Redemption on the cards at Molineux
England have got off to a slow start in their Nations League campaign, but there will be no lack of motivation, despite the inconvenient scheduling for the Three Lions to take on Italy at Molineux after last summer’s Euros final defeat.
The match will be played behind closed doors due to the abhorrent behaviour from so-called England fans on the day of the final.
Gareth Southgate’s men have picked up just one point from their opening two games in Group 3 of League A, losing out to a 1-0 scoreline in Hungary before snatching a point late on in Germany.
A large portion of the England squad have had a very long season with their clubs, and for that reason some signs of burnout and below par individual performances can be forgiven.
Background
Roberto Mancini has been experimenting a lot with the Italy squad for this international period.
Gli Azzurri will not be at the World Cup in the winter, and for that reason the former Manchester City manager is giving plenty of players a chance to stake a claim to be involved in the future.
It will be interesting to see if Southgate goes with a back three or four, with neither categorically being more successful.
England took the lead in the Euros final with Kieran Trippier, at right wing back, crossing from deep for Luke Shaw, left wing back, to finish at the back post.
It was a beautiful goal, but one that saw the Three Lions sit back and invite pressure for a large portion of the remainder of the fixture.
Goals?
England will be desperate to make amends in this match, but their defensive frailties may show in that and Southgate, as is his natural instinct, will want them to keep things tight at the back.
Italy’s fresh approach in the final third could bear fruit though.
England have scored in nine of ten.
England have conceded in five of ten.
England have seen both teams score in four of ten.
England have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Italy have scored in seven of ten.
Italy have conceded in eight of ten.
Italy have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Italy have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
0-0.