England National Football Team Vs Italy National Football Team Lineups
Both teams are evenly-matched in this matchup; however, England possess more attacking quality thanks to players such as Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane’s excellent goalscoring performances for England. As a result, this contest should favor England.
Gareth Southgate has selected his strongest squad since last week’s win against Australia in a friendly. Bukayo Saka, Reece James and Ben Chilwell will miss due to injury.
England
Two years on from their exciting European Championship final, England and Italy meet again under Wembley Arch for a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier. Gareth Southgate’s side leads Group D by three points over Azzurri; should they manage a win, an automatic qualification spot could be theirs!
England manager Gareth Southgate has kept faith with his side that defeated Malta in their opening qualifier, retaining John Stones at centre-back alongside Harry Maguire. Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden continue their partnership up front for Manchester United while Jordan Henderson drops off into Kalvin Phillips’ bench position due to injuries. Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Ben Chilwell will all miss this matchup due to being unavailable.
England Scored within 60 Seconds
England were quick out the blocks and Wubben-Moy scored within 60 seconds by leaping high and heading home a corner by Alex Greenwood at Wembley Stadium, as weary Wembley crowd anticipated it would. Greenwood’s inswinging deliveries caused havoc within Italy penalty area throughout first period; Hemp went close with more conventional downward header which Laura Giuliani saved well to keep England ahead 1-0 at half time.
England TEAM ALTERNATIVE: 74 mins
Henderson enters, to some booing from some fans but generally well received by most. Immediately showing his class with an elegant backheel on the left wing. A couple of minutes later he attempts a low shot from 25 yards that hits towards the bottom right but Donnarumma saves it easily.
England Team BETWEEN 80-90 mins
The second half begins brightly for England as Bellingham’s cross is only partially cleared away to the byline and Kane takes advantage of it to score from close range. From there on out however, play becomes rather scrappy as neither team manages to create clear-cut opportunities.
Substitutes begin entering the fray for Italy as Udogie unleashes a low strike that leaves Wembley stunned, followed by an effort by Barella which goes narrowly wide for his Azzurri teammates.
England TEAM ALTERNATIVE: 90-90 mins
With time running out in Group C, England are determined to extend their lead. But an inattentive performance in the opening stages has allowed Italy to strike back with probing attacks from an out-of-the-way spot.
Italy Team Alternative (85-90 minutes)
Italy are reduced to 10 men as Angelo Di Livio and Federico Chiesa receive yellow cards after clashing during a melee in the box. Although it appeared worthy of red card action, referee Michael Kelly did not agree and instead issued only yellow cards as punishment.
England Team BETWEEN 90 and 90 mins The final shootout has begun, with Italy currently holding a 5-4 advantage on aggregate. England’s Foden and Rashford fail their attempts, while Barella hits the post with his shot for Italy.
Once underway, England dominates the penalty shootout effortlessly by scoring all four penalties without much drama or fuss. While Italy’s Fabio Chiellini and Sandro Tonali receive yellow cards, they still stand a chance at progressing to the semi-finals if they win their remaining games.