ENGLAND coach Chris Powell will again by inspired by a Southend United flag when the Three Lions go for glory in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final with Italy.

The clash will again be taking place at Wembley.

And former Blues defender and manager Powell will be thinking of his former side as kick off approaches.

“There is a Southend flag at every single game and I always look out for it and think what a tough time it’s been for Southend fans in the past few years,” said Powell.

“I saw the first game next season is against King’s Lynn and it’s a tough one to take.

“But I see that flag there and just hope they’ve got something that can keep them happy in football there.

“Fans come together in these moments.

“It’s not about your club, it’s your country and it’s brilliant thing for everyone at this time.

“The nation feels good about itself at the moment and we haven’t said that too often.

Powell has been joined in the England set up by fellow ex Shrimpers Graeme Jones and Martyn Margetson.

And the trio have discussed their Roots Hall connections.

“We’ve spoken about it and it’s quite amazing for the Southend fans I think,” said Powell.

“Whatever they remember of us the link to Southend is strong for the England national team and that is amazing.

“We’ve been there as players and myself as manager and I think it’s great for the club to have that link after a tough season.

“It’s quite unique and I hope Southend can claim a link to us getting over the line on Sunday.”

England face Italy at Wembley on Sunday and Powell will again be on the bench alongside boss Gareth Southgate just little more than two years after losing his job with the Shrimpers.

“You have to be resilient in football, regardless of the level,” said Powell.

“It’s a fact of management life that you will lose your role.

“I loved it at Southend and the first season was very, very positive.

“We had 18 games and went from 20th to 10th.

“I wanted to build on that but it wasn’t to be.

“But I’m not here to throw mud at anyone and I’ll take responsibility.

“You move on and you wish other people well.

“That’s all you can do and I’m proud of where I’m at now.

“It’s been a long journey but you dust yourself down and go again.”

And Powell still looks back at the positive of his spell in charge of Blues.

“I would say Southend was a good experience, regardless of how it ended,” said the 51-year-old.

“You’re always incredibly proud when you become a manager of any club and I definitely was.

“It wasn’t just because of my links to the club either, it’s very hard to become a manager at any level.”

But Powell is still keen for the Shrimpers to succeed after they suffered back to back relegations.

“I really do wish Southend well and want them to get out of the National League,” said Powell.

"I don’t think they deserve to be in there but they are and they have to deal with it.

“I’m sure they will deal with it and I know Phil (Brown) well.

“He is the right man and he will get on with it.”

But Powell will continue to focus on his own coaching career.

“I’ve been over to Holland and now I’m at Spurs,” said Powell.

“I work alongside some brilliant people and some very talented young players.

“I’m here with England now and hopefully I’ll be part of history.

“We’re all part of it already anyway but we want to be remembered for the right thing and that’s getting over the line on Sunday.

“We want to make the nation proud.”