgate is steadfast in his belief that the team has evolved into a formidable force.
The stakes in this Euro 2024 qualifier couldn’t be higher. A single point for England would secure their position at the top of Group C and guarantee their place in the upcoming summer finals. However, Italy’s qualification hopes hang in the balance, making this match a pivotal moment in their campaign. Luciano Spalletti’s Italian side currently sits in second place in Group C, level on points with Ukraine, whom they will face in their final qualifier on November 20th.
England’s approach to the match is not one of reckless abandon, despite their desire for redemption. Southgate is clear that they won’t need to “lob the goalkeeper into the box” in search of victory if the match remains level late into the game. The focus is on delivering a solid performance and securing their place in the Euros.
For fans of football, especially those who recall the drama of Euro 2020, this showdown promises to be a thrilling spectacle. It’s a chance for England to turn the page and rewrite history, and for Italy to prove that their triumph in 2020 was no fluke. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the anticipation is building. Football fans, get ready for an epic battle at Wembley!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Redemption
What happened in the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy?
In the Euro 2020 final, England took an early lead with a goal from Luke Shaw but eventually lost to Italy in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 1-1 draw.
Why is the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier between England and Italy significant?
The Euro 2024 qualifier between England and Italy holds great importance as it presents England with a chance for redemption after their Euro 2020 heartbreak. It’s a pivotal match to secure their spot in the upcoming summer finals and a moment for Italy to solidify their qualification hopes.
How have the players and teams evolved since the Euro 2020 final?
Players and teams, like Kyle Walker and England under Gareth Southgate, have evolved through setbacks and victories. Walker pointed to his club experience, where Manchester City transformed from final loss to a treble win, as an example of this evolution.
What is at stake for England and Italy in this Euro 2024 qualifier?
For England, a single point in the qualifier would guarantee their top spot in Group C and a place in the Euro 2024 finals. Italy’s qualification hopes hang in the balance, making this match crucial in their campaign.
What is Gareth Southgate’s perspective on the current England squad?
Gareth Southgate emphasizes that the current England squad is different from the one that lost in the Euro 2020 final. He highlights their experience in winning big matches, consistent performances, and their status as a top-five team in the world since 2018.
More about Redemption
- BBC Sport: England ready to get ‘payback’ against Italy
- UEFA: Euro 2020 Final Recap
- The Guardian: England’s Evolution Under Gareth Southgate
- Sky Sports: Italy’s Qualification Hopes in Euro 2024
