Prediction: England vs Italy

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: bet365

In the months preceding a FIFA World Cup, you’d expect the sight of an England vs Italy friendly to fill most fans with joy – but not this time. The Italians are still licking their wounds meanwhile the English couldn’t be any less optimistic about their hopes of succeeding in Russia if they tried. Still, it’s England vs Italy, which should be enough to generate even a small amount of excitement.

England

Despite nobody backing him to succeed, Gareth Southgate has done a fairly good job of steadying the ship for England ahead of this summer’s World Cup in Russia. The expectations from back home are much lower than they’ve ever been before, which could be a good thing given how much pressure is usually put on the squad. This game against Italy gives them the chance to really make a statement in one of their final friendlies before Southgate starts seriously considering who he’ll be taking on the plane.

Team News

Jack Butland will start in goal for England as he attempts to lock down the position, meanwhile, Jack Wilshere will not be available due to injury.

Italy

Italy will be coming into this game with extremely low confidence, following their inability to qualify for the World Cup. Their two-legged playoff against Sweden served as an indicator of just how far they’ve fallen as a footballing nation, just 12 years on from becoming world champions. They’ve still got a tonne of potential in their ranks but with no real competition to look forward to until the Euro 2020 qualification period begins, you have to question whether or not they’ll just be making up the numbers tomorrow night.

Team News

Chiellini is still out of action, and many changes are expected from Italy following their defeat against Argentina.

Factors to Consider

• Italy have the head to head advantage, with eleven victories in comparison to England’s eight.
• England are unbeaten in their last seven games, meanwhile Italy have won just one of their last five.
• Italy haven’t scored in their last three internationals, and have never gone four without a goal.
• The opposition managers have played each other before in an England vs Italy match.
• The game will be played at Wembley, where England haven’t lost since March 2016.

Conclusion

England did well to get past Holland, but back to back victories against historic European nations, regardless of their form, seems unlikely. Italy will frustrate them defensively, which will lead to a dull 0-0 affair.

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: bet365