Gareth Southgate’s England head into this Euro 2024 qualifying match at Wembley with a three-point advantage over Italy – but both teams know this must-win contest is vitally important.
Bellingham once more causes disruption as Cristante must fight to take down his opponent for an intentional foul, only for him to craft another chance that is well saved by Donnarumma. In this article, we will discuss about the England National Football Team vs Italy National Football Team Standings.
Top 5 matches
Gareth Southgate’s England concluded Euro 2024 qualification with a convincing win against Italy, scoring five times to defeat Gianluca Scamacca’s early goal and secure qualification to their European tournament of choice. Harry Kane netted 60th international goal against a Gianluca Scamacca strike to even out proceedings before they closed out a comfortable victory at Wembley Stadium.
England recorded an emphatic win, as their attacking play was crisper and more decisive in front of goal than its Italian opponents’ counterattacks. Their back four was solid as well, holding off Italy’s rapid counterattacks; their wingers Lauren Hemp and Grace Clinton particularly excelling themselves.
England struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, but as play progressed they managed to gain more of them as Lotte Wubben-Moy and Ella Toone both scored to seal England’s win and provide valuable practice ahead of next week’s double header with Austria.
Two weeks from now, these teams will meet again for the final group stage game, in an encounter which is sure to have enormous significance for both sides. Whoever emerges victorious will win their group and advance to the next phase of competition, while Italy may get another shot at Wembley after nearly 30 years away.
Italy are strong favourites to advance to the last 16 regardless of some players’ poor form; having won more major finals than any other European country (six World Cups and four Euros). They never give up when things go poorly; even when things turn south.
Both teams were keen to keep the scoredown at Wembley, but it was an innocuous first period. Hemp’s shot deflected wide while Toone narrowly missed with his header.
After the break, Hemp comes close again with another long-range drive which was turned away by Donnarumma. At the other end, Italy defense was poor as Niamh Charles and Hemp struggled to close down Cambiaghi as the visitors broke forward quickly.
Head-to-head record
England have an excellent record against Italy, having won more than half of their meetings between them and have competed four times for European qualifying matches and drawn twice; plus playing each other once more as friendly opponents in 2022. England will look to maintain this success against their Italian rivals and qualify for Euro 2024 tournament with ease.
Gareth Southgate’s side dominated this match and came away victorious, thanks to Harry Kane’s double and Marcus Rashford’s goal, which secured their victory and propelled them into first place of Group C with three points. Italy dropped down into third after Ukraine defeated Malta 3-1 but have a game left so can still qualify if needed.
The Lionesses started strong, and Niamh Charles initiated an elegant move by playing a backpass to Hemp who raced towards goal, rounding her marker only for Giuliani to quickly react and make an effective block.
Hemp did well to keep hold of the ball and provide Kelly with an opportunity, though her shot never quite found its mark. Instead, Hemp laid on another cross which Stanway easily headed in.
Second half proceedings begin in an active fashion as Italy pressurise their hosts, forcing corner kicks. England struggle to gain any sort of foothold in the game while Italy soon break clear through Cambiaghi.
Walsh, Stanway and Clinton had done some good work in midfield, prompting Hemp to play in a deep cross from the right wing which Manchester United forward Antonio Valencia couldn’t turn in time to target and it went out for a throw.
Hemp has an opportunity to complete her hat-trick as the game nears its conclusion and the scoreline reads 1-1 at halftime. Italy returned in force and Charles found space down the left flank but Pickford quickly collected her cross before she could score again.
Last time these teams met
England defeated Italy 2-1 at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday to seal their spot at next summer’s Euros, thanks to two stellar goals by Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane that sealed their victory and ended Italy’s hopes of staying up. Gareth Southgate made numerous changes from their last match against Malta as the manager opted for youth in both attack and defensive midfield positions.
In the second half, the hosts were unstoppable as they drove forward confidently and relieved pressure on the Italian defense. Hemp, Bellingham, and especially Phil Foden all played crucial roles as they ran at them with speed and movement to create problems for Italy’s backline.
Hemp created an excellent opportunity for England’s second goal after she defeated her full-back and delivered an inviting cross into the box for Kelly, but unfortunately her attempt at shooting missed. England were dominating in attack as visitors struggled to cope.
However, England managed to turn their slow start into an impressive halftime lead and went into the break with an edge. Their dominance was evidenced by their possession (71.3%) and shots (8 on target).
Italy have struggled to strike with their shots on target, with Cambiaghi’s only notable effort being an attempt that went just wide of the post.
Start to the second half and the visitors tried desperately to claw their way back into the game, yet were unable to create clear-cut chances due to Wubben-Moy keeping out a low shot from Destiny Udogie and Jordan Pickford saving another shot from him on the edge of the box.
Prediction
Gareth Southgate’s England will seek to further their chances of qualifying for Euro 2024 by defeating Luciano Spalletti’s Italy in their opening home game of 2019. At present, England lead Group C by three points over Ukraine and six over Italy – meaning victory will almost certainly secure qualification to Euro 2024 next summer.
Both teams come into this matchup in strong form, with England winning all of their recent four games and Italy registering two victories in as many matches. Gareth Southgate may field his full strength first choice XI after fielding an underage side against Australia last week; his quality squad should secure them a victory on home turf.
The Three Lions have enjoyed some impressive displays recently and shown considerable improvement since a disastrous Nations League campaign, yet questions still linger over their ability to match up against Europe’s premier sides – especially Italy, who tends to keep things tight at the back and are hard to break down. This is evident through past struggles against Italy.
England are keen to capitalize on their impressive World Cup showing and get back into winning ways when they host Italy at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, knowing their opponents have just defeated Malta by four goals to one and will be confident of earning another significant point against their neighbours.
England prevailed 3-2 after a goalless draw in Naples during their previous meeting, drawing many fans’ minds back to that game and adding an element of payback for both teams on Tuesday night. No matter who wins this encounter between two top sides and will likely produce low scoring affairs with goalless draws being the more likely outcome (at 1/50 (1.62)), with England victories priced much safer at 11/20 (2.05) as possible outcomes of this clash between these sides.
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