Two years after an intense continental final, England and Italy will face off in a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier in Group C on Tuesday evening, reuniting under the iconic Wembley arch.
Gareth Southgate’s team is just 90 minutes away from securing their spot in Germany, but their three-point lead over Italy is not completely secure. With the exception of the injured Bukayo Saka, who left the training camp shortly after arriving, Southgate has a full squad to choose from. He is expected to make several changes from Friday’s lackluster victory.
During the previous match, Southgate expressed his frustration at the boos directed towards captain Jordan Henderson. As a result, Henderson will be one of several players to be benched, making way for Declan Rice. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold may continue in a midfield role instead of Kalvin Phillips.
Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Jordan Pickford, and Kyle Walker will also return to the starting lineup. John Stones, who has recently recovered from injury, is likely to partner with Harry Maguire in defense, despite Maguire’s absence from Manchester United’s starting lineup.
Before their dominant win against Malta, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo were involved in gambling allegations and withdrew from the Italy squad. Nicolo Fagioli, who is also under investigation, was not called up for the national team. Federico Chiesa, Ivan Provedel, and Mattia Zaccagni are sidelined with injuries, allowing Sassuolo’s Berardi to showcase his skills on the right wing once again.
Although Bonaventura’s historic goal may not be enough to secure his place in the starting lineup, fellow goalscorer Frattesi may also face competition. Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo is expected to return at right-back, pushing Matteo Darmian out of the starting XI.
England vs. Italy – lineups
England possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Rice; Foden, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
Italy possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Frattesi, Locatelli, Barella; Berardi, Raspadori, Kean