Will Beaman
England take on European Champions Italy in their penultimate game before the World Cup as they look to finish their preparations in good form.
Thus far, The Three Lion’s Nations League campaign has not been as successful as they would have hoped.
Gareth Southgate’s men are winless in all 4 games, having played out two draws to Germany and Italy, as well as being defeated 5-0 on aggregate over two games by Hungary.
This match will be one of the last opportunities Southgate will have to prepare his squad for their trip to Qatar in November, as they bid to improve on their 4th placed World Cup finish in 2018.
Advert
They face a stern Italy side who will be looking to go second in the group, with one game left to play.
Roberto Mancini’s side failed to qualify for the World Cup, so the Italian will be hoping his side can give it their all when they take on England at the San Siro.
Despite playing out a goalless draw in their last meeting, England will still be looking to get revenge on the Azzurri, after being beaten so devastatingly on penalties in the Euro 2020 final.
Here’s everything you need to know about Italy vs England:
The game will be available to watch on Channel 4 as well as being streamed live on All 4 for all viewers in the UK.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm BST on Friday 23rd September.
The Three Lions are without Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who was forced to withdraw from the squad through injury.
Phillips was replaced by Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and the midfielder will be looking to earn himself a place in Southgate’s final squad for the World Cup.
Jordan Pickford, who is England’s outright No.1, picked up a knock for Everton so will miss both Nations League fixtures, potentially giving Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale a chance to stake his claim as England’s first choice keeper.
The Azzurri will be without Lorenzo Pellegrini, Matteo Politano and Marco Verratti, who were all forced to withdraw from the squad through injury.
This could give young Leeds signing Wilfried Gnoto the opportunity to earn his 5th cap for the national team at the ripe age of 18.