Super Sunday: Berbatov predicts tough encounter for Lions, Azzuris
Former Bulgaria international Dimitar Berbatov has predicted a tough encounter in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final between England and Italy.
Both teams according to the former Manchester United forward are in a super form and so the encounter promises to be full of fireworks. He however revealed his desire to see the Three Lions emerge victorious even as he added that it would be an opportunity for Harry Kane to put his critics where they rightfully belong.
He hailed Harry Kane’s performances in the Euro 2020 knockout stages and has a feeling it might finally be England’s year.
“Reaching the final of Euro 2020 is a major achievement for England. I had a sense that this could be England’s year,” Berbatov told Betfair. “The talent and quality in this England squad is capable of doing something special and I’m really pleased to see them in the final.
“Their opponents Italy have an excellent squad too, so it won’t be easy on Sunday.
“The only thing they have to watch is the pressure. In the first half England were a little tense and the upshot was that Denmark scored the first goal.
“Eventually England took control of the game but they must make sure the pressure doesn’t get to them against Italy,” he warned.
Berbatov who scored 48 goals in 108 appearances for Manchester united,picked out Sterling, Phillips and Kane as England’s key men against Denmark.
“Raheem Sterling was England’s most impressive player in the semi-final. I thought his running was unbelievable. He was a threat throughout the match was still pushing deep into extra-time.
“Kalvin Phillips stood out again too. He’s been one of the players of the tournament and, sooner or later, I expect him to leave Leeds for a bigger club.
“He is playing with maturity, agility, knowing when to run with the ball and when to pass. I would like to see him sign for Manchester United.”
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Berbatov also stressed the importance of Harry Kane to this England squad, “He received some criticism in the Group stages but Kane can tell his critics to f**k off.
“Even great players have their ups and downs. Even when he wasn’t scoring he was doing a lot for the team. But now the goals are coming.