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England can end their 55 years of hurt against Italy in Euro 2020 final, says Ian Baraclough

NI manager says Three Lions have what it takes to clinch Wembley fairytale

Ian Baraclough's Northern Ireland side lost out 2-0 to Italy in their opening World Cup qualifier back in March. Pic: INPHO/Presseye/William Cherry

Ian Baraclough. Credit: INPHO/Presseye/William Cherry

Ian Baraclough's Northern Ireland side lost out 2-0 to Italy in their opening World Cup qualifier back in March. Pic: INPHO/Presseye/William Cherry

©INPHO/Presseye/William Cherry

Ian Baraclough. Credit: INPHO/Presseye/William Cherry

©INPHO/PRESSEYE/William Cherry

Ian Baraclough's Northern Ireland side lost out 2-0 to Italy in their opening World Cup qualifier back in March. Pic: INPHO/Presseye/William Cherry

Adrian Rutherford Twitter Email

July 10 2021 09:10 AM

Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough has said England’s energy and attacking flair could be the key to beating Italy in tomorrow’s Euro 2020 final.

He believes Gareth Southgate’s side have the pace and threat to unlock the Italians’ famed defence and finally end 55 years of English hurt.

England take on the Azzurri, on a 33-game unbeaten run stretching back to October 2018, in front of 65,000 fans at Wembley in their first major final since 1966.

Baraclough, whose side lost 2-0 to Italy in a World Cup qualifier in March, admits they are a formidable side - but they are beatable.

He told the Belfast Telegraph: “There will be a lot of nerves out there but I think it will be an open game.

“Both teams have got real attacking flair, they have both got pace and trickery up front. They will both try and impose themselves on each other, I’m sure.

“Both teams have got the two best centre halves in the tournament - (Leonardo) Bonucci and (Giorgio) Chiellini for Italy but also I think (Harry) Maguire and (John) Stones have been rock solid all tournament.

“What may split it is, while I think Italy have been from the off the best team in the tournament, they are starting to look at little bit tired.

“I was at the semi-final on Tuesday (Italy won on penalties after it finished 1-1 after extra time) and I thought Spain were the much brighter team in possession. Both teams were knackered after 120 minutes but Spain looked the more likely (to score) and Italy were dogged as usual in defence.

“I think it will be really interesting because England have got better and better as the tournament has gone on and look brighter still. I thought they still looked full of running against Denmark.

“That may have a bearing on it, but at the end of the day, it is a final. Italy have been there before, England are in largely unchartered territory, so how is it going to affect those players?”

In the March qualifier in Parma, Domenico Berardi gave Italy an early lead, with Ciro Immobile adding the second as Northern Ireland’s World Cup bid got off to a disappointing start.

Since then, the Italians have stretched their unbeaten run, winning all three group games at the Euros, then beating Austria and Belgium in the knockout rounds, before Tuesday night’s penalty shoot-out win over the Spanish.

It is a remarkable turnaround under Roberto Mancini after the disappointment of missing out on the 2018 World Cup.

Baraclough added: “They have been building for the last three years since Roberto took over, and to go 33 games unbeaten just tells you everything.

“I don’t care who you play - along the way you come up against some good international teams, and they have been settled for the last three years.

“England are still a work in progress, and it is great they have got through to a major final, and I think there is still a lot more to come from them.

“Italy are a settled team, built on the two giants at the back.

“I cannot split the two - I really can’t.”

England were unbeaten in the group stages as well, before defeating Germany 2-0, Ukraine 4-0 and then Denmark 2-1 in the semis.

Baraclough feels Southgate’s side deserve more praise, adding: “It’s been said that England have come through the so-called easier part of the draw. Well, they still had to beat Germany in the round of 16. I don’t think they have been given enough credit there.”

Euro 2020 has delivered a series of memorable matches, with both semi-finals high quality, high intensity clashes.

And Baraclough expects tomorrow night’s final to be an exciting affair.

“Not too many games have disappointed at this championship and I am looking forward to what could be a great final,” he added.

“It would be a major surprise if it wasn’t an end to end game. Nerves will come into it and no doubt will play a part, but I think both teams are set up to go and attack.

“England have been a bit more Italian-like than the Italians, if that makes sense, in shutting up shop, being solid first and foremost and then allowing the flair players to go and show their ability.”

If Italy win tomorrow night, they would head to Belfast for the return World Cup qualifier in November as European champions.

And while Baraclough has seen at first hand the quality the Italians possess, he admits Southgate has not been in touch seeking any advice.

“He doesn’t need my help!” he joked. “I did have a text conversation with Chris Powell, one of his assistants, about Ukraine and I said if there is anything you are not sure about to get in touch. He came back to say 'we have been watching these teams for 18 months!’

“At that level - St George’s Park is full of analysts, full of people with full time jobs.

“I don’t think Gareth needs any of my help whatsoever!”

England can end their 55 years of hurt against Italy in Euro 2020 final, says Ian Baraclough

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