England start their World Cup countdown with Gareth Southgate urgent need for a quick improvement. After a chaotic summer in the Nations LeagueThe Three Lions boss has been questioned lately, with his team sometimes even booed.
Still, and while relegation in the Nations League would be hugely disappointing, Southgate’s success in his role is based on performance at major tournaments. While tonight’s opponents in the Italian denied him a historic European Championship win at Wembley, England should be regarded as key players heading to Qatar, even if the recent results are alarming.
Above all, the view is important here. England haven’t beaten the Italians in their own backyard since 1961, so not winning wouldn’t exactly be a disaster, but Southgate can’t afford another poor performance. Clearly there are bigger worries ahead, but a huge loss inside San Siro would damage morale even more. Keep following all the action LIVE with Standard Sport‘s special competition blog. Dan Kilpatrick and Malik Ouzia provide expert analysis!
Live updates
England’s great keeper Henderson ready to fight for World Cup place
Jordan Henderson, England’s elder statesman, recovered from a hamstring injury faster than expected and rushed to St George’s Park this week to join his team-mates and defend his case for inclusion in a sixth consecutive major tournament.
No other member of Gareth Southgate’s squad was involved in the midfielder’s first European Championship – Euro 2012 – and only teenage versions of Raheem Sterling and Luke Shaw went to Brazil for the World Cup two years later. In fact, only three men have ever donned the shirt in six tournaments and only one, Sol Campbell, has done so in a row.
Henderson has thus been England’s great keeper, catching the tail of the ‘golden generation’ and riding out the drab Roy Hodgson years, from which not many have emerged to play a part in Southgate’s steady revolution, which he still trusts. finish in glory in Qatar.
You can read his full comments here!
Southgate promises ‘completely ruthless’ approach after England compromise
England manager Gareth Southgate says he will never compromise his beliefs again as he prepares to be “completely ruthless” for this winter’s World Cup.
His side will face Italy tonight in the Nations League in Milan in their penultimate game for Qatar, with the aim of recovering from a disastrous June in which they failed to win four games, including Hungary’s 4-0 defeat at Molineux.
Southgate admitted his own complacency was a factor in England’s dismal summer camp, but declined to say where or how he had compromised.
You can read his comments in full here!
Toney left England’s Away squad in surprising omission ahead of Italy clash
Ivan Toney has been left out of England’s squad to play Italy tonight in the Nations League.
The Brentford striker earned his first international call-up after a solid start to the Premier League season, but will have to wait for his Three Lions debut.
Toney, Marc Guehi, Ben Chilwell and Jordan Henderson are not included in the 23-man squad for match day against Italy in Milan.
The news comes as a blow to Toney, who is hoping to claim a spot in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup after scoring five goals in seven games so far this season.
Prediction: 1-1 draw
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.
Declan Rice’s performance stood out despite a long season at West Ham
/ Getty ImagesItaly team news: Sandro Tonali doubtful
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.
Team news England: Dier and Pope start
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 get off to a good start 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.
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.
Welcome
Good afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE match coverage as England travel to Italy in the Nations League.
Kick-off in San Siro is at 7:45pm BST.