England welcome Italy to Molineux in a crunch Group 3 showdown in League A of 2022-23 UEFA Nations League.
Victory could see England move top of Group 4 if Germany and Hungary draw in Monchengladbach, whereas Italy will stay top with a win.
Team News
Kalvin Phillips is a major doubt for England after he suffered a dead leg in the Three Lions’ comeback draw at Germany in midweek.
James Justin (calf) is again considered a doubt as manager – Gareth Southgate looks to rotate his squad with Jack Grealish and Tammy Abraham amongst those looking for starts.
Italy have no fresh injury concerns to report but manager, Roberto Mancini will be without Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Belotti after the pair were released early from international duty to commence their summer holidays.
Stat Attack
- England are facing Italy in the Nations League for the very first time but are winless in their last four meetings in all competitions (D2, L2).
- Italy have lost just one of their last six visits to England in all competitions (W2, D3, L1).
- Both teams have scored in each of their last five clashes in all competitions, with their last three meetings all finishing in 1-1 draws.
- Harry Kane has scored five goals in two of England’s last three home matches in all competitions.
- Italy are yet to keep a clean sheet in five matches across all competitions in 2022 (W2, D1, L2), during which they scored six goals and conceded eight goals.
Prediction
Having played second-best throughout their two opening Group 3 matches so far, England will be relieved to finally land on home soil but they will need to raise their attacking game if they’re to match Italy across 90 minutes.
Gareth Southgate’s tactics will therefore be crucial and after seeing a late improvement against Germany once Jack Grealish came on as a substitute, it is going to be imperative that England pick up where they finished and try to get an early opening goal.
Italy’s defence meanwhile has been leaky this calendar year but their attack is still dangerous especially in an experienced midfield, given that their attack is largely inexperienced which means that England will need to target breaking down their midfield if want a win here.
Southgate’s Three Lions will also be extra-motivated for revenge after losing last summer’s Euro Final on penalties, having initially led so I expect them to come out on the attack but squad rotation and tactics will be key to beating this robust if defensively shaky Italian team.
Prediction: England 1-1 Italy
Result: England 0-0 Italy
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