The British monarch hailed Southgate’s side for their "spirit, commitment and pride" on the eve of their showdown with Italy at Wembley tomorrow.

England reached their first major final since winning the 1966 World Cup after defeating Denmark 2-1 in extra-time in the semi-finals.

Southgate’s men will now be hoping to etch their names in the history books with victory over Italy.

Queen Elizabeth II issued a message to the England team as they prepare to play at Wembley in front of more than 60,000 spectators.

"Fifty-five years ago I was fortunate to present the World Cup to Bobby Moore and saw what it meant to the players, management and support staff to reach and win the final of a major international football tournament," the message from the monarch read.

"I want to send my congratulations and that of my family to you all on reaching the final of the European Championships, and send my good wishes for tomorrow with the hope that history will record not only your success but also the spirit, commitment and pride with which you have conducted yourselves."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to rule out the possibility of an extra bank holiday should England defeat Italy.

England have conceded just one goal throughout the tournament, beating Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Ukraine and Denmark en route to the final.

There are doubts over attacker Phil Foden who was forced to sit out training with a foot injury.

"The reality of any team is that we never get these 26 players together again," said Southgate.

"It just doesn't work that way.

"They've left a great legacy, whatever happens, but now it's about the colour of the medal, and you get very few opportunities in your life to do something like this.

"So we have to seize that moment and give ourselves the best chance of winning."

Italy held their nerve to beat Spain in a semi-final penalty shootout and secure their place in the final.

Roberto Mancini’s men are on an incredible 33-match unbeaten streak, which has included victories over Turkey, Wales, Switzerland, Austria, world number one team Belgium and Spain in Euro 2020.

The four-time world champions have a better head-to-head record against England, with their opponents winning just one of their past eight meetings.

"We have been working towards this for many years so we are very happy and I can only thank the players for what they have done so far," said Mancini.

"We have won nothing yet; we will have to win on Sunday to consider it a success.

"England will have an entire stadium behind them. 

"It will be on us to put them under pressure.

"A final is a bit different from other games - we will have to play with focus but also with joy because you can only win a final if you take the field to have fun."