England v Italy Match of the Day Live

# La la la la la la lala la # La la la la la la lala la

We need you for the long haul as England take on Italy

There is a legend in Manaus. Hundreds of years old. It is born of

the life blood that runs through this vast and mysterious jungle. The

great Amazon River. The it's name is the mystical black snake. They say

this deadly serpent comes to life at night. It takes on many forms to

ward off threats that come to steal the treasures of Brazil. It lures

its victims by transforming into objects of desire. But, of course,

it is all a trap. And now, you are the prey.

It is deadly. It is nature in its most evil form. All who come here

must be prepared to risk everything in order to survive. In order to

win. If they do, they will become the danger the others fear.

Best win then. From the rainforest to international football, a place

more suited to David Athen borough than David Beckham. The temperature

is 27 degree Celsius with humidity around 52%. It holds over just over

40,000 fans and cost between ?130 million and ?150 million to build.

Steven Gerrard leading his team through. The Raheem Sterling, who

will start for England, as will Rooney. And Danny Welbeck. Sturridge

will be up front. Prandelli has had his problems. A late injury to

Buffon. He has had to switch goalkeepers at the last-minute.

Pirlo is in though. As, of course, is he, Mario Balotelli. It's all set

up for a cracking evening. Here in Rio we have Thierry Henry, Alan

Shearer and Rio Ferdinand. Before we get their thoughts. Let us hear from

Roy Hodgson. The England coach stepped off the England coach and

spoke to Gabby Logan. How did you sleep last night? Very well. How

long has this starting 111 been in your mind? A long while. With Raheem

Sterling we weren't sure whether to select him or not because he missed

the games. He was in my mind before we set off. He got back in my mind.

Is pace for you the key? Will that be the difference between victory

and not? Pace is a very great weapon, no doubt about that. It has

to be allied to skill, allied to good team work. If we can play as

well as I think we can play, I'm sure our pace will play a part in

the game and mope it brings us to victory. Hotter today than

yesterday. Conditions will be a factor in a 14-man side. Do you see

both teams using maximum subs? Possibly. In most of the games so

far you have seen full team menus. As I said yesterday in the press

conference, heat and humidity hasn't entered into our thinking other than

in the preparation. We won't make special preparations for that. When

the sun goes down it won't be a lot different to last night the

temperatures. Last night we thought they were good. You have led the

team into an opening game of the World Cup, how different are the

emotions right now that it's the World Cup, how different are the

country of your birth? I suppose they are heightened, I guess. It

seemed very exciting in 94 too, that is 20 years ago. Certainly, I'm

excited and proud today to be leading the team into our first

game, especially against such good opponents. It's one of the ties of

the first round, England versus Italy. Let's hope it lives up to its

Let's look billing. At the team Roy has gone with.

He was the only man to play every minute of England's World Cup

It's Roy's first choice back four of Glen Johnson, Gary Cahill,

Only Johnson has played in a World Cup before.

Steven Gerrard skippers the side alongside Liverpool

It's Gerrard's third World Cup and he scored in the other two.

It's 4-2-3-1 and it will be fascinating to see

where Wayne Rooney, Raheem Sterling and Danny Welbeck kick-off.

People have been talking about who will start and in which position. We

are still not absolutely sure who will play where. Sterling is in is

that a positive sign? Absolutely. I have been saying all week I think he

should start. His form for Liverpool, in the last three or four

months, has been exceptional. Liverpool, in the last three or four

accounts the Liverpool, in the last three or four

he has been performing in Liverpool, in the last three or four

he deserves to be in that starting 11. If he is going to start in that

little number 10 role, it's vitally important we try to get that ball

into him. Him important we try to get that ball

into him. getting that ball, turning and running at that Italian back

four it will and should cause them problems. Thierry Henry, is he a

player that excits you? Have you seen much of him? Yes he does. I'm a

big fan of Sterling. Like Alan said I thought he was the key at the end

for Liverpool. Of course Suarez, you can't mention him, and Sturridge, I

thought he was brilliant at the end of the season. Playing behind. The

interesting thing is a lot of people going with the fact Sterling will

play behind Sturridge. Would that surprise you, Rio? It would a little

bit. I thought that Roy Hodgson would play Rooney behind Sturridge

bit. I thought that Roy Hodgson and then if Sterling didn't play,

play him on the right. Sterling could surprise a few. The Italians

will have seen him on video. It's a could surprise a few. The Italians

different kettle of fish once you get on the pitch and you have that

pace running at you and doing stepovers. You Coe something like

Robben last night. Exciting for England fans. Don't be surprised if

Sterling starts, but he moves him to the left flank and bring Rooney in

there at times during the game. At the end of the day I think, it

doesn't really matter what you want is to keep the shape. Whoever will

be on the left, is to keep the shape. Whoever will

the middle, whoever will be on the right, I think Roy Hodgson designed

his team to have that shape whoever will be in that position. Rotate

around. Rooney is in. We are not quite sure where, possibly on the

left hand side? I agree with him. He has to start. This is Wayne Rooney's

biggest game for England tonight. He has to go out and perform. He has to

go out and score goals. All the big hitters, that have started the

tournament so far, Neymar, van Persie, Sanchez got straight into

the tournament, all scored. This guy has to do that. Ifening donned don't

get a good result -- England don't get a good result you can imagine

the reaction in the press. To have played in two World Cup's and not

scored he will not be happy with that. I don't know Wayne Rooney like

you know him, Rio, he strikes me as a confidence player. Needs things to

be right for him, is that fair? He goes on runs and notches, one, two,

three games on a bounce. That confidence starts building. You go

into games, you can see him, he's like - I fancy I will score here. He

doesn't like playing against me. You feel that confidence building in the

strikers. It happens with them. He will go out there today wanting to

prove people wrong. A lot of people talking about whether he will start.

For him to have carried the responsibility on themle shoulders

he will want to go out there and prove a point. He started on the

left hand side against Ecuador. prove a point. He started on the

left hand side Scored a tap-in from three or four inches. You saw the

relief in his They all face. Count? You know as well as I do, the

striker's confidence absolutely massive. That's what was in his

mind, a goal, just before the World Cup, now he needs to do it when it

matters. I like the way he plays. I know he has to score, I understand

you guys, especially back home, give him a hard time because he still

hasn't scored a goal at the World Cup. The he's one of the striker

that I like because, if he doesn't score, he's still useful for the

team. I know I, I will agree with you Alan, it's about time. It's time

for him to score at the World Cup. The and have a good one. OK. As for

the Italians the big news today is that Buffon is out injured.

With Buffon out injured, Paris Saint-Germain's Salvatore

His only previous competitive game was against Estonia back in 2010.

Prandelli has decided to play four at the back, with Matteo Darmian

Parma's Gabriel Paletta in the centre, alongside Andrea Barzagli.

His Juventus team mate Giorgio Chiellini starts at left back.

We expect Roma's Daniele De Rossi to be the deepest lying midfield

Ahead of him are danger men Andrea Pirlo and Marco Verratti with

Up front, who else but AC Milan's Mario Balotelli.

The man that made them tick for a long period of time is Pirlo.

Fearless player? Total nightmare to defend. I have been in a situation

where I had to handle him. I had to stay on that guy in front of his

fans. Always seems that he is alone. He's alone. He has time. Look at

him? I mean, he goes He's alone. He has time. Look at

everybody. Casually. He picks his spot. He picks a player. It's very

difficult to handle him. Whatever you do, he will find some space.

What you need to do, once he you do, he will find some space.

the ball, that's when you need to have a go at him. Whoever is going

to be on him, will have to put pressure on him. If you let him run

like that, and see the game, he will do that, like, all night. One thing

that will be difficult, you have Verratti on the side of him. You

will find ourself trying to defend on Verratti and Pirlo. That is not

an easy task. Every time he got that ball. As he picks his head up,

danger, red alert for the back four because that's what he wants. That

is what he excels in, picking his head up and picking the passes. You

thought Welbeck is a good player at tracking people back, getting close

to him? I think he is the best retriever of the ball in the England

team. I see him week in and week out doing that. Once he does that he has

the legs to run away with people. It's not just Pirlo, in terms of

passing capability, you have De Rossi and Verratti, when they get

their head up, as you saw, two years ago, Balotelli is running in behind.

Our defenders have to be well aware of that? I want to add something. We

know that Welbeck can do that. It's great. You want to make the runs

behind defence and be available up there. You are going to need

Anderson and Gerrard to sometimes step up to those guys. Not only

Welbeck running everywhere like a lunatic trying to get the ball back.

It's a nice thing. Let us pop back to Manaus where Danny Murphy is

pitch-side with Gabby. during the week, we don't know the

exact formation yet. But where might Italy exploit it? I am led to

believe that sterling is going to play in the Number ten role. If he

becomes a little bit undisciplined and drift in a bit, he might allow

the young lad, Darmian, to come on. So Wayne Rooney needs to stay

disciplined and let Sterling use that space. Perhaps the one person

who has not been quite so relaxed has been Roy Hodgson himself. Is

that something he will carry through to today? On match day, he is

usually very calm. He will enjoy it. I think he will be nervous,

inevitably, with the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. But the

players will look at him in the dressing room and see a calm,

articulate manager. He said he wants people at home to get behind and

support this team. It looks like a fantastic side that will match what

we have seen so far in this World Cup. Pace will be key tonight. Pace

will be everything. Ceremony people I have spoken to in the build-up to

this wanted this team, wanted this energy. They have picked the right

team. And the news about Buffon which broke earlier today, he has

hundred and 40 cap, but that must have given England a little bit of a

boost despite his good replacement. Buffon is a leader, an inspirational

figure. The other thing, Salvatore Sirigu, the keeper coming in,

opening his nation's World Cup qualifier, and he will be nervous.

The group is wide open now with the Costa Rica victory. An England

victory for you? I am positive. Thank you both. Costa

victory for you? I am positive. Thank you both. Costa Rica ran out

surprise winners over Uruguay. The underdogs off to a shock 3-1

win. Is that a good result for England? That will spur Uruguay on.

They have to win the game now. They can't go out and play for a point,

which they might have, can't go out and play for a point,

to get through. Could you see that coming? I wouldn't say it

to get through. Could you see that said it. Costa Rica are a very good

team. They definitely can play, so I am not totally surprised. I didn't

see that coming at all! The lad Campbell upfront, I played against

him this Campbell upfront, I played against

impressive. But Campbell upfront, I played against

Uruguay getting beat in that game. Campbell upfront, I played against

There is a degree of realism among the England fans, but now that

kick-off is almost upon us, are the fans growing in confidence? Dan

Walker is with some of them. 5000 fans are expected to be in

Manaus. Wary you from? London. And where are you from? Earning! They

are very helpful here, they can't do enough for us. How did you get

here? We flew in. And we have enough for us. How did you get

back. My name is Mel. Who here is predicting an England win?

back. My name is Mel. Who here is Expectation not quite as low as we

anticipated. The expectation is still very high. The media is more

controlled. But I still very high. The media is more

going to win the group. still very high. The media is more

the game tonight. I am showing you one thing you definitely won't see

much of, Roy Hodgson with a parent maracas.

Well, they are up for it, and they are not alone.

# Never knew how much I love you # You give me fever there is even

more worth waiting for this summer. Go on, Mary! Send us your photos and

video clips on Twitter, and we will upload the best of them to the BBC's

website. Time for an Italian is active, and who better to hear from

than Jen Luca Vialli -- Gianluca Vialli.

Historically, Italy have a hold over England? I think that there is a

problem with England, a slight problem. For four years, you are a

disillusioned and depressed nation when it comes to the national team,

and then a month before the World Cup, your confidence goes up to the

roof and used at talking about being able to win. I don't think the

England players are particularly good at handling the pressure,

because they are not used to it. When you play Chelsea against

Manchester United, there is no pressure, it is just fun. Pressure

is a combination of expectations, scrutiny and consequences. When they

wear the England shirt, there are consequences top Italians are the

opposite, we grow up eating pressure for breakfast. We are better at you

than that -- better than you at that. You probably don't know a lot

about the two full-backs. And Verratti is a very talented young

player who plays with a huge personality. Having so many talented

midfielders takes a lot of pressure off Pirlo. With Verratti, De Rossi,

Markey -- Marchisio, there are players capable of getting the ball

forward. I think it will be a draw. It will be an open match to start

with, one team will go on top. But then there will be an equaliser, and

for the last 25 minutes, both teams will look at each other without

taking too many chances, because there are still two matches to be

played, and the two teams respect each other, and they probably feel

that going through depends on what happens against Uruguay and Costa

Rica rather than against Italy or England.

He has got it all mapped out. Thierry Henry, do you think we are a

bunch of players who choke and bottle? I don't think so. It is

pretty intense. He said it was just fun. He wasn't playing for titles

when he was at Chelsea! Mario Balotelli, you have played against

him many times. Strengths and weaknesses? Sometimes, it is

whatever mood he turns up in. If you get the one who turned up at Euro

2012, we are in for a tough match. He was the best number nine in that

tournament. He was looking to get in behind and around our two centre

halves. He could have behind and around our two centre

three goals. He was getting in there. He can do the unexpected.

They can't get any tighter to him, and he still puts the ball in the

back of the net. Some guys like to play short, other guys like to go

long and run behind, and he can do both. If you want to fight with him,

he will fight with you. If you want to race him, he will race you. He

can do everything. It is what Mario Balotelli turns up. And the question

marks about his temperament. If you know that as a defender, do you try

to wind him up? It is different. Like ML -- Heskey, you know that if

you get him angry, you might get a game out of him, but here, eight you

can get the petulant side of him out. Get him angry. To go back to

what we were saying about Wayne Rooney, it is the same with Mario

Balotelli. He has to find some type of consistency. One game yes, five

no. He is going to have to perform for more than six or seven years.

Maybe the next game! Everyone who has been in the changing room with

him says the same thing, he has the potential to be one of the best

players in the world, but he has to put it together every week. A lot of

footballers between the ears. The stage is set for Steven Gerrard.

This time, more than any other time, it matters.

This is the opera house in Manaus, hidden gem. Built in 1892.

How this England side that are equipped to deal with Italy from the

side that were knocked out of Euro 2012? We are better squad than two

or even four years ago. All of the players in the 23 are capable of

playing in the 11. We have options to come off the bench. We have two

players in every position. This is the first time at this stage where

the team doesn't pick itself. Within this England squad, you can see

enthusiasm, players who really look like they want to be here. That is

coming from you and Roy. It is not just from me and him. It comes from

the top and filters down to the pillars, your Lampards, your

Rooneys. It creates a really relaxed and enjoyable environment. We want

to get the best out of these young players. You can see the smiles on

their faces full. Gerard scores. He has clipped it

into the middle. And Italy go through. Have Italy

moved on from three years ago? We will have to wait and see. But I

know that we have all stop we have had two years to get used to what

this manager wants, and the confidence is growing day by day

because the lads are ready to go. Steven Gerrard, reinvented himself

and now plays a holding role, because England haven't got a

natural holding role player in the squad, but he is playing that way

for Liverpool now. I think age squad, but he is playing that way

happened. He has had to fall back into a position where he hasn't got

to be warming up and down rocks to box like you was before. -- bombing

up and down from bop -- box to box is.

These players, they don't talk too much, but when you see them going

through a tackle, their attitude, you just want to follow the guy. I

want to see him doing for England what per load did Italy -- Pirlo did

for Italy. How do you rate him, Daniel Sturridge? For the first time

in a long time, he feels as if he is the main man. Not only at club level

but now at international level. He was a bit part player at Chelsea,

and he always wanted to play centre forward. This adds to his game, his

sharpness in the box. Watches moved here. He makes this cross a good

cross because of his movement and his desire to get on the end of it.

It takes something special. Watching change gear here when he relies as

there is a sniff at goal. He gets seen calmly and scores the goal. He

goes short to go long. Only a yard, but a yard is enough, and once again

he is in there and it is a brilliant finish. He has added this to his

game. It helps when Gerard is playing the ball in like this.

could do it at Premier League, albeit for a season. He wanted to

play down the middle, not the left or the right hand side. He is

playing at the very highest There is level. Roy Hodgson walking out.

Players in the tunnel. We have gone into so many tournaments

Australianed talked about England. Everyone says they are tired, played

so many games. Five Liverpool players in this team who didn't play

in Europe, is that a factor? That could be a massive factor. We go

into tournaments bandaged up, people playing 40 odd intense games. The

Liverpool players had a good season. Confidence has grown throughout the

season. Disappointment with not winning the league. The volume of

games not as many as we had before going into tournaments. What we

haven't touched on is the importance of our full-backs attacking wize.

Because we have no natural width it's important that they give us the

width. That is their game and that is what they love doing. The

responsibility falls on the two centre halves to make sure they drag

the midfielders to fill in for the full-backs when they go forward. As

the players prepare to come out of the tunnel in Manaus. I will ask

predictions of how you think it will go, Thierry Henry? 2-1 England.

Positive, just like that. I want us to win. I want us to play on the

front foot and play attacking football. I think it will be a draw.

Rio? I have got more confident as the week has gone on. That is

dangerous. 1-0 England. Remember, expectations are low,

so there's no need to get nervous. The commentators in Manaus are

Philip Neville and Guy Mowbray. COMMENTATOR: Thank you, Gary.

Welcome to the jungle. 900 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. 200 miles

south of the equator. It is hot, perhaps not quite as oppressive in

terms of humidity as it might have been.

A cooling break of sorts needed for Daniel Sturridge before the National

Anthems. # God save our gracious Queen

Long live our noble Queen APPLAUSE.

Now the National Anthem of Italy. # Fratelli d'Italia

l'Italia s'e desta # dell'elmo di Scipio

s'e cinta la testa # Le porga la chioma

che schiava di Roma # Fratelli d'Italia

l'Italia s'e desta # dell'elmo di Scipio

s'e cinta la testa # Le porga la chioma

che schiava di Roma # Stringiamci a coorte

siam pronti alla morte # Siam pronti alla morte

l'Italia chiamo # Stringiamci a coorte

siam pronti alla morte # Iddio la creo. #

l'Italia chiamo APPLAUSE

The brothers of Italy led by Andrea Pirlo. Unmistakable, Andrea Pirlo.

Roy Hodgson came out he deliberately made his way down every Italian

substitute, shook their hands, wished them all the best, in Italian

of course. This is the first England team of the tournament he selected.

Five Liverpool players in the team. Only five of the team played against

Italy at Euro 2012. The referee tonight is from the

Netherlands. Highly praised for the handling of the all Madrid final

three weeks ago. Italy have been hit by the absence

of their leader and goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, who sprained his

left ankle in training yesterday. In comes Salvatore Sirigu for his ninth

cap. He missed a session or two with bruised ribs recently.

Three World Cup winners of 2006 play.

There is the number nine, Mario Balotelli.

Roy Hodgson's second World Cup in charge of a national team. The heat

similar to when he led Switzerland in the USA in 1994.

All set then for the start of the World Cup for England and Italy.

The referee will get us under way. England's training camp brought more

testing conditions in this. Italy have the

testing conditions in this. Italy Confederations Cup in Brazil a

testing conditions in this. Italy ago. Whatever the weather, as Steven

Gerrard said yesterday, the same applies to Pirlo's men, no excuses.

It starts play. We don't know how far they

will get to go. Phil Neville is alongside me to watch them. Shall we

just try to enjoy it, Phil? It's always difficult, as

just try to enjoy it, Phil? It's supporter, to enjoy these occasions.

just try to enjoy it, Phil? It's has been spot on.

Cahill, they have been preparing to deal with the threat of Mario

Balotelli. We will expect quite deal with the threat of Mario

few of those balls for the Italian number nine to chase. It's's so

important when De Rossi and Pirlo get on the ball. They have to get

them and stop the long balls over the There is time. Pirlo. Didn't

quite get the check on it to stop the ball. England goal kick. Joe

Hart will take it. A word on the conditions, Phil. Not quite as bad

as we feared they might be? No, it's almost the perfect night for

football. The pitch in the warm-up, it was interesting to see, they were

doing shots into Joe Hart, cutting off a little bit on the left hand

side. In terms of the temperature I don't think there will be complaints

from Roy Hodgson or Alan Pardew. Cahill, looking for Daniel

Sturridge. Chiellini is down. Johnson surprised at the award of a

free-kick to Italy. I think it was a little kick Chiellini, ball forward

from Gary Cahill. We will see that a lot tonight.

Pirlo, immediately pounced upon by Welbeck.

Only one place where Balotelli will play for Italy. He will be the vocal

point for Italy up front. The so important for the England

centre-backs to make sure they pick imup, don't allow him to be free.

Knocked on by Marchisio. A chance now to deliver. Phil

Jagielka is on guard and ready. Darmian got forward. The Italians

love to fire those low crosses in. Welbeck in, with a good challenge.

Cahill collects and finds Sturridge. Sterling. First chance for him to

run maybe. Past Paletta and go for goal. Goodness me, that was close!

The net rippled rather than bulged. That is why Raheem Sterling is on

the team. One minute we are defending on the box, next we are

counter-attacking. Important he dribbles past those Italian midfield

players. They are not the quickest, not the most mobile. What is Steven

Gerrard say, no excuse, no regrets. Well, Raheem Sterling has gone for

the third. No fear. Rooney, didn't quite get there

quickly enough. Caught De Rossi. The referee is not impressed with the

fall of the Italian. Keeping the front four and Sterling behind Wayne

Rooney will interchange with Sterling tonight and Welbeck as

well. There is a lot of flexibility up there.

Sterling across to try to get close to Pirlo. Good work again from

Welbeck. Chiellini has given it away to Welbeck. The cross comes. The

boys said it in the studio. Welbeck is the

boys said it in the studio. Welbeck is best in England in dispossessing

defenders. That is why he is in the team. Roy seems to trust him to

defenders. That is why he is in the team. Roy seems to trust him do a

good job. He is a real team player. Good ball from Welbeck too.

Sterling. Good try that from Henderson. Sirigu down to save.

England on the front foot from the start here.

cap. It is so important that Leighton Baines doesn't commit

himself to early. There is one for the collector's book, a Pirlo

misplaced pass. Our wide players have got some job

to do tonight. Need to make sure we keep getting to De Rossi, Pirlo in

there. Here is Marco Verratti, Pirlo's error apparent -- heir

apparent when he finally causes a day.

Italy are looking dangerous. That was a lovely dummy from Pirlo.

Lifted through towards Marchisio. Appeals there for handball. Pirlo is

still asking the question. Glen Johnson lucky there, the Italian

players around the referee, thinking they need a penalty. A good decision

in the end, I think. they need a penalty. A good decision

them given sometimes. Arms clamped down by his side, I think that was

his saving grace. Need to be disciplined, stay

So much for the heat rainforest stifling the game and

making it a slow affair. 0-0 is many people's bet for the scoreline, and

it is at the moment, but it is open. Johnson and Jagielka combine to

somehow get the deflection and find Joe Hart. Wayne Rooney

somehow get the deflection and find help Leighton Baines out a little

more. That is the first we have really seen from Wayne Rooney, and

it was a lovely ball out for well back -- Danny Welbeck. He

it was a lovely ball out for well that fired across the near post from

Glen Johnson. Darmian, an impressive start

right back. Every time Pirlo gets the ball, Jordan Henderson

right back. Every time Pirlo gets on the ball. I think that is

important. Italy having more of the ball

We saw how important that was in recent seasons, and it will be

important here, counterattack seems to be the order of the season. So

important that one of the two centre-back is, Cahill and Jagielka,

pick him Sterling was on the move, into a

good position but lost possession. Rooney only temporarily when it

that. -- won it back. Italy very nearly caught out

Set the first pass has got to go casual in clearing the ball.

Set the first pass has got to go into Daniel Sturridge.

He asked a lot of Balotelli there, but he managed to control it.

Just at the moment, England seem to be doing a lot of chasing. It is an

Italy's right where they seem to be causing us a little bit of a

problem. Chiellini has spent more time in

England's half than his own. A good catch from Hart. He doesn't need

much to whip that ball in. Sturridge has to stay onside, takes on

Paletta. Almost left him behind. They managed to squeeze out

Sturridge in the end. That is where we want him, dragging the player out

into the wide areas. Danny Welbeck is doing a good job on

this right-hand side, tucking in. Can't allow Italy to get the rhythm.

Danny Welbeck can't take the free from there. He was looking for a

counterattack. It is all going on on the left-hand side, Leighton Baines

is talking to Rooney. Trouble at the moment. Here is Henderson. For the

first time tonight, we can hear the England fans over the general

excitement of the neutrals in the crowd, and the Italians. We have

been talking to the England fans in recent days, so many of them, it has

taken us back a bit. Supporters go all over the world to these major

competitions. Maybe for once they won't be disappointed heading home.

Johnson with the shot. He doesn't mind having a go with the left foot.

I think when England were in possession, the first-pass needs to

be on the other side of the pitch, that is where the space is.

England are in good shape, they have men behind the ball.

Italy content to knock it about, England content to keep the mayor.

Pirlo can change that in an instant, of course. Every one of those halls

in has been nice and easy from Joe Hart so far. It is the position of

Candreva that is causing us problems, looking for Leighton

Baines to pick him up. There is going to be a free kick for

something the referee has seen in the middle. Verratti protests. He

can be erratic in his challenges at times. He has picked up plenty of

bookings. In the World Cup games we have seen

so far, they have started high tempo. This one has had a slow elder

will stop -- a slower build-up. I think the neutrals are slightly in

favour of Italy. They are not hurting us at the

moment. From a distance, it might have swerved. Joe Hart dealt with

it, just about. Candreva is picking it up again in that position, inside

right. I wouldn't be surprised if Roy Hodgson is thinking about

swapping Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney. Rooney does not look

comfortable out there at the moment. A good combination between Johnson

and Cahill. Jagielka scored the last time these

two nations met in a friendly in Switzerland. Very much mix and match

teams by both. A 2-0 win for England. In competitive meetings,

Italy have the edge. In three major tournament games, they have won them

all. Here is Leighton Baines. Sterling is just

all. Here is Leighton Baines. Rooney, and he is on the

all. Here is Leighton Baines. Candreva runs into De Rossi. And a

gap Candreva runs into De Rossi. And a

in the middle. All he wants to do is

the side and cross. It's a low cross as well, for Balotelli. Much made of

England's defence as well, for Balotelli. Much made of

suspect area of the squad. But Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka are

unbeaten in 13 games they started together. Neither have suffered

defeat at any competitive international they have played. They

like playing together. It's quite a settled back four, this season.

He will get onto that ahead of Paletta.

Good work from Sterling. Welbeck wasn't going to get there. He feels

he was blocked. I don't think he would have quite of reached it

anyway. Good defending in the end from Paletta. Blocked Danny Welbeck.

We need Raheem Sterling, down the little sides. We have seen already

they are not comfortable in those situations. It all started with a

surging run from Jordan Henderson. We have seen that with Liverpool

this season. His energy in midfield will be vital tonight. Paletta had a

little pop at Sterling in the middle, a few moments ago.

Sterling's abilities just starting to rattle him a little bit. When we

looked at the Italian team, two or three days ago, it looked an

experience back four with Buffon in. Now it looks inexperienced, that is

their weakest part of their team. Balotelli, allowed to turn. Allowed

to shoot. Doesn't trouble Balotelli, allowed to turn. Allowed

Manchester City colleague, Joe Hart. You can't let Mario Balotelli do

that, come off turn. This little right channel here. Turning.

Wonderful shot on him. Italy appeal for a free-kick. They

don't get one. Welbeck, through. Sturridge in the

middle. Just too high for Danny Sturridge. It will be a corner. It

was so very nearly an England goal. Wonderful third man run from Danny

Welbeck. Dragging Paletta out. Sturridge's head there. Those side

channels England look dangerous. They don't look comfortable

defending in the wide areas, the Italian centre-backs.

Rooney. It bounced off him. It's another England corner. Didn't see

that come through the pack, Wayne Rooney. I think if he had he would

have had a tap-in at the far post. Daniel Sturridge got a bit of a nick

on it. Took Wayne Rooney by surprise. It was a good opportunity

for England. Leighton Baines, the coolest player

on the park. Number two keeper in as well. Good

opportunity to put pressure on the Italian number two.

Sturridge is standing on his toes. In from Baines. They did enough. It

was Wayne Rooney round the back again. Something they have worked

on. Jagielka blocked Wayne Rooney's man so he could be free at the far

post. Clever play. Chiellini, making ground on the left

again. Glen Johnson making good with the

tackle. It's still hot out there. What we will see in this game,

particularly in the second-half, both teams will play in little

bursts. Then possession football after that.

Good workology from Gerrard. Rooney asked a lot of Raheem Sterling

there. He got to it a fraction ahead of Matteo Darmian. Assessment of

Sterling's performance so far? England's best player so far. Looks

like the one that will unlock the door, in terms of his dribble and

his speed one v one. I think it's interesting with when Pirlo gets the

ball. Every time he gets it he looks to feed Candreva or Balotelli. He

dictates the at the moment tempo of the game. Not many players in world

football can do that. Ied ID middle of the pitch here.

Can't let Italy get a rhythm. Not his best attempt, Candreva. Leighton

Baines and Wayne Rooney are having a heated discussion. Don't think they

have worked out that problem yet, on the right hand side. Steven Gerrard

was just pointing, looking at Wayne Rooney and pointing out to the

touchline. The other touchline where Joe Hart has just put that. I think

it might a good idea for Roy Hodgson to switch Henderson and Gerrard.

Henderson could maybe close off the pass to Candreva.

Trying to bull dose his way past Glen Johnson. Before the game we

spoke of attacking and going for the jugular. I think this was always

going to be a tight, cagey affair. The Italians don't open up that

much. Doesn't need much space to find a

immediately is bursting into action. Doesn't need much space to find a

trick to get past defenders. Taking lots of touches and taking the ball

up to him. Heavy on the legs when someone is running at you

constantly. It looks like that is what he has been told to do. Pirlo,

a risky one that. Verratti didn't have a lot of room. He played that

one without looking. I swear he's got wing mirrors. They always like

looking at people in the warm-up, or in the tunnel, looking at their

eyes. This is just a run-of-the-mill game in the park with his mates. No

pressure out there for Andrea Pirlo. His autobiography - I Think,

therefore I Play. Wonderful His autobiography - I Think,

Still going. Plays the game and dictates the game at his own place.

When he is on the ball and everyone is running he makes it look like

it's in slow motion. Marchisio was forced to tackle from an angle that

is not permitted. The Italian team

off. Just having a breather. Gerrard, missed by Welbeck, nearly

went through to Sturridge. Chiellini has had enough of the

upstart. Sterling is not respecting reputation though, he is all over

him. Chiellini, one of the toughest defenders I've played against. One

of those who just looks tough. He looks tough. He is tough. If the

ball is there to be won, he'll take ball and man with it. Your old

fashioned Italian centre-back Through towards Balotelli. Forced to

be the sandwich there. He did well there Jagielka, struck close to

Balotelli. Rooney. Tackled there Jagielka, struck close to

Rossi, who argues that he won the ball. He did do that, but he won the

ball with both of his feet. ball. He did do that, but he won the

says it is a two-footed challenge. I don't think he went in with his

studs up. Just a free-kick. I say, just a free-kick, it might

turn out to be a little more if Steven Gerrard can conjure something

up. He can't, not that time. Disappointing from that position. We

Italy are definitely looking to dominate that central midfield.

Italy are definitely looking to Balotelli is isolated on his own

upfront. Darmian has pushed forward from

right back. Darmian has pushed forward from

back. Balotelli! Didn't get enough on it. Wayne Rooney who let the

runner go. Definitely a problem that England need to sort out at

half-time. You have played with Wayne Rooney

often enough, Phil, would you say it's an uncomfortable position for

him? It's a position he has played a lot for Manchester United over the

years. He has been played there tonight because could counter-attack

from that position. He has the discipline as well. Darmian is

causing them all sort of problems. Playing high and Candreva coming

into that pocket behind him. They need to sort that problem out. Loads

of room on the right again. Marchisio, the shot ball to

Candreva. And, Baines was ready to block it. It seems as though the

wind is with the Italians, just at the moment. Just starting to find

the little holes in behind the England midfield. Marchisio and

Candreva. Pirlo, lovely dummy. Marchisio.

Through the crowd, into the net! Super strike by Claudio Marchisio.

It has been coming. It has been coming the last two or three

minutes. Wonderful work partner, coming the last two or three

Pirlo again. Full vision, dummy the ball on the edge of the box.

Marchisio had a lot to do still from that position. He found a way

through. He gives Italy the lead in Manaus. It was this dummy here from

Pirlo. Wonderful vision. I think it went through the legs of two or

three England defenders. Left Joe Hart no chance there. I think when

the Italians on the edge of the box, particularly Marchisio, he got a

wonderful shot, you have to close them down quicker.

Wide eyed Italian joy. Claudio Marchisio's first major tournament

goal. 45 caps, four goals now for Italy. A player who does like a

shot. Likes them even more when they fly in like that. England 0, Italy

1. the position of Candreva when he

comes in off the side. Leighton Baines doesn't want to go in. Pirlo.

I was talking a short time ago about his 360-degree vision. I don't know

how you would hear a shout from a colleague in this noise, but he knew

exactly where Marchisio was when he let that ball run. Sturridge is in

the middle, a good ball from Rooney, and the good finish from

the middle, a good ball from Rooney, England level instantly! Italy

caught on the counter. Sterling, Rooney, Sturridge, England one,

Italy one. A wonderful cross, the first cross we have got into night.

A wonderful cross from Wayne Rooney. He was frustrated three or four

minutes ago with the amount of defending that has to be done, and

that is what he is in the team to do, to put crosses in like that. A

brilliant finish by Sturridge. He has scored in three of his last four

England appearances now. There is concern in the aftermath of the

goal, because there was an almighty collision. I think the physio is

under that pile. It is suspected that he has injured his leg really

badly, really badly. England's players can't, however harsh it

seems, allow that to affect their focus. Chiellini was nowhere to be

seen in that cross, and as a fallback, you have to be tucking in

there. A first-time finish from Daniel Sturridge. We have seen it

all season from him. Scored a superb goal against Djourou, but this

matters whole lot more -- against Peru.

Anything can happen when everybody jumps on top of each other.

Sturridge loses the ball to Marchisio. It is not often you see

the physio carried off himself. He was so long England's manager on the

touchline. We are told it is a suspected broken ankle, but we need

him to tell us that! Our thoughts are with Gary at the moment.

Danny Welbeck missed it. Marchisio, well controlled by Balotelli.

The flag is up, and England free kick. The reorganisation on the

bench continues. He was offside when Rooney was in the left-back position

there. There is clearly a problem out there with Candreva's position.

That was brilliant there from Danny Welbeck.

That was brilliant there from Danny midfield players, possession, taking

lots far, Mario Balotelli looks

frustrated up there and isolated. Rooney didn't stop that cross.

frustrated up there and isolated. Trying to get the ball away to

safety. Paletta underneath it for Italy. That is out to Sturridge

almost what a ball. Italy. That is out to Sturridge

perfect position for Daniel Sturridge, one-on-one with Paletta.

like Pirlo are vastly experienced. Candreva is looking for Balotelli.

That is the fifth cross that is Pirlo has put in a cross that near

post. Does he need more for Balotelli? Leighton Baines is

looking frustrated at left-back. He can't get to Darmian.

An opportunity for Italy, Darmian again. Beating Leighton Baines, no

cover inside from Steven Gerrard. They will be hoping to get through

to half-time now with the scoreline as it is. It is 1-1 in Manaus.

Gabriel Paletta finds Giorgio Chiellini. Two minute added onto the

end of the first half. All 11 players behind the ball, giving the

Italians no space to go through the middle, encouraging the ball to go

wide. Pirlo, hammered away by Jagielka will. Danny Welbeck is the

wide man. I think what England have shown in

this first half is plenty of opportunities to counterattack.

Gerard didn't find his usual range there, straight to Marchisio instead

of Danny Welbeck full. That was a brilliant attempt, and

fantastic defending from Phil Jagielka. Hart did well not to

commit himself there, could have caused a penalty.

I thought for a split-2nd that was to sneak in. Dan goes Verratti, and

Dan goes Sterling. And there goes the half-time whistle. England and

Italy at each other from the very start. There is so much to talk

about. England started brightly, Italy took the lead, what a strike

from Marchisio, and a brilliant finish from Sturridge to make it 1-1

less than two minutes later. A good attacking first half from

both sides, and some thrilling stuff in there. At the beginning, you

could sense that the teams were looking at each other, seeing what

was happening, and the goal just unlocked everything. It was a good

reaction from England. They had to score straight away to be able to be

positive to finish the first half. I think Raheem Sterling and Danny

Welbeck have been outstanding. Defensively, I am slightly

concerned. I am angry at myself for not bringing it up before, set

pieces. We concede to meet goals from set pieces. England turned off,

and it was too easy for Italy. Don't get angry at yourself, not at

half-time! Rio Ferdinand, they looked vulnerable, but against top

teams, they will always create some chances. Yes, but you need to get

yourself in the right position to be able to counter any danger that

comes your way. Questions are being asked of us either side of the two

players. You give players opportunities and chances time and

again, and they will take a chance. This cord from a set piece, hit the

post at the end from a set piece. But on a positive note, England

created five times more chances than a didn't hundred and 20 minutes

against the Italians two years ago. Yes, we haven't had that in recent

tournaments, and we are exciting here. What did England do wrong here

in this first goal? It cannot be two on one. That has been worked out on

the training ground several times. Fantastic execution, and England

turn-off. Pirlo goes out there. I just love the nonchalance of him. It

just went through the legs, and Joe Hart couldn't see it. And England

responded her thickly, with a quick goal. Look at this, that is what I

love. You see that Pirlo is around you,

love. You see that Pirlo is around in. Wayne Rooney was quiet

love. You see that Pirlo is around first half, but that was special. He

is not enjoying being on that side because he is having to work so

hard, but you have to give him credit for that. He puts is in the

danger area. Sturridge's desire to get in there, he showed all of that.

He puts it on a plate for Sturridge to finish. If Pirlo played that

ball, we are all sal vating over it. That ball from Wayne Rooney was

outstanding. The star of the show. That doesn't happen. He started

well? He is doing what we wanted him to do. We said before that he has to

get into that to do. We said before that he has to

front. Got to get the ball and turn and run - he is doing exactly that.

This is the first Fife or ten minutes. Showed his intention.

This is the first Fife or ten causing problems. That is what he is

doing to them. Not sure whether to come out to him. Whether to let him

turn. They are, and they are caught, he is a baying threat to them. Every

time he gets the ball he is he is a baying threat to them. Every

the Italians - do you want to defend against me? You are going to have

to, I will force you to. against me? You are going to have

directly at you and cause problems. This is the best part. This, for me,

is absolutely brilliant. One-on-one, there should be someone on the end

of that, there should be someone on the end

Welbeck or Rooney. A no brainer. That is a tap-in for a forward. With

the killer instinct to get in there. You are leaving them one-on-one.

Watch the movement of the three I just mentioned. All three of them

are not thinking that that ball is going to come into the box. They

have to be. Rooney shouldn't be in there. He should be at the edge of

the box. Welbeck made the run. He broke his neck to get in there. The

other two, Rooney doesn't really need to be going out there. He sees

Verratti is out there, vulnerable against someone like Sterling. Get

in the box to score. Wayne Rooney, Thierry, you were saying if he is

not playing in his position, why is he playing at all? I would play him.

I'm just saying if you play Wayne Rooney, play him in his position

because you don't... Like, you can see he is struggling. Although what

a ball! It's quality. You expect that from him. I was kind of

thinking, if he plays, then play him in his position. He is not enjoying

that roll. -- role. He is working in his position. He is not enjoying

his socks off defensively. England have been caught out once or twice

down that side with Candreva or Marchisio coming into that area

where Rooney can't get to him. We are talking about it. Then the ball,

then the goal, comes from him being on the left. Well play, Roy Hodgson?

Exactly. Such is management. Welbeck, you enjoyed his

performance, you are Welbeck, you enjoyed his

well? I'm loving his performance. Opposite of Sterling. Like, if you

give me that ball, I'm gone. Opposite of Sterling. Like, if you

go, take it. Sterling does it. I mean, I was talking to Rio, he is

telling me that Welbeck is really (inaudible). He is like playing

safe, look at what Sturridge does, that creates danger, every single

time. Look, he recovers the ball well. Look here. Have a go. He is

offering a solution. Look. The pass makes him do that. Almost the pass

of Johnson invites him to push the ball. What I'm saying, when it

comes, he gets the ball, most of the time he gives it back. Like I will

repeat, he is having an amazing game. If he does that, he will have

Sterling and him causing problems to that defence. I think with Danny,

you have to take a few more risks. He keeps the ball as well as anyone

else. You get the ball into him, he plays into his team-mate. To make a

difference at this level you need to take risks. What is missing, self

belief? No, he is a confident lad. He likes to keep ball. Wants to be

efficient in the team. As a defender you don't mind him taking chances,

he is doing it for the right reasons to cause problems. He is really good

at retrieving the ball back. You said that before the game. Alan, a

couple of scarce, the Italians went very close? They will have

possession of the football. You very close? They will have

to set up right when they have that. They have caused England problems.

to set up right when they have that. When Pirlo has got in there,

Marchisio, Candreva, good run from Balotelli. That is brilliant

defending. It really is. That is as good as Sturridge sticking the ball

in it the other good as Sturridge sticking the ball

defender's point of view. That is brilliant. It really is.

Again, that came from a set-piece. That is England sleeping again from

a set-piece. Look. You have to stay alert. When you are playing against

top, top players. I mean, at any level, set-pieces are important. .

This level, vital. I think there your defenders have to be screaming.

Shouting. Keeping everybody on their toes. Does that come from the

management? Are they not organised or practicing enough in training or

sleeping? Sometimes in a game you think - we are doing well, all

right. You get a set-piece you think about how you are doing and lose

concentration. You are standing thinking - I have a breather. Your

mind has to stay alert 100% all the time. The top players come alive.

One thing they have to watch out in the second-half. Because they are so

afraid of Pirlo and Verratti playing the ball down the middle. You then

have a lot of space on the side, like Rio said. They keep on finding

Marchisio, Candreva, on the side. That is where the danger comes from.

I hope they can manage that better in the second-half. Second-half

coming up shortly. Gary has dislocated his ankle. Let us hope he

gets a speedy recovery and can continue in the tournament.

gets a speedy recovery and can continue in the tournament. At this

stage of the competition games come thick and fast. The I have have you

coast against Japan are up next. thick and fast. The I have have you

coast against Japan are up next. Three games tomorrow:

Then there is Bosnia, and that means Messi.

Let's head back to Manaus to hear the thoughts of Danny Murphy who is

pitch-side with Gabby. Plenty of postives? Brilliant postives.

Energy. Players taking players on. Sterling great. Brilliant finish by

Sturridge to get us back in the game. We had the better chances. The

concern is the right hand side. Where we have the problem is Wayne

Rooney is coming in so narrow and Candreva is dragging Leighton Baines

in also. 50 yards of space for the right-back. Who we talked about

before the game, Darmian, to run in to. Wayne Rooney has to go man on

man. They are making the wrong decision. Do you see Roy changing

personnel? He will try and work on Wayne half-time and get him to do

the job with Leighton better. It's an easy job to fix. They couldn't

fix it out there. The last five minutes of the first half Balotelli

having the chance cleared off the line and Candreva hitting the post.

Tired legs for England. Very positive. Italy were doing the thing

they do well, keeping possession in the centre third, where they like to

play. Balotelli gets right-back. He didn't look a danger for most of

that half? The goal was a well worked centre play. Up to that point

they hadn't caused problems. We had the Sterling, Henderson and Welbeck

chance. Many post toifs work on. We shouldn't commit too men. 1-1 is not

a bad result. Not a result yet. A fantastic contest out there? I'm

enjoying it. The players looked like they were enjoying it apart from the

last few minutes. Well hydrated, solve the problem on the right hand

Thank you side. To the thousands of people who sent in pictures of where

they are watching the game using #myworldcupseat. The England

football team joined in. Great result today 3-0 and these fans

watching the game in a hot tub. 90 minutes in there, crikey. Danny

Murphy talked about the problems down England's left hand side needs

addressing? Yeah, it does. That is the main concern. I think the main

thing that Roy will be saying at half-time. Neither of them are doing

their job correctly at the minute are Baines and Rooney. They are

getting caught out. Too much space down there. They are finding the

pockets of space are Italy. There, classic example. Baines has got to

go into them or scream for Rooney to come back and protect him and shield

him. Wayne, if Leighton just says to Wayne there, take two or three steps

to your right hand side and stop that ball going, he hasn't to mark

him, stop the ball going in there. Cut the pass out. Baines can get out

there and can fit in the space. Communication. As a defender

communication is the biggest part of the game. The Italians had a penalty

shout. Glen Johnson, what do you think? I don't think it was a

Possible handball penalty. ? It is. Because, what saved him is he kept

his arm really close to his body. I mean the arm is always going to be

there. It is not a penalty. Have you got away with a handball, Thierry?

No, never! What a moment. That was nice. How do you see it going now

Certainly more of the same, attacking wise. They need to sort

that little problem, easier said than done. Communication, as Rio

said. But get Sterling on the ball and get him turned and running at

that defence again. Tough, hot conditions Rio, expecting changes? I

don't think so yet. I think we can see postives with England that we

have the legs. Getting in behind them and causing problems. Both

managers right now will take a draw and move onto the next game after

seeing the game before. Thierry, what do you see happening, as

players what do you see happening, as

stretched possibly? I will join Rio. Your left-back sees the guy coming

he will take the runner. If that doesn't happen I can see James

Milner coming on, he will do that all day for England. OK. Let's

rejoin Philip Neville and Guy Mowbray. Thanks, Gary.

COMMENTATOR: It's after midnight, let's hope for a thriller. Daniel

Sturridge has played his full part in thrilling the England fans who

made the trip to pa nows with that equalising goal in the first half.

-- Manaus. Tiredness will play a equalising goal in the first half.

part. I know it's the first game of the World Cup. It is warm. Night has

part. I know it's the first game of fallen in Manaus, it has not got any

part. I know it's the first game of cooler. Danny Welbeck has been

switched #23r the right to the left -- switched from the right to the

left. That was the biggest problem in the first half.

left. That was the biggest problem Candreva and Darmian caused down the

right hand side. Sterling will continue where he was, down the

middle. Henderson to Johnson. Sturridge, nice ball into well back.

-- Welbeck. was the problem in the first half.

Danny Welbeck perhaps a little lucky, but worked hard to keep the

ball. Jagielka, all the way back to Joe

Hart. 24 goals so far in this World Cup in six and a half games. Long

may that ratio continue. That was a good spin from Mario

Balotelli. De Rossi didn't spot him early enough, or he would have been

in. Sturridge wins the throw, conceded

by Paletta. The pitch is quite heavy. I think it has played better

than we thought, though. It hasn't put up too much.

Daniel Sturridge has gone in for a shot here. Positivity again from the

England number nine foot Op and they win a corner. Positive from England

at the start of the second half. The keeper likes to parry it. We saw it

twice in the first half. It has gone deep towards Rooney, and

he couldn't get it. Italian goal kick. This definitely looks like an

thing England have worked on. Darmian is always lying in wait,

ready for the opportunity to get halfway if he can full top and

Balotelli is going to get there! A Mario Balotelli goal.

Thing just told us he would play a part tonight. England 1-2 Italy.

Use expecting Glen Johnson to be behind him covering. He wasn't. A

wonderful header. Not managed to pick up Candreva or stop the cross.

Just as he would have wanted it, that cross. Perfection from

Candreva, a lovely finish from Balotelli, and England have it to do

again. I suspect some of you might have been thinking about going to

bed as the pace dropped a little, but there is plenty left in this

match. Can Sturridge reply again once more. He was almost through on

goal. Sterling retrieves, took it away from Pirlo. Gerard was actually

tripped by the referee there. Rooney is asking. I think it was the

way that Daniel Sturridge went down. Going back to the goal, as a

full-back you have got to cover your centre-back at the far post. So

difficult for a centre-back when the ball is in behind him to turn so

quickly. Mario Balotelli pulled off his shoulder. They are trying to

slow it down a bit. Now we are seeing two Italian midfield layers

dropping in. Danny Welbeck runs into Chiellini. I think it was the way

Danny went down that went against him in the end. There was definitely

contact there. Chiellini did seem to bundle him a little carelessly.

Sometimes when you go down you get the penalty, other times it works

against you. Bjorn Kuipers is not a referee to easily be deceived.

In goes Gerard, crunching into Verratti. It is hard to cut it back

from that sort of angle, but insist that Wayne Rooney will get himself

into this game a bit more in this half. He has asked his players to

drive directly at the Italian back four. He sees that as a weakness.

Italy are in possession, allowing Darmian to get forward. He is

playing almost as a wing-back at times. Johnson.

Glen Johnson is on to that, but it was cleared by De Rossi.

again. We didn't see them push on like this in the first half much.

They never seem to be far from each other, those two. That cross from

They never seem to be far from each Glen Johnson there was crying out

for Danny Welbeck to finish it. He didn't expect the cross to be fired

soap quickly. It is perhaps the

ruthlessness missing from Danny Welbeck's game full. Glen Johnson is

probably going to get forward more in this five or ten minutes than in

the whole of the first half. in this five or ten minutes than in

Prandelli is blinking first in terms of substitution.

Cahill back to his feet after a coming together in the centre.

Steven Gerrard is onto it again but can't go any further. Was he brought

down? Goal kick is the call. Steven Gerrard wasn't appealing for a

penalty there. Great interchange. It was the reaction from Steven

Gerrard that I was looking at. There was definitely contact there. Should

he have been appealing for it? Marco Verratti, 21 years old, has

had a royal Marco Verratti, 21 years old, has

Sterling. And here is Thiago Motta coming on. Prandelli is brilliant at

his game management. He changes things around to nullify the

strength of the opposition. I think he might have put Potter in --

Thiago Motta in to control Raheem Sterling.

Balotelli is caught quite a way offside. They have to try to

maintain that. We could be looking at a performance at the moment is

crying out at a performance at the moment is

player to go in there. Wayne Rooney was given a show of. A bit of an

exchange between him and Chiellini, although it is all smiles now. Ross

Barkley seems to have got the call to get his warm up intensified. Down

the line for Darmian. substitution from Roy Hodgson.

England putting another forward-thinking player on. Fill in

the middle of the picture little bit better. That was an awkward one. It

is a goal kick, and Sturridge doesn't think it should be, but it

will be. Just a quick word about Mario Balotelli. Do you think there

is a image during to his game now? I think so. He has everything in his

locker. I have played against him. Speed, I wouldn't want facing

one-on-one. It is just putting it together on the main stage. He is

the focal point for the Italian team, the person they look for the

free passes, an extra added response received this he enjoys all stop he

got engaged on Tuesday to his Belgian girlfriend, so maybe growing

up as a player and a person. If this carries on, Mario Balotelli

will be the toast of Italy again. Joe Hart had to ignore the run of

his former Manchester City team-mate. He needs to make sure

that he is not peeling off the corner. A demand for the ball there

from Johnson. Rooney. Sturridge. Daniel Sturridge has gone for goal.

And now the England change. That was a good effort from Danny Welbeck. It

was a two versus one situation here . And Danny Welbeck is going to make

way. He has done his bit, and now it is Ross Barkley's turn. The

20-year-old Everton player, seven England appearance, six from the

bench. We know what he is capable of if he shows it on the biggest stage

of all. A wonderful talent, Ross Barkley. He is the player that

everyone was calling for to be selected, and I think Roy Hodgson

did well not to select into early. Raheem Sterling has come out on this

side in place of Danny Welbeck. He turned Paletta nicely, but he will

have to do it again. Wayne Rooney. Slid passed there by

Leighton Baines and the keeper has gone to his left hand side and Wayne

Rooney put it back through the legs of the Italian defender. He is back

in his central position now, Wayne Rooney, back where he likes playing.

You can feel the anguish of Roy and Ray. I think as an attacking force I

think they've created a lot of chances and problems for the Italian

back four tonight. Sturridge was hoping for the Italian

defender to be switched off for a second. Barkley, not quite quick

enough into Pirlo. Motta. Chipped it up to Darmian. He has

brought it down beautifully. Then there was a double block, Jagielka

and Cahill were on guard. Away go England, on the charge. Barkley will

get there. Rooney is arriving. Barkley is

trying to score. Sirigu beats it clear, not for the first time

tonight. Sterling. Teasing Paletta. Paletta stuck to it really well. The

counter-attack, so important for us to commit Daniele De Rossi. He

doesn't look comfortable in one-to-one situations.

doesn't look comfortable in a touch of cramp. Marchisio and

Chiellini the physios. Ross Barkley will not be overawed by this

occasion. Such bravery as a young player. No fear in his game. Saw it

with Everton this season. Particularly the goal he scored

against Manchester City. It's a moment of - I've arrived, fantastic

in the warm-up games as well. A penny for his thoughts, you should

know them! He will be looking to keep that forward, keep

counter-attacking. That final pass. That final shot we just need to get

better. A drinks break. Temperature not deemed hot enough to have a

cooling break, to avoid the farce of the World Cup in the USA. The

goodness me! When the temperature gets to 32 degrees there will be one

break each half, half an hour into each half.

Barkley wants that ball. His body language tells you, give me that

ball. I want to deliver. Sterling who has had the cramp

stretched out of himself. Sterling, brilliant. Paletta. Wasn't

quite balanced. Sliced it behind. Good skill again from Raheem

Sterling. Wayne Rooney had just pulled up into the penalty spot.

Nobody had picked him up. A corner. So effective from these

positions against Peru in the warm-up game, the big sendoff. That

is a good play in from Sirigu. warm-up game, the big sendoff. That

worked so far this evening. We saw this in the first half where

there are little bits of lull in the play. Players just getting their

energy back. The game is played in little bursts of speed. What do

England need to do to recover this. It would be a huge blow losing the

opening game. Possibly one that England wouldn't recover from. Is it

about to get worse? Joe Hart had everything covered. Candreva again

on that right hand side. He habitually's best player tonight. We

have not picked him up all evening. Going back to your point about what

England have to do. I think it's that final pass. That final cross.

Committing more men into the box when we are putting crosses in. Some

of our attacking play has been really good at times.

Barclay is out of the box for him. Sterling wasn't able to turn his

head to see him. Balotelli does brilliantly. Cahill has brought him

down. That will be a free-kick. Mario Balotelli, when you are up

front on your own, when you clear the ball, you need the centre

forward to sit with him. That is what he did. Showed great strength.

The referee has got most decisions right tonight. In a tournament so

far when we have not seen the best referees. Common sense giving us a

European referee to take this No yellow game. Cards either so far. I

think that was right there. I don't think we have had a game yet with

not one caution. Sticking rigidly the England captain

to that deep line role. Would you like to see him get forward more?

There is time later in the game to gamble more. We need to keep

possession, keep probing. Look for that counter-attack moment.

Here is Johnson, wandered into the crowd. Back into that back four to

make a back five. We see it so often with the Italian teams. Rooney.

Lost his bearings a second. Got the ball again to find Henderson.

Sterling, didn't quite get to Paletta turns it behind. It is in

these areas where we need to find the right pass now. They have

everybody back now. I thought there was a rule about not

making a substitution at a corner. Jack Wilshere is ready and Italy has

a replacement as well. I think both teams are going to hold on. Leighton

Baines hasn't been given that message yet. Baines corner.

Gerrard is on-the-run. In towards Cahill. It was blocked. It's take

two. The first time we have varied our corners. The four corners have

got to the far post. Cahill made a fantastic run there against Mario

Balotelli in the nearpost. Something else a little different now.

Johnson. Goes himself rather than shifting it. Sirigu was rooted.

Wasn't quite sure it was going past his post. It was a similar makeup to

the Marchisio goal. England worked a short-corner. The England staff,

down on the bench there, screaming at the midfield players to keep the

ball moving quick. at the midfield players to keep the

Italians settle in possession. Here are the changes. It might prove to

be the man who wins the game for Italy, but he is not going to see

the game out. Mario Balotelli is going out. Ciro Immobile, who had a

fantastic campaign for Torino. On he comes. Balotelli did his bit. Jordan

Henderson will be replaced by Jack Wilshere. A positive change from Roy

Hodgson again. No need now to have two defensive midfield players in

there. Jack Wilshere loves driving forward with a ball. Great

combination lay play with Ross Barkley. We saw that last week in

the friendly against Honduras. Just under 17 minutes left on the clock.

England 1, Italy 2 in the heart of the Amazon. You have De Rossi

dropping into the back three now. Immobile.

Telling his team to play with more speed, they are passing that ball

between themselves. Gerrard has gone long. Baines.

No need for England to go forcing the play. There is still lots of

time left on the clock. Work the ball from side to side. Leighton

Baines on one side and Sterling on the touchline. England have great

width on the pitch now. Try to stretch the Italian back five, which

it is. Sturridge met strongly and unfairly by Chiellini. England,

free-kick. That was a foul. unfairly by Chiellini. England,

through the back of Daniel Sturridge. That is what you do when

you work the ball side to side and you are patient you can get the

slide passes in to Daniel Sturridge. Kept moving the Italian back four.

As a defender they can be fire burners when you are working from

side to side. Do you feel like Chiellini did there the frustration

and you rush in and do something rush? You are consistently moving,

sometimes you go looking for a challenge. Particularly someone like

Chiellini who likes to feel men against him. Be in one-to-one

situations. He can be quite rash at times. From the experience you would

go for Gerrard on the side of the field. You think it might be Baines?

This is the side of the pitch that he likes. Corred scored two goals

against West Ham, both from this position last season. -- scored.

Barkley on the end of the wall. Leighton Baines to

When he is good and ready. He does strike. And cleared the wall but

couldn't beat Sirigu. Couldn't have done a lot more. Good effort.

Leighton Baines' side. It's funny, the referee puts the imaginary line

down there. The Italians were a yard in front of it by the time that

Leighton Baines took the free-kick. Rooney on the corner this time. Oh,

dear! He's made one goal, other than that, it has not

dear! He's made one goal, other than night. I think the turf gave way on

that left hand side. The groundsman told

quite bogey out there, quite sandy. There isn't anything you can do

about that. further by Marchisio. Keep switching

the play quick, left-hand side, right-hand side.

Heap laid the ball out carelessly. The final Italian substitution,

Candreva is coming off, and Marco Parolo will go on. Parolo is 29, age

range going up, but this is only his fifth international appearance of

Italy. Candreva has made it impossible for Leighton Baines on

this left-hand side. And England go like for like with the change of

their own. Daniel Sturridge who doesn't look to be moving 100%

freely as he goes off, and Adam Lallana is coming on for his

competitive debut. Adam Lallana has gone into this

left-hand side position, the position he plays for Southampton.

There are three white shirts in the middle, but there is nobody there.

They are getting into good positions. Good opportunities to

fire that ball across or make that final pass. Sirigu let himself down

with that pass, Another throw-in down in the corner.

When you get to the last ten minutes, there are always

opportunities, particularly in this heat. There could be a lack of

attention. They just have to be patient and wait for that

opportunity. Barkley bottles away from Immobile. This is good stuff

from Cahill. It is always the worry when you commit so many men forward.

The threat of counterattack from Italy.

They will have to handle defending one against one at the back.

Jagielka can do that, he has experience.

All of a sudden, crosses coming in from that part of the pitch that you

identified. It is all from that area, and nothing is working. People

back home will probably look at that area of the pitch and think it looks

good, it is very green. Most of it is paint. They were working on the

pitch yesterday, making sure it looked right. A few England players

now suffering from cramp. K Cahill is the latest. The England

supporters in the crowd in contemplative mood. I think at times

tonight, the attacking players have been exciting. They have created

really good opportunities. Joe Hart ordering Gary Cahill to get up and

carry on playing! England need to get the game going as quickly as

they can again. Lallana is brought down, De Rossi went in. Another

England opportunity from the free kick. Rooney has the ball in his

hands and doesn't look as if he wants to let anybody else have a

look in here. Lallana has that ability to turn on either foot.

Who wins this argument, captain on Number ten? It looks like Steven

Gerrard fancies this. Those Italian feet shuffling over

the white line again, the vanishing is Ray.

Gerard's strike, just to hide. -- too high. A rueful look back at the

goal. There is still time, they have to keep probing. Five minutes plus

stoppage time. Lots has been said about the spirit

in the camp. This is a big test for this team, a goal down with five

minutes to go. Johnson in determinedly. Trapped by sterling,

and how did he get out of that? A magician at times. Pirlo plays the

game and walking speed times, we have not seen much of him in the

second half. Immobile hasn't touched the ball

since he came on, it is as if he has just gone on to be a nuisance. Ross

Barkley is looking at Rooney as if to say, that was mine. There was an

opportunity on the right-hand side, Raheem Sterling just coming into

shot. He was on his weaker foot well, Wayne Rooney.

Italy are just retreating by the minute. They need to keep the ball

moving quick. Lallana may be too quick there.

moving quick. Lallana may be too rotation. It is very difficult as a

defender to pick that kind of movement up. And that was sliced

behind by Barzagli. There was a period before when the momentum was

growing for Italy. Is this similar for England?

Leighton Baines just beat Immobile. You see this in training every day,

trying to break down the opposition. Pirlo felt he was tripped. There is

a long left, I'm afraid. Can you see a shot from outside the box? There

should be no panic in these situations. A club that have always

played right to the very death and will always believe you are going to

get the opportunity. Cahill, one of the few mistakes he

has made there, giving the ball away to Parolo. Five minutes! Well, that

is a surprise. There have been a couple of stoppages. A lot can

happen in five minutes in football. England might be open, but the flag

was up will tap Mac Leighton Baines. Steven

Gerrard to Johnson. Wilshere, can he get through? De Rossi stops it.

Gerrard to Johnson. Wilshere, can he is Sterling. His cross is over

everyone. Baines is trying to keep it alive. The important work away by

Marchisio. The first yellow card of the match

should redeem sterling. He was trying to trap Parolo, maybe he had

to do that. He knew when to release it at just the right speed, just the

right time. Sometimes in football you just have to take the foul, the

technical file we call it, in the game. Didn't it use to be a

professional fall? More of a technical foul. In in word. Sounds

better. Sounds less sinister. That came about with Jack Wilshere in the

box trying to get back three defenders.

Another free-kick for Italy. Another chance for them to take as long as

they like about it. Played for that Motta. Used all his experience. Saw

Cahill coming. Enticed him in. Nipped it around the corner. The

England can't get frustrated. There is still time left on the clock.

Coming up to 48 second-half minutes played. Another two minutes after

this. The clock is ticking. Minutes they are wasting, giving silly fouls

away. Pirlo here could make it all academic. He has gone for goal. Oh!

Joe Hart, stranded, beaten, helpless. Crossbar to England's

rescue. Andrea Pirlo, over Joe Hart. Barkley. Johnson.

Barkley, Sterling. Couldn't clear the head of Pirlo. Pirlo with the

back header to Chiellini. Plays a different game to most

players. That is why Juventus have given him a two-year deal, at the

age of 35. Plenty of miles left yet. People on the streets tomorrow will

be trying that free-kick, wondering how he did it. Years of practice.

We are in the last-minute. We are almost in the last 30 seconds. It's

Johnson. Able to let it bounce. Baines, good spot to see Lallana. An

awkward to do anything with. Away goes Immobile. Running at Cahill.

Cahill struggling for balance. That is a really good tackle. Looked as

though he was going to fall at one point. I don't think it will make

any difference to the outcome of the game. It did stop it becoming three.

Now, that is it. Italy are off a to a winning start in Manaus. Mario

Balotelli is the match winner and the hero. The former Manchester City

man, now with Milan. Rueful look on Roy Hodgson's face. Tired look on

Andrea Pirlo's he has been per rifbg again. England have worked. They

attacked. They gave it a go. I'm sure they will continue to do that.

What a game is set up, Uruguay losing to Costa Rica could mean

winner takes all when those sides meet in their game in Sao Paulo.

Final score, England 1, Italy 2. It's defeat for England, which

leaves them in third place, three points off Italy and surprise early

leaders Costa Rica after their shock 3-1 win against the top seedsual

guy. England play Uruguay in a massive game next Thursday in Sao

Paulo. The players are out there. massive game next Thursday in Sao

Whilst Rio it was a defeat, obviously, it was a defeat, I

suppose, looking at it there, obviously, it was a defeat, I

it wasn't the most depressing defeat I have ever seen from edgend land.

There were a lot of young performances in that team that did

themselves proud, had a real go but the final ball. We got into decent

areas, wide areas, the delivery of the ball wasn't up to the standards

that we expect. Like I said, the performances of Raheem Sterling,

star man for us. Go to guy. A young guy of his age to be the man we are

giving a lot of responsibility to in terms of giving him the ball and

letting him to do something for us, terms of giving him the ball and

amazing to see. That bodes well for the future. Ross Barkley coming on,

direct, wanting to make things happen. Great to see. That is what

you want to see in an England team. Hopefully these guys are getting

valuable tournament. In the last tournaments they barely got off the

half-way line. They had a go? That is what we wanted. We said, if the

young guys are given a chance, they show improvement, we look to them to

the future and every player gives their all, no-one can really ask any

more of that. My only complaint their all, no-one can really ask any

tonight is that on the second-half performance, even at times in the

first half, we lack a killer instinct. Balls going into that box

where instinct. Balls going into that box

end of it. Make a move. Rooney had his chance. Failed to take it. At

this level, in the World Cup's you get one chance in the game, you have

to score. Balotelli, once chance, one goal. You see what happened last

night to Robben and van Persie. They get chances and scored. We had our

chance today. We lacked that. Our final ball was poor in the

second-half. Getting up there, Sterling, I thought, I will

definitely agree with Rio in that, he was our Man of the Match. He gave

us hope. His first thought was, can I run at the defence. They were

scared of him. We lacked the killer instinct when it really matterered.

Defensively, their goal, the winning goal, we were poor again. How would

you evaluate England's performance, Thierry? You obviously wanted them

to win, they were just a bit nervous I guess at the beginning. They

played well. It wasn't that bad, like you said. But when you play

against the Italians they are the masters - They find a way. They

didn't control the game. They win. It will go down to that Rooney miss

and Balotelli crossing the box. We can hear from the England captain,

Steven Gerrard. That must feel like a frustrating defeat you forced

Italy to play very well tonight? Yeah. I mean Italy are a good team.

We knew what they were how they were going to play. They never really

surprised us. Disappointing, we put so much into it. We came away with

You came nothing. Off the pitch. It's difficult to look back and

think, what was positive? What could you take away from that. England's

attacking play showed so much prom sized? We got criticised two years

attacking play showed so much prom ago for sitting back and being

toothless really. Anyone who watched that game could see we were trying

to create much we pushed and pushed and we gave it everything we have

got. Unlucky to get nothing out of it. Roy was right to unleash those

Lions tonight they caused problems, Sterling, Sturridge and Welbeck, was

the final ball the difference? Maybe. The chances were there. We

created them. Maybe we have to look at trying to fin ash few more

chances off, but we can't point any fingers, everyone gave everything

they have got tonight. The effort, desire and commitment was there.

Maybe a little bit of quality in the final third. The left wing looked

problematic in the first half. That is where the danger was coming from?

It was difficult. They caused us many problems down the left side

first half. We felt with a few changes we handled it better

second-half. We played most of the game in their half second-half. That

is a huge positive. Still disappointing to come awhich with no

With Costa points. Rica beating Uruguay this Group is is blown up.

It puts enormous pressure on getting a win from Uruguay? No matter what

the result was tonight we would have to beat Uruguay anyway. The

challenge is a bit more difficult. It's certainly do-able. Was this all

round a much better England than two years ago? Were Italy for you better

than perhaps you were expecting? Yeah, I mean, we not sure how much

Italy would improve from the two years ago they certainly found

another gear. I thought we matched them all of the way. They had more

of the ball first half and caused problems down the left, if we look

at the game as a whole 90 we can be pleased with a lot of it. It shows

at this level how cruel it is. You give so much effort, try so hard and

still come away with nothing. That is the lesson tonight. One more on

the conditions. It looked energy zapping in the second-half for both

sides obviously. How much did it hurt? Yeah, of course it was a tough

night, but no matter what the conditions were tonight it is always

going to be tough playing against Italy. It was very warm, it was

sticky. The pitch was a tough pitch it was dry and moving under foot.

They are just excuses. At the end of the day, Italy were a very good team

tonight we fella bit short. We are still not out of this Group. Thank

you, Thank you Steven. . A long way to go yet. That left hand side,

England's defence was the problem. The problem that led to the goal,

even though they felt they addressed it at half. They witched Rooney from

the left to the right and put Welbeck on the left hand side to

shore up that little bit more Wayne was uncomfortable doing it. What

they thought turned out was uncomfortable doing it. What

problem actually was part of their downfall. I mean, there are so many

errors in this defending. It starts right from upfront here. I will

highlight Welbeck there. His movement when that ball comes out

wide he has to try, not cut it off, try and tempt him, not give him that

space there. He can't allowed to pass that in there. Rio from then on

wards other errors? The communication. Jagielka has to call

Baines back there and say, delay, delay, delay. Stop them crossing the

ball. In the end, a great ball. I don't think Cahill can do much more.

You can say he can get tighter to Balotelli, it is a great ball.

Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say - fantastic ball, I

couldn't do much more. He had one chance in that game, he put it in

the back of the net. I'm not sure he is telling anybody to be quiet. I

don't think anybody anyone was having a go. You weren't happy with

that reaction? Is He didn't have to do that. I think people would have

praised him tomorrow about what he did. I guess, doing that is going to

bring some bad press, I guess. Doesn't help himself? He didn't help

himself. He did what he had to do. Won the game for his team. Rooney,

Alan, there are doubters he never scored in the World Cup final. Still

not scored. He had chances didn't happen again? Might not get a better

chance than this. You can never criticise his workrate he gives

everything he has. That was our downfall. When we got into the final

third, we didn't have enough quality to trouble them. This is the big

chance that he won't sleep tonight looking at this. He has the whole

goal to aim for. Myself and tier Eyre are thinking he has to go

across the goalkeeper to the other side. So did the goalkeeper, he

moved that way. He has to hit the target. He is our top goalscorer. He

is trying to break the record for England. Number nine or Number Ten

as he has been playing for England. You have to score those chances. You

get one chance in the game at the highest level you have to take that.

I agree with that. You want to get the best out of him, play him in his

real position, when does he play in the left? He set up the first goal

brilliantly for Daniel Sturridge. Sturridge played upfront. You can't

question Roy's judgment? His second best is Number Ten, just behind you

have to give your best man in terms of goalscoring, in terms of his

record, the best chance to score goals. Our best player on the pitch

was Raheem Sterling. You lose something from Wayne Rooney, what

does that tell you? If you will not play him in his favoured positions

are you better not playing him at all. Are there better people in wide

positions than Wayne Rooney? When you look at his chance there. He is

in his best position. He is in the best position that you can be. He is

in the best position you can be. The I've missed goals like that. You

did, but he has to understand, people have to understand, he had to

scenario score there. He didn't. That is not why you have to kill

him. He had a good game. I thought Welbeck had a good game too,

Sturridge, but that was the turning point of the game for me. Games are

won and lost by chances like that. We saw last night, when we did the

Holland v Spain again. Silva chance, 2-0, Wayne Rooney, the chance in,

the game totally different. You have to put the chances in, I'm afraid.

He did everything he had to do there but scoring - The the most important

thing. I agree with you. You have to be positive with him. He might be

hammered tomorrow. No-one can criticise his workrate. He gives

everything he has. He has scored a lot of goals for England but not

done it when it counts. You want him to be positive. We all know, he

knows that he should have scored. Is it a reason why you should kill him

tomorrow and not be in the right mind to play Uruguay. He is a great

player. You should try and help him to break - I'm doing my job playing

Devil's advocate. Is These guys have great potential. We are seeing them

realise on the world's biggest stage. It's difficult. Not easy.