English expats hoping their team can end their 50 plus year misery

Retired Whanganui football linchpin Steve Kerfoot said if England weren't in the final, he would be rooting for Italy. Holding an official 1966 matchday booklet, he is hoping England can end their 50 plus year drought. Photo / Bevan Conley

Whanganui's football followers are all set for Monday's European Championship final with many hoping the trophy is "coming home".

England will take on Italy in the final at Wembley Stadium in London in their first major finals appearance since their famous 1966 World Cup victory.

English expat and Whanganui Athletic captain Matt Calvert said it had been awesome seeing England perform up to their potential after years of being teased in major tournaments.

"Growing up in England, you start with a lot of hope and you get brought down to earth really quickly.

"It has been really positive. They are showing a lot of depth and playing some really good football."

England moved in to their first final in more than 50 years with a 2-1 semifinal win over Denmark on Thursday.

Calvert said there were plenty of nerves leading up to the semifinal and throughout the game.

"We have seen them go behind in the past and they had no answer back."

Steve Kerfoot has been involved in football his whole life and said it hadn't been easy being an English football fan over the last 50 years.

"We are very used to being let down in the biggest moments."

On the other side of the coin, Italy are in the middle of a somewhat historic run. Unbeaten in their past 33 matches and winners of their last 13, they will back themselves to spoil England's chances.

Calvert was quick to tip his hat to Italy, saying they have looked like the best team all tournament.

"I feel as though the two teams in the final are two who deserve to be there."

Having visited Italy many times in both a holiday and work capacity, Kerfoot said if England wasn't in the final, he would certainly be supporting the Italians.

"There have been so many times where I haven't had England to support so it has been Italy for me."

In terms of a prediction for Monday's final, Calvert said his heart was with his home country, but he sees there only being a goal between the two sides.

"I think whoever scores first will win. It will be a tight and cagey affair."

Kerfoot will be in Auckland at the time of the final and said he will find a seat at the rowdiest bar he can find.

"I so want my home country to win. I can see it, I can. When England get in behind the opposition's defence they look dangerous.

"But, Italy have a very resilient defence and even if they go behind, they will not give up. The flamboyance of Italy is well known."