Paths to the Euro 2020 final: England improving as the tournament goes on

Italy's path to the final

Turkey 0-3 Italy Stadio Olimpico, Rome, June 11

Roberto Mancini’s men kicked off Euro 2020 in serene style. Italy were the story of late support in the build-up to the tournament and the market confidence looked justified on the back of a faultless display, with the Azzurri winning the shot count 24-3 and the toiling Turks failing to register an effort on target.

Italy 3-0 Switzerland, Stadio Olimpico, Rome, June 16

Another impressive display from Italy, who sent outflas a statement to their rivals with a second successive 3-0 win. A Manuel Locatelli brace and a Ciro Immobile strike sealed the Italians’ spot in the last 16, although they scored with their only three efforts on target and had less possession than their Swiss counterparts. Slick passing and pressing was the key to success.

Italy 1-0 Wales, Stadio Olimpico, Rome, June 20

The Azzurri highlighted their strength in depth as they made eight changes from the team that silenced the Swiss. Matteo Pessina grabbed the only goal, but Italy dominated with 69 per cent possession and had 23 shots to Wales’ three. Mancini’s men showed their defensive attributes to record an 11th straight clean sheet.

Italy 0-0 Austria (2-1 after extra-time), Wembley, London, June 26

Italy displayed their first sign of weakness as they rode their luck to triumph against a spirited Austria side who had a goal ruled out in normal time. Mancini showed his class and experience and highlighted their squad depth as substitutes Federico Chiesa and Pessina notched in extra-time to send the Azzurri into the last eight.

Belgium 1-2 Italy, Allianz Arena, Munich, July 2

It was back to business for Italy, who were deserving 2-1 winners against the world's top-ranked team. The Azzurri weathered the early storm and two superb strikes from Nicolo Barella and Insigne rewarded them with victory in what was an exhilarating tie. However, a tournament-ending injury to impressive full-back Leonardo Spinazzola, who had been one of their star men, overshadowed the win.

Italy 1-1 Spain (Italy won 4-2 on penalties), Wembley, London, July 6

It was backs to the wall for Italy, who defended resolutely to see off Spain. La Roja’s slick passing and movement caused plenty of problems for Mancini’s men, although they were wasteful with their chances. The Italians had just 30 per cent possession and lost the shot stats 16-7, but were able to extend their unbeaten run 33 games and prevail on penalties.

England's path to the final

England 1-0 Croatia, Wembley, London, June 13

A hard-fought win for England, with Raheem Sterling grabbing the game's only goal. It was a low-key start for Gareth Southgate’s men and the two teams had identical stats - 50 per cent possession, eight shots (two on target) and one corner. Kalvin Phillips was the star of the show, providing the assist for Sterling's goal as he cemented his place in midfield.

England 0-0 Scotland, Wembley, London, June 18

It was a conservative approach from Southgate’s side and it was Scotland who shaped the better in this bore draw. The Three Lions were tame, registering just one shot on target, and captain Harry Kane came under serious scrutiny following another laboured display.

Czech Republic 0-1 England, Wembley, London, June 22
Another workmanlike performance from England as Sterling sealed a slender win. Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka were both drafted into Southgate’s 11 and were the best two players, although England could create only five shots throughout. Harry Maguire marked his return with 90 minutes and a clean sheet.

England 2-0 Germany, Wembley, London, June 29
England came through their first real test with flying colours and it was a sign that they may have a key role to play in the competition. Sterling scored first for the third time in four games late in the second period before Kane got himself up-and-running. Jordan Pickford made some crucial saves when the scores were level.

England 4-0 Ukraine, Stadio Olimpico, Rome, July 3
In what was their only start away from Wembley, England were impressive as they punished Ukraine in a 4-0 rout. The Three Lions took just four minutes to make their mark, with Kane bagging the first of his brace. Maguire was also on target and it was a fifth clean sheet on the spin for Southgate’s defensively-sound men.

England 1-1 Denmark (England won 2-1 after extra time), Wembley, London, July 7
For the first time in the competition England’s defence was breached and they showed a different side as they were forced to come from behind. The Three Lions were a goal down for just nine minutes and although the extra-time penalty was controversial, an inspired performance from Danish keeper Kasper Schmeichel was what stopped it being a more comfortable success.

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