EFF daily update, Sunday July 11th
It is here, the wait is over. Euro 2020 and, of course, Euro Fantasy Football concludes on Sunday, July 11th.
The final game of the tournament sees England play host to Italy at Wembley in the final.
Italy probably head into the tie as slight favourites given how impressive they have been since Roberto Mancini took the reins.
But as the majority of Italy has been keen to point out, England do have the home advantage on Sunday, with Wembley expected to be packed with Three Lions fans.
England have had a superb defensive record this summer, conceding just one goal at the tournament – which is of course the best defensive record of all the teams that entered.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 06: Giorgio Chiellini of Italy reacts as he warms up prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Semi-final match between Italy and Spain at Wembley Stadium on July 06, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Injury news
Italy: Apart from Leonardo Spinazzola, who has already been ruled out of the Euros, Italy do not look to have any major injury concerns ahead of the final.
England: England look to have a fully fit squad ahead of the final on Sunday. Bukayo Saka was the only slight injury doubt ahead of the semis, but he would then start vs Denmark on Wednesday.
Top three players to pick: Raheem Sterling, Lorenzo Insigne, Luke Shaw
Raheem Sterling, England (9.9m)
Obviously, there are not an awful lot of options to chose from this week as there are only two teams left.
And given finals are pretty cagey affairs, do not expect a high-scoring round from your side.
So, given the limited choices available to you, it is crucial you have the best of the best from both Italy and England in your side this week.
And, from England, the must-have player this summer has been Raheem Sterling.
Sterling has been essential to everything positive England have done at Euro 2020. And though he technically did not earn a goal contribution, his presence did help force Denmark’s own goal last time out.
He may have played a lot this summer, but Sterling is unlikely to be dropped for the final and if England do something vs Italy, he should be part of it.
Lorenzo Insigne, Italy (8.7m)
Lorenzo Insigne should pose a similar threat for Italy on Sunday evening.
The Napoli star has proven himself to be a nightmare for opposition defences this summer, cutting insight to curl the ball with his right – an action he does frequently but is still almost never stopped by defenders.
And, as he is a left-winger, Insigne will be up against Kyle Walker and John Stones on Sunday.
Both have had decent tournaments, but they can both be somewhat clumsy when defending – something Insigne could take advantage of at Wembley.
TOPSHOT – England’s defender Harry Maguire (back) celebrates with England’s defender Luke Shaw after scoring the second goal during the UEFA EURO 2020 quarter-final football match between Ukraine and England at the Olympic Stadium in Rome on July 3, 2021. (Photo by ALBERTO LINGRIA / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO LINGRIA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Luke Shaw, England (6.3m)
The final player you should look to sign this week is Luke Shaw.
Shaw is now the highest-scoring defender left on EFF and the second highest-scoring player left overall – only behind Raheem Sterling.
England have a decent chance of keeping a clean sheet on Sunday. But even if they do not, Shaw could still come up with an assist to earn you points.
Captain of the day: Kane, England
Sterling and Insigne are both likely decent captain options this week. But given Sterling has earned more goal contributions this summer, he may be the better pick.
