England take on Italy in the Nations League tonight, desperate to come back from a difficult sort of form with the approaching World Cup.
While Gareth Southgate’s success is based on performances in major tournaments, the Three Lions were left winless in the last series of international matches and were sometimes booed, embarrassed by Hungary in Molineux after they also lost in Budapest.
Italy, of course, denied England in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley and can boast a fine record against them at home. England hasn’t won in Italy since 1961 and a massive improvement will be needed tonight with Qatar looming and the crisis looming earlier this summer.
The penultimate game before the World Cup, Southgate has little time to raise morale. Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s game.
Date, start time and location
Italy vs England is set for a 7.45pm BST kick-off on Friday 23 September 2022.
The San Siro in Milan will host the competition.
Where to watch Italy vs England
TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s match will be broadcast live on Channel 4 for free, with coverage from 7pm.
Live Stream: All 4 (free with subscription) will also provide a livestream online.
Live coverage: Follow all the action tonight with Standard Sport‘s dedicated live match blog, featuring expert analysis from Milan chief football correspondent Dan Kilpatrick.
Italy vs England team news
Given the proximity to the World Cup, it’s hard to imagine Southgate tinkering too much. Kalvin Phillips is injured meaning there is a good chance of seeing Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham together in midfield, although Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw can start well despite their lack of action at club level.
Nick Pope will likely replace the absent Jordan Pickford in goal, while Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling are certain starters. John Stones has been suspended, meaning Eric Dier could be in the starting line-up when his exile in England is finally over.
For the Italians, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matteo Politano have withdrawn from the roster, meaning Roberto Mancini will likely have to turn to less established names, while AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali is another doubt.
Italy vs England Prediction
This is one that is probably holding back. England cannot risk being played off the park in what has been a difficult atmosphere for them over the years.
1-1 draw.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Italy wins: 12
Pulls: 8
England win: 9