England expects but don't rule out plenty of cards being shown in the final

We asked our top team of writers a number of questions relating to Euro 2020 and this is how they answered...

What is your best bet for the Euro 2020 final?

Aaron Ashley: Giovanni Di Lorenzo to be shown a card. The Napoli man collected 11 yellows from 36 games in Serie A this term and his 11 fouls at Euro 2020 are eclipsed only by Denmark’s Thomas Delaney. He was booked against Austria, lucky to escape the referee’s attention against Spain and has a confident Raheem Sterling to contend with.

Dan Childs: England to lift the trophy at a shade of odds-on looks good value. I'm not always a fan of Fifa rankings but I feel that England are the stronger side, especially in the attacking third and off the bench. The crowd have a role to play and I'm slightly surprised that England aren't shorter given the benefit of home advantage.

Liam Flin: Emerson at 5-1 to be shown a card looks a great selection. He does not have the defensive discipline of the absent Leonardo Spinazzola and could be in for a tough night.

Henry Hardwicke: The 7-4 offered about over 2.5 goals seems a little too big. England had 21 attempts at goal in their semi-final against Denmark and Italy have managed 48 shots in the knockout stage. There's a lot at stake, but I don't see either side shutting up shop.

Mark Langdon: I quite like the draw in 90 minutes but with that in mind maybe take England to win in extra-time. Gareth Southgate has some serious forward options off the bench and if Grealish and Foden make their entrance against tired bodies that could decide the final.

James Milton: Harry Maguire to be shown a card. The England centre-back has been booked against Germany and Denmark so Italy's players will be eager to wind him up. Maguire picked up seven yellow cards in his last 15 appearances for Manchester United in 2020-21 and was sent off against the Danes in the Nations League last year.

Who should be named as the star of the tournament?

Aaron Ashley: Raheem Sterling. The Manchester City man has silenced his critics and has been integral to England’s success, scoring the opening goal in games with Croatia, Czech Republic and Germany. He has been a constant threat with his pace and desire to run in behind and looks sure to play a key role against the Italians.

Dan Childs: I can't look past Raheem Sterling, who started the tournament with the winning goal against Croatia and was outstanding for 120 minutes against Denmark. In between he popped up with the first goals against Czech Republic and Germany and supplied a superb assist for Harry Kane's opener against Ukraine.

Liam Flin: Raheem Sterling has been key to England’s success at Euro 2020, scoring three goals, laying on one assist and he has arguably been the team’s most consistent player. His pace and incisive runs could cause Italy plenty of problems.

Henry Hardwicke: Raheem Sterling has been England's shining light and he produced a fantastic display in the semi-final against Denmark. Sterling has notched three times in the tournament and he has proved a constant threat for the Three Lions.

Mark Langdon: Paul Pogba was by far the best individual but France went out too early for him to scoop the award. Jorginho hasn't been ten out of ten in any game this tournament but he has consistently delivered for Italy and the ice-cool pen against Spain was superb.

James Milton: Talking through my pocket, Paul Pogba has been as good as anyone but sadly France went out at the last-16 stage so I'd go for Raheem Sterling or Federico Chiesa. Both have stretched defences with their pace and intelligent movement and both have scored some crucial goals for their teams.

Give us your breakthrough player at the Euros?

Aaron Ashley: Some of the most impressive displays have come from wing-back positions with Italy’s Leonardo Spinazzola, Netherlands' Denzel Dumfries and Denmark’s Joakim Maehle all shining brightly. That trio were immense throughout the competition, providing their countries with great width and extra attacking intent.

Dan Childs: I'd say its a toss up between Leonardo Spinazzola and Pedri. Spinazzola's energy and quality down the left were huge factors in Italy's strong start and Pedri grew in stature as the tournament progressed. The Barcelona midfielder is only 18 but he was outstanding in the semi-final.

Liam Flin: Reported interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich shows Spain’s Dani Olmo has done something right at this tournament. La Roja lacked a cutting edge in attack but he has looked one of their best creative outlets in every game and laid on three assists.

Henry Hardwicke: Pedri's creativity and forward-thinking passes for Spain were a joy to watch. His efforts were deserving of better finishes and he edges it for me. It was a shame that Leonardo Spinazzola's tournament was cut short by injury as he was excellent for Italy. Joe Rodon impressed for Wales and Bukayo Saka has done well for England.

Mark Langdon: Pedri is in the top three for passes into the final third, progressive passes, through balls, shot-creating actions, goal-creating actions, touches, progressive carries and carries into the final third. For an 18-year-old to complete every pass in 90 minutes of a Euros semi-final is definitely not normal.

James Milton: Barcelona watchers knew all about Pedri's talent but even they may not have expected him to be so assured and influential in Spain's run to the semis. Denmark's Damsgaard and Maehle deserve a mention and Kalvin Phillips, still playing in the Championship less than 12 months ago, has been excellent for England.

What was your goal of the tournament?

Patrik Schick's strike against Scotland will live long in the memoryCredit: Ian MacNicol

Aaron Ashley: There have been some special strikes and nothing against Scotland, but my two favourite goals came against the Tartan Army. Czech Republic’s Patrik Schick showed great vision and improvisation with his goal from just inside the Scotland half while Luka Modric’s outside-of-the-boot winner for Croatia was equally impressive.

Dan Childs: I know it was only in the group stage but Patrik Schick's effort against Scotland did not get the credit it deserved. David Marshall got a lot of stick but he was only momentarily out of position and it was a fantastic strike from the Czech striker, who had a great tournament.

Liam Flin: I hate to go for the obvious but Czech forward Patrik Schick’s strike from 49.7 metres - a record distance in the tournament - against Scotland is the clear winner for me.

Henry Hardwicke: Paul Pogba's long-range effort against Switzerland was a great strike, but I'd go with Patrik Schick’s goal against Scotland. The curve the Czech striker managed to put on the ball was incredible and it was struck from way down town.

Mark Langdon: For different reasons I liked Schick's against Scotland, Pogba and Benzema against Switzerland, Locatelli against Switzerland, Insigne against Belgium and Morata against Italy. If Pogba can't win player of the tournament, let him win this.

James Milton: There have been some corkers but my personal favourites are Pogba's inch-perfect long-range strike against Switzerland and Luka Modric's deft finish with the outside of his boot against Scotland. Outrageously good finishes from two of the world's great midfield maestros.

Who is your favourite Euros TV pundit or co-commentator?

Aaron Ashley: Gary Neville remains the most insightful. Neville’s passion for punditry is unmatched and he has played at the highest level, so can provide his audience with an in-depth understanding of his assessments. He is easy to relate to and often difficult to disagree with.

Dan Childs: Ally McCoist doesn't always get to do the biggest games but always combines excellent knowledge and strong opinions with a sense of humour. He obviously wants Scotland to do well but did a great job as part of the England v Scotland commentary team.

Liam Flin: Co-commentator Ally McCoist has been a joy to listen to and stands out from the rest mainly because he doesn’t talk for talking’s sake and admits when he has got something wrong rather than trying to cover it up with waffle.

Henry Hardwicke: Ally McCoist is the clear standout. The Scot brings plenty of humour to proceedings and also delivers sensible opinions and good knowledge. It's a shame we don't have his excellent captaincy on the once great A Question Of Sport any more.

Mark Langdon: I don't think you can beat Gary Neville. He has the right amount of big-game experience to fall back on from his playing days, the passion for the game to speak like a fan but also delivers the tactical stuff in a palatable way.

James Milton: ITV's Gary Neville and Emma Hayes have stood out in a fairly mediocre field and co-commentator Ally McCoist is well on his way to becoming a national treasure in England as well as Scotland.

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