Jermaine Jenas
Former England midfielder on BBC One

I've always felt when Gareth makes these kind of changes it's to stop something. This Italian side, basically it's Chiesa and Insigne, they play as wingers essentially but are very central and they're going to running into Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire.

The biggest win that England can get is where Mount and Sterling are sitting behind Barella and Verratti. That gives that midfield a big problem because one thing I've noticed is that Bonucci and Chiellini don't want to step into that space in front of them. So it will be good to have those two sitting in behind the midfield.

We’re going to get team news shortly. Inevitably, there has been plenty of debate over what XI Gareth Southgate should start with this evening. Same as the semi? Bring Jordan Henderson into midfield? Three or four at the back? Saka, Foden, Grealish or Sancho?

It looks like he's going three at the back, with Kieran Trippier in for Bukayo Saka. Right call?

Harry Kane, Harry Maguire and Gareth Southgate check out the stage...

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Mina Rzouki
European football expert

Everything from their Armani suits to their superstitions have been well documented. Francesco Acerbi, who himself battled cancer twice, has to get on the bus on matchdays first. Gianluigi Donnarumma has to be the last.

As for assistant coach Gianluca Vialli - on their way to the match against Turkey, the bus left without him, only for the squad to realise a few moments later. The bus stopped, allowing him to catch up and finally get on. Since then, they simply have to repeat the process before every game. It's now a ritual.

Here comes the Italian coach... the lads looking as dapper as ever.

This really does feel like a moment for all of us. Like no other before it, this England team represents the diversity of the country. They come from north, south and parts in between.

They come from a number of different clubs, all of whom have been backing them to the hilt.

Rio Ferdinand
Former England defender on BBC One

I feel so comfortable, it is what these guys have made me feel like. I think it is testament to them. These guys know that it is an opportunity to make history, but please go out and enjoy it.

These players have a chance to change history for this country.

Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC One

I can't wait. There are 330 England caps between us in the studio tonight, 110 goals. The best defender of his generation, best midfielder of his generation. We never won a thing. We came close. All ifs, buts and whys. This England team tonight have got the chance to be the England team that wins a major tournament. It's lifechanging, career changing for these guys tonight. I am so excited.

Huge roars as the England team step out on to the Wembley pitch. Soak it up lads.

We’re doing our best here in the BBC Sport office to get our colours on and into the spirit.

I’m sure it’s a lot more exciting where you are, though. Let’s try and give everyone reading this a sense of the excitement building up across the country. Send us your pictures and videos of where you are, whether it is a bouncing beer garden, a lively fan park or simply your own decked-out back garden or living room. You might even want to make everyone else jealous with the view from your seat inside Wembley.

You can contact us using the hashtag #bbcfootball or you can text us on 81111 (UK only). Be aware, though, that texts will be charged at your standard message rate.

BBC Sport team ready to go in the office!

Image source, BBC Sport

Optimism.

Image source, Getty Images

The coach has arrived. Jordan Henderson is the first man off, followed soon after by Tyrone Mings and Conor Coady.

World in Motion is the song that greets them. Timely.

Charlie: Lads, no regrets, not today. Do not let this glorious opportunity pass you by. Give it your all, this is your moment. A chance to make history, and join the immortals of 1966.

Jermaine Jenas
Former England midfielder on BBC One

The brilliant thing with Gareth is that he has his own history, the positive part of it but obviously also the negative. He understands history and how important it all is what he's done is brill he's diffuse that history element. He's got the team together just motivating them to 'go create your own history and be part of it.'

It's no surprise that they're here today able to create their own history.

Do you think these England players are quite ready for the sight that awaits them as they pull ever closer to Wembley?

Gareth Southgate has done it himself as a player. He'll no doubt have told them the tales of 1996. But to see it first hand? Something else.

Joey, from Orpington, is in bed in the Princess Royal University Hospital following an emergency operation last night, but it won’t stop him watching the match tonight!

He was rushed in for an appendectomy, had the operation at 20:00 BST and plans to watch the game in the ward as he recovers.

“I will be watching on a mini-display next to the bed," he said.

“Would have been in a pub in London singing and cheering away, the only way I think it should be done - seeing as it’s the first time I would see England in a major international final! - but unfortunately, this will have to do!"

The ward accommodates four people. "I'm sure the fantastic staff here will be popping in every now and then," he joked.

Image source, Joey

Following the helicopter shots of this coach journey is probably as close as I’m going to get to being a royal-style correspondent on what feels like a wedding day.

'The coach now, weaves its way past well-wishers, the same route that Alf Ramsey and his side ventured along in 1966 and Terry Venables’ team of ’96. Harry Kane will be amongst them, the sixth in line to the all-time scorer crown. Now back to the studio, where I believe Giles Brandreth is with David Jason.'