England Are 'Incredibly Scared' And Will Be Punished For 'Miserable Football' Against Italy

England have been told they're an 'incredibly scared' side who will be punished for playing 'miserable football' vs Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

The Three Lions have the chance to win their first major trophy in 55 years on Sunday evening.

Gareth Southgate's side have kept five clean sheets in six games so far and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is yet to concede from open play.

Dutch pundit Pierre van Hooijdonk has taken aim at their style of play however and thinks Italy are 'definite favourites' at Wembley.

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He explained per the Mirror: "England truly play incredibly scared football. If that is what they do with the squad they have, I think it's really miserable.

"If they want to win the final they have to pay heed to what we are now saying.

"They were really average in the group stages as well. OK, they scored a lot of goals against Ukraine.

"But I have definite favourites for the final in Italy, and I hope they can do it.

"I am so disappointed in what England have shown so far. With their squad they should be able to serve up something more attractive."

Wesley Sneijder also believes Roberto Mancini's side have the edge thanks to their remarkable form.

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Italy haven't lost a game since September 2018 and former Inter Milan midfielder Sneijder thinks it puts them in the driver's seat - despite England's home advantage.

"On the basis of what we've just seen, Italy won't find it difficult against England," he told NOS.

"The English weren't much better in their other games at the finals. Italy are the favourites."

Southgate is set to go to a back five against Italy as a way to nullify the threat of their full-backs.

Kieran Trippier will come back into the side for Bukayo Saka according to reports from the Sun and the Telegraph.

England could be without Phil Foden for the final as the Manchester City youngster has a foot issue.

He came off the bench against Denmark but sat out training on Saturday afternoon, with the FA describing it as a 'precaution.'

Who do you think will win Euro 2020?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football, Euro 2020, England, Italy

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_