Evening Standard Comment: England vs Italy – our Euros date with destiny

It is the stuff that dreams are made of. Not only to play for your country in the final of a major tournament, but to do so in a stadium under the shadow of which you grew up.

Raheem Sterling’s performances so far in Euro 2020 have been pivotal in England’s route to the final. His pace, skill and of course goals have proved vital throughout.

Yet there is so much more to admire in this young man than mere outrageous footballing ability, from his foundation to help disadvantaged young people and campaigns against racism to the way in which he has displayed quiet dignity in the face of unwarranted, personal attacks.

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about this England side is that Sterling is not alone in his off-the-field endeavours.

Marcus Rashford took on the Government and won over free school meals, Jordan Henderson stands up for LGBT+ rights, all led by a manager who, in a pre-tournament letter to fans, was able to describe an inclusive Englishness that many politicians fail or decline to represent.

Of course, the players’ focus remains on what happens on the pitch. Italy are a formidable side, four-time World Cup winners and now finalists in three of the past six European Championships. We like to revel in our history, but we cannot quite compete with a record like that.

But history is not destiny, it can only be made. Sunday is not about the past — it is an opportunity for sporting immortality. England: the nation is behind you, cheering you on from living rooms, pub gardens and town squares.

And whatever the result, deeply proud of who you are and what you have achieved.