Where England’s 26 stars all started playing careers as they bid to make history

From Stourbridge to Highgate and Chippenham to Greenford, England are on the cusp of greatness.

The Three Lions have already created history by becoming the first men's team to reach a major tournament final in 55-years.

And they can join the icons of 1966 and become national heroes if they defeat Italy in Sunday's Euro 2020 Wembley showdown.

This England team are not just loved for their brilliance on the field.

They've displayed moral leadership and challenged authority on poverty, racism and multiculturalism.

It's hard to dislike a side who have unified the country like no other in a generation.

Gareth Southgate has stimulated a unique team spirit within a group of players from diverse backgrounds.

The cultural shift from no-hoping pessimists to confidence-fuelled believers has been instilled by Southgate in his five-year period as Three Lions boss.

Sunday's finale at Wembley might not yet be the defining moment for Southgate but he will know his men are standing on the brink of history.

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England's collective spirit has been a powerful part of their success in their run to the final and the rise of some players from the grassroots game has not gone unrecognised.

The Three Lions' official twitter account posted a tribute to each of the 26 players in Southgate's squad in the build-up to the final, remembering where it all started before they reached their international dream.

Tyrone Mings came from the most humble beginnings, with an early career combining non-league football at Chippenham Town with jobs as a barman and mortgage advisor.

Jack Grealish began at Highgate United, John Stones at Penistone Church and Kalvin Phillips at Wortley Juniors.

Meanwhile, the likes of Declan Rice and Kyle Walker were perhaps already destined for the top level as they started out at the academies of Chelsea and Southampton.

These England players have been moulded in the communities across the country that now have so much pride in them.

And now they are just one game away from sporting immortality at Wembley.

England's Euro 2020 26-man squad: Where it all began

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Washington Envelopes), Aaron Ramsdale (Marsh Town), Sam Johnstone (Euxton Villa).

Defenders: Kieran Trippier (Woodhey), Conor Coady (Rainford Rangers), Tyrone Mings (Chippenham Town), Ben White (Southampton FC Academy), Ben Chilwell (Woburn Lions/Bletchley Youth), Luke Shaw (Moseley Juniors), Reece James (Kew Park Juniors), John Stones (Penistone Church), Harry Maguire (Brunsmeer Athletic), Kyle Walker (Sheffield United).

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Stourbridge Juniors), Jordan Henderson (Fulwell Juniors), Mason Mount (Boarhunt Rovers/United Services), Kalvin Phillips (Wortley Juniors), Declan Rice (Chelsea FC Academy).

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Handsworth FC), Phil Foden (Reddish Vulcans), Jack Grealish (Highgate United), Harry Kane (Ridgeway Rovers), Marcus Rashford (Fletcher Moss Rangers CFC), Bukayo Saka (Greenford Celtic), Jadon Sancho (Watford FC), Raheem Sterling (Alpha and Omega).

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