England are not wilting under the weight of expectation as a media starved of major tournaments this summer is now travelling to Sweden in massive numbers.
"When we were on the coach and got the news we were going to play Germany, it seemed like it was meant to be," said midfielder
Mark Noble.
"If every fan could say who they want in the final they would say Germany.
"When you get brought through the ranks from Under 16s to Under 21s and the senior team, whenever you play Germany it is always a massive game.
"We've played Germany once before in the tournament and got a great result (1-1) against them and dominated them in many spells.
"If we can do that again and learn from the Sweden match then I'm sure we can lift the trophy."
England, though, are confident they will triumph in whatever colour, with Germany opting for the red England wore in 1966.
Stuart Pearce
Pearce has accentuated the positives of the win over Sweden, in particular the breakthrough penalty success, and there is the feeling inside the dressing room that they are fated to triumph.
Pearce’s only problems ahead of he final are the suspensions faced by
Gabriel Agbonlahor,
Fraizer Campbell and
Joe Hart, which could mean a lone striking role for
Theo Walcott.
However, he is focusing on a positive mentality and insists he would take no pleasure from a gallant defeat.
"The only way we can be deemed a success is if we win," he said.
"Whoever doesn't win will not have achieved anything."
Full interview with Stuart Pearce later here on Givemefootball.
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