England vs Italy news: Forget Euros revenge, Three Lions need Nations League points

Seb Sternik
10 June 2022

An empty Molineux will play host to England’s UEFA Nations League clash with Italy - a repeat of the Euro 2020 final.

There are only five nations in the world who have managed 10 or more wins against England in international football. Italy are one of them.

Roberto Mancini's side recorded their 10th win over the Three Lions in the final of the 2020 European Championships at Wembley.

That one result was far more painful than the other nine put together, and some would argue it was the most excruciating loss in English football history.

While some will view this weekend's encounter as a shot at redemption, the truth is that whatever happens won't make up for the heartbreak of the Euros.

Instead, there are other motivations for Gareth Southgate's men, mainly preparation ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

Another incentive will be England's precarious position in their Nations League group. With one point to their name, relegation from the competition's top group isn't exactly a far away fantasy.

After two games, England sit fourth, trailing Germany by one and Hungary by two, with Italy out in front on four points.

Speaking of Mancini's men, they don't even have to worry about World Cup preparations after their failure to qualify. That, however, doesn't mean they won't be intent on dishing out more hurt on English soil as they look to maintain their unbeaten record in the competition.

When: Saturday, June 11, 19:45 BST

Where: Molineux

Where to watch: Channel 4

Follow this game via our score centre

Who is the ref for England vs Italy?

Szymon Marciniak will be the man in the middle at Molineux.

The 41-year-old has already officiated 41 games this season, including Champions League, Europa Conference League and World Cup qualifying fixtures.

Season stats 2021/22: Matches (41), yellow cards (168), red cards (9), penalties (16)

Recent form

England's performances during this ongoing international break have been hugely underwhelming.

The Three Lions kicked off their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Hungary in Budapest, before salvaging a 1-1 draw with Germany courtesy of a late Harry Kane penalty.

Italy, on the other hand, seem to have shaken off their 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Argentina in the Finalissima.

Mancini's men drew 1-1 with Germany before beating Hungary 2-1 in Cesena.

Last time out

Italy 1-1 (3-2 pens) England (European Championship final - July 11, 2021)

Despite taking the lead in the opening 120 seconds through Luke Shaw, England went on to suffer a heart-breaking defeat in the Euro 2020 final.

Leonardo Bonucci bagged the equaliser in the 67th minute, before Italy went on to prevail in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Past 10 meetings

England wins: 1

Draws: 4

Italy wins: 5

England goals: 7

Italy goals: 11

Managers' thoughts:

England manager Gareth Southgate on the importance of Nations League games: "I know what I wanted from these games. I also accept that with England you're going to be judged and you have got to win every match.

"But I've got to think a little bit differently to that and accept that if there is criticism, fine. I have got to make the right decisions for the players, for the team, to try to improve the team and if that means criticism then so be it. If my decision-making is affected by that, then it's something I am not going to be successful with."

Italy boss Roberto Mancini on a period of struggle for his side since the Euro 2020 win: "The victory in the Euros is part of the magic of that tournament, now we need to start again and find that magic once more.

"In football, everyone is behind you when you win and when you lose almost everyone turns against you. That's just how it is."

Predicted England vs Italy teams

After being forced off with an injury against Germany, it's unlikely Kalvin Phillips will return to action for the Three Lions. The same goes for Fikayo Tomori who is nursing a hamstring problem.

Phil Foden, in contrast, could return should he test negative for Covid-19.

The Italians will be without Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Belotti who have gone on holiday.

Elsewhere, Alessandro Florenzi, Francesco Acerbi and Gianluca Scamacca have been pushing for a chance to shine, and they could get their wish on Saturday.

Possible England starting line-up: Ramsdale, James, Stones, Guehi, Trippier, Rice, Bellingham, Bowen, Mount, Grealish, Kane

Possible Italy starting line-up: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Mancini, Spinazzola, Locatelli, Tonali, Barella, Gnonto, Scamacca, Raspadori

England vs Italy prediction

While on paper this may sound like a classic fixture, in reality don't expect fireworks. The UEFA Nations League has so far failed to fuel a fire in the England camp, and an empty Molineux won't help their cause.

The young Italian forward line will look to make a statement, but the hosts should have enough quality to secure a slender win. We're going with a 2-1 victory for the hosts.