During the European Championship, John Duggan brings you a preview and tips for the top football games in association with Paddy Power...
The European Championship Final between England and Italy at Wembley is one of the biggest ever sporting events in our environment and our consciousness, even as Irish people.
This is England's first ever European Championship final, and their first appearance at the business end of a tournament since the 1966 World Cup.
We consume English media. We watch Premier League football. We want England to lose. Some of us may want England to win. There's the 800 years and all that. The relations and friends we have over the Irish sea.
My brother in law is English. My nephews are half Irish and half English. I have supported Tottenham Hotspur since 1986 and their star player, whose grandfather hailed from Connemara, is the England captain.
It's complicated.
Italy are our Catholic cousins and there are so many angles to this major event.
We are beginning to emerge from the worst of the pandemic that has brought much hardship. Italy was the country that bore the brunt of it at the beginning. The Euros have reminded us of the colour of life.
As for the game, one expects it to be a cagey affair, perhaps low-scoring, but finals can take a direction of their own. There were six goals in the last World Cup decider.
I feel that it will be cautious before England unleash their attacking talent. Italy will hope to nick a goal and shut England out.
There are many questions. Will Jordan Pickford be calmer in the England goal? Can Chiellini and Bonucci last the pace? How will England's midfield fare against the quality of Jorginho, Verratti and Barella?
What I do believe quite strongly is that Harry Kane is peaking for this final.
He has now scored 4 goals in the football competition and playing closer to goal has suited him. At last, he looks sharp, but a lot of his impact depends on service. He has this unbelievable instinct to be in the right place at the right time. Just look at last season's goals and assists numbers in the Premier League.
Whether it goes to penalties or not, Harry Kane is going to get chances in the 90 minutes.
Harry Kane is available at 7/4 to score any time and I believe he is worth a punt.
May the best team win.
Football recommendation: Harry Kane to score at any time for England against Italy in the European Championship Final in 90 minutes - 7/4
Good luck!
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