England vs Italy - Competition: FIFA World Cup, Group D
England team went through qualification for this summer’s tournament
unbeaten, though they have won just two of the six games they have
played since booking their place in Brazil. They beat Peru in their
first of three warm-up games two weeks ago, before drawing with Ecuador
and Honduras in Miami.
Roy Hodgson is likely to pick a fairly reliable XI to face Italy, with
Danny Welbeck and Adam Lallana, both of whom do plenty of defensive
work, in behind Daniel Sturridge. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain is set to miss
the first game but should be fit come the Uruguay game.
Despite winning just one of their last eight games coming into the tournament, the Azzurri are slightly favourite here. Prior to that match in Rio de Janeiro, Cesare Prandelli’s side drew with both the Republic of Ireland and Luxembourg.
Andrea Barzagli is a slight doubt for the game while right back De Sciglio is out through injury. Alessio Cerci could join Mario Balotelli in attack, though the in-form Ciro Immobile is another option whose pace could trouble England's defence.
They sides last met in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012. While they may only have lost on penalties, the Three Lions were thoroughly outclassed. Having conceded at least twice against Denmark, Armenia, Nigeria and Fluminense in that period, Cesare Prandelli’s side are unlikely to keep a clean sheet against the in-form Rooney-Sturridge duo.
Despite winning just one of their last eight games coming into the tournament, the Azzurri are slightly favourite here. Prior to that match in Rio de Janeiro, Cesare Prandelli’s side drew with both the Republic of Ireland and Luxembourg.
Andrea Barzagli is a slight doubt for the game while right back De Sciglio is out through injury. Alessio Cerci could join Mario Balotelli in attack, though the in-form Ciro Immobile is another option whose pace could trouble England's defence.
They sides last met in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012. While they may only have lost on penalties, the Three Lions were thoroughly outclassed. Having conceded at least twice against Denmark, Armenia, Nigeria and Fluminense in that period, Cesare Prandelli’s side are unlikely to keep a clean sheet against the in-form Rooney-Sturridge duo.
probable line-ups:
England (4-2-3-1): Hart; Baines, Cahill, Jagielka, Johnson; Henderson, Gerrard; Lallana, Wellbeck, Rooney; Sturridge.
Italy (4-3-2-1): Buffon; Abate, Darmian, Barzagli, Chiellini; Pirlo, Marchisio, De Rossi; Verratti, Cerci; Balotelli.
Italy (4-3-2-1): Buffon; Abate, Darmian, Barzagli, Chiellini; Pirlo, Marchisio, De Rossi; Verratti, Cerci; Balotelli.
Match date: 14 June 2014 - Kick Off Time: 23:00 BST
Venue: Arena Amazonia, Manaus, Brazil
Venue: Arena Amazonia, Manaus, Brazil
