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#3 Italian defence's toughest test yet
Italy have had to face Belgium and Spain in successive games. The Azzurri did just about enough to knock both European giants out of the tournament. But neither Belgium nor Spain had as much momentum as England have right now.
England's attackers have been in fine form. Raheem Sterling has been one of the players of the tournament so far. He has scored three goals and provided an assist in six appearances so far. The Manchester City winger's trickery, passing and movement have helped England gain an edge over the opposition.
He is ably supported on the left-wing by Luke Shaw, who has also been one of the stars of Euro 2020. Bukayo Saka and Kyle Walker will also give Emerson Palmieri a tough time on the right flank. Harry Kane has looked sharp and has hit his stride right when it mattered as well.
The Italian defence will have their work cut out against the most in-form attackers at Euro 2020 at Wembley on Sunday.
#2 England's bench strength and dynamism
England's incredible bench strength has helped them dominate the second half of several games. Southgate has used Grealish as an impact substitute and his introduction has helped swing the momentum in England's favour multiple times.
He turned in brilliant performances against Czech Republic and Germany and he started the former and came off the bench in the latter. He also assisted Kane's goal against Germany.
Southgate has players like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson, Kieran Trippier, Jude Bellingham, Ben Chilwell and Reece James, among others, on his bench.
This means that England can afford to be tactically flexible and it facilitates better in-game management. At the same time, Italy do not have as many players on their bench who can reach the levels of their starters.
#1 Harry Kane's knockout stage form and home adv
On his day, Harry Kane is almost unplayable. Over the course of the knockout stages, we've seen one of the best strikers in the world settling into his groove. Sunday could very well be the day when Harry Kane helps England make history.
After going goalless in the group stage, Kane has now scored four goals in three knockout stage matches. There was a bit of good fortune involved as he sent the rebound home after Kasper Schmeichel had saved his spotkick in the semifinal against Denmark.
But it was the perfect way to cap off a brilliant performance. He played a defence splitting pass to release Saka in the move that culminated in England's opening goal of the game. He had also whipped in a couple of lovely crosses for Raheem Sterling but neither were converted.
England desperately needed their captain to find form and he has truly delivered in the knockout stages. If the Tottenham Hotspur striker can do the same in the final then Italy will struggle to contain him.
The fact that the game is going to be played at Wembley is the biggest and most obvious advantage that England have over Italy. It's not every day that a major cup tournament is played at one of the team's home stadiums, is it?
