After taking a slim 1-0 win in the Netherlands on Friday, England welcome Italy to Wembley for their second friendly of this international break.
With just two warm ups for the World Cup to come, this represents the last chance for players to book their place in Gareth Southgate’s squad.
Italy meanwhile aren’t going to Russia so can afford to go for victory here and test England’s credentials.
Team news
Jack Butland will replace Jordan Pickford in goal for the home match against Italy.
Jack Wilshire and Joe Gomez have withdrawn with ankle injuries and returned to Arsenal and Liverpool respectively.
Italy will rotate their squad following a 2-0 defeat to Argentina last Friday.
Form
Following their win over the Dutch, England are on a seven match unbeaten streak since a 3-2 friendly lost in France last summer.
Italy have been inconsistent since last summer and have lost two of their last three matches.
Stat Attack
- England are unbeaten in three of last five friendlies against Italy.
- England have scored in 11 of 15 friendlies, netting at least twice on seven occasions.
- Since a penalty shootout exit at 2012 UEFA Euros, England have had four different goal scorers against the Italians in all competitions with a goal each, (Jermain Defoe, Phil Jagielka, Andros Townsend and Daniel Sturridge).
- This is the first meeting between these teams at Wembley in 21 years, when Italy took a 1-0 win through Gianfranco Zola.
Prediction
I wasn’t impressed with England’s performance on Friday because apart from Jesse Lingard’s goal, there wasn’t any real quality on show.
Italy might of lost to Argentina at weekend but will be tough opposition for what could be a changed England side.
Sadly, my heart is telling me not to expect much here other than a draw.
Prediction: England 1-1 Italy
Result: England 1-1 Italy