Roy Hodgson’s men face the Italians in a must win situation, with a berth in the semi-finals of the European Championships up for grabs.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749:
The Three Lions were able to overcome http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 to the top of Group D.
Hodgson may have utilized boring, defensive football but the results have been there for all to see and the former West Bromwich Albion boss will be relishing the prospect of restoring pride to a distraught nation.
Italy:
After bowing out of the World Cup two years ago, the Azzurri turned up their performances this summer and have recorded crucial draws against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Croatia-c2879 before beating the Irish 2-0.
Cesare Prandelli has built on the Italians supreme defence and by using raw talents such as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mario-Balotelli-c23937; he has been able to overpower the best teams with a ferocious attacking line-up.
Team News:
England:
The English are currently pondering on the fitness of Ashley Young, who despite not performing to the best of his abilities still remains an integral part of the squad. The winger limped off against the Ukraine, when the opposing skipper’s tackle resulted
in a bruised shin.
While the medical staff have reiterated that the Manchester United player will play a further role for his country in the European Championships, the quarter-final may come too soon for him.
Roy Hodgson has a number of options he can choose to start instead of the former Aston Villa man, with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Theo-Walcott-c34873, who not only offers abundant speed on the flanks but is
well aware of his defensive duties to boot.
Other than that the majority of the team is likely to remain the same, with either http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/James-Milner-c17706
on the right.
The left wing remains up for grabs, but the defence is pre-decided, with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Glen-Johnson-c15050 all forming a strong backline in front of Joe Hart’s goal.
Italy:
Cesare Prandelli has been struck with a huge blow, as Juventus’ http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Thiago-Motta-c34897 also looks like a slight doubt due to muscle fatigue. But luckily the tactician has a number of options that he can utilize
instead of the AC Milan star, with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Riccardo-Montolivo-c31049 both raring to go.
A sumptuous game awaits both teams in Kiev, but according to former Italian star Paolo Di Canio, England are actually playing like an old Azzuri outfit.
"Hodgson is an old fox and they look like an Italian team from the 80s. It is obvious that England play in a manner that can put Italy in trouble. England have done a good http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684 so far, although they have had a bit of luck, like Italy.”
Italy are similar although they are a bit more solid. They are a tactical side but perhaps a bit more fantasy in terms of the individual players such as [Andrea] Pirlo, [Antonio] Cassano and [Mario] Balotelli. England can be effective too, though, and I
think it should be a good show,” he said.
Key Players:
England: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wayne-Rooney-c36736
The Manchester United attacker will be looking to make up for his absence in the opening two games with a couple of goals against a rigid Italian line-up.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926: Andrea Pirlo
The play-maker will be integral to his side gaining a result and could possibly outshine Parker and Gerrard both in the centre of the park.
Author Prediction:
England 2-1 Italy
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