England v Italy Match of the Day Live

Good evening. Welcome to key ever. We are here for an England quarter-

final. In recent times they haven't gone too well, but it has got to

red! England just cannot when Let's put those dark days to one

side and remind us that we know how to win a quarter final. Mind you,

And the impossible job was never harder than the date Roy Hodgson

walked in. Fabio Capello has resigned... A Rooney has been sent

off... The favourite is Harry But this English gent offered a few

simple instructions. Signor heart out for your country. Fight to the

last in every game. Feel the weight Now he has turned expectations

The East and Europe has brought us a marvellous tournament, but it is

the best of the West that are in the semi-finals. Will it be England

or Italy they join them? It has been a beautiful day in Ukraine's

capital, I understand it has been far from that at home, but if it

blew away your barbecue, let's see if Rooney and Co can put a bit of

summer back in England and spring us into the semi-final. Here inside

the magnificent Olympic Stadium we have got Alan Hansen, Alan Shearer,

and Jurgen Klinsmann. Let me start with an Englishman. I think we have

the fewest passes completed in the opening stage and the fewest shots

on target, we won our group quite comfortably. We did, and I have

seen, as each game has progressed, more belief in the players. There

is more belief in the media and the public, you get that feeling now.

But what happens is that comes with more expectation. There is now an

expectation from every one that this team can improve. I don't

think they have got out of third or 4th gear, I think they can improve,

certainly on the pass in front. They will have to keep hold of the

ball against an experienced and good Italian side. Do you see this

as England's stiffest challenge so far? I think it is a big challenge,

because the Italian side is full of quality, but they are beatable.

Looking at England over the last couple of games, I think they came

quite a way, they have a lot of experience, very good players, they

have a chance. What did England have to do to make the Italians

beatable in your view? I think they have to be very alert. Because the

Italian midfield, with Montolivo, piano, they are players who can

kill you with a pass. You have to be very awake, the back line has to

be very sharp. They have to help each other, close all the gaps.

you see his team growing? I think they can get better, I think they

got out of the Group Stage, everyone was saying that anything

else is a bonus. You don't want to go home disappointed. I think the

Italians are eminently beatable, I watched them against Spain, I

thought they were decent in the first half, but apart from that, to

me they don't have a lot of pace. If you look at Pirlo, who is

phenomenal on the ball, but not great without it, you look at the

rest of the side, I think England can win the game. When you get to

this stage, possession is King, and the frailty of the England side has

been that they give it away too cheaply. If they are going to

progress, they have to keep it. I would like to see England have a

real go at the Italians. Hodgson has gone with an unchanged

I am not surprised. When you talk about good football teams, you look

at the spine appeared, you look at Hart, Gerard, Terry, Rooney. That

is a good line, and that is something to build upon. What we

seem to have had in two or three of the games is a little bit of luck,

which every team needs, if they are going to win tournaments, you need

a little bit of luck, and we have had bad. We have not always had

that. Steven Gerrard has led from the front. I think you're big

players, John Terry at the back, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney,

they are the man that can win you the game. The big players as we

have seen time and again, they have to perform. Well Wayne Rooney be

better for the game about he played it? He was out for a little while.

He is catching up now, he is trying to get a rhythm, but these are the

big ones now. He will be fired up. He wants to prove a point across.

He finally wants to show in a big tournament that he is a big player.

I think he needs to be aware of the Italian back line, I think they are

very solid, but also they have their moments where they lack a

second or two, and that is Rooney's chance to surprise them. If England

are going to progress, he has to play better than he did against

Ukraine. Let's have a look at the Italians. Three changes, Balotelli

plays. A I am not surprised he put him in. He knows Joleon Lescott's

game inside out, and he knows he is as well, that will be a fascinating

battle. If you look at the centre backs from Juventus, the goalkeeper

is also from Juventus. This man, will he be Super Mario all the

stupid Mario? We are going to talk about him a little closer to kick-

off, but is he had Gamble? At this stage of his career, he is still a

gamble. He can make you or break you. That is the danger, he is not

balanced enough psychologically, he needs more experience, he needs to

grow. What he does is he divides opinion but he also divides the

team, and when you have that, it is... A if you were the Italian

coach, would you have taken the risk? I probably would have.

Because it is a knockout game, and you want to win it. To win, you

have to take risks. You have to have believed in your players, if

you put him in the squad, who knows how he is going to perform.

Hodgson is unbeaten in 13 games as an international manager, not all

would England, of course. Long may An unchanged starting line-up, you

have 23 Feb players, which at this stage of the tournament is quite a

thing. -- 23 fit players. It is very important in games like

tonight, because it is going to be decided once or fall one way or the

other, and is good to know everybody is fit and ready to play.

We have people who can change a game in different ways. So why

think it is a very fortunate that we had our misfortune, as it were,

before we came to the tournament. Since we have been here we have

kept everybody fit. Any dilemma about the starting 11? Not really,

I think we have done well so far with this 11. At think they deserve

to start the game. The bench is important and is probably going to

be even more important than ever on an evening like tonight. Does

knowing that penalties could be the future, you don't know when you are

going to finish the game, does that change the way you make your

substitutions? It might do, it is what happens in the game, really,

it is foolish to try and second- guess the substitutions in your

head. It is all going to be based on how players are coping with the

match, with the heat. It is quite tight at the moment, how fresh

their legs are, etc. I haven't done any second guessing, but we have

given a penalty is quite a lot of thought, this time. We know the

records of all the players, they're percentage success rate, and I'm

sure that Gary and Ray will be working feverishly when the time

comes, if it comes. But I hope we can win the game in normal time.

That would be much less stress for everybody, least of all our fans

He has been around the block. He addressed the press conference half

in Italian and English. The Gary Neville, I presume they are

speaking English! I have been really impressed with him. He has

had decisions to make, every decision he has made has worked for

him. He was asked in the first game, Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young, he

played them. He changed the game by bringing Walcott on, he left Andy

Carroll on, he brought Wayne Rooney in, who scored the goal. Quite a

remarkable story. It is, when you realise he left Anfield 18 months

ago, his reputation was damaged. Now, it is intact and he is on the

verge of greatness. It would be Sir Roy, whatever, Eddie takes England

all the way. But it is great for him, he is so well respected in the

game and so popular, and what happened at Anfield was tragic for

him. His first job at a big club. Will he have an advantage, knowing

Italian football like he knows it? Absolutely. The culture of the

Italian football, you can see clearly in their game, they are

hesitant, they keep the ball, they wait for their moment. They want to

kill you with one ball, really quick. So I think his experience at

Inter Milan helps him a lot. Olympic torch has reached Britain,

has reached Manchester. It was carried by Bobby Charlton,

England's highest ever goalscorer. He braved horrendous weather

conditions to eventually deliver his verdict on England's chances

against Italy. England have got to win it. That is

what I think. This is the big game. If we beat Italy, we will start

getting excited, but I really think we can win it. Great man. Gabby is

pitch-side, she is joined by Lee Dixon.

Tension building, it feels very different from a week ago. You have

seen both teams, you know how they are lining up, where rather main

dangers for England? Prandelli is keeping with the back four, that

means a diamond, and their most skilful player no doubt his Pirlo.

It is whether they click on the night, it is a difficult decision

for Rooney, when he picks it up and when he plays his own game.

Yesterday, Steven Gerrard said it is that midfield area he feels the

game could be won or lost him. He has also intimated he is driven by

previous failures. He has grown in stature. Rooney is back, everybody

has been talking about him, but the Palace man put his team is no doubt

Steven Gerrard, he has been magnificent. I see him taking this

game by the scruff of the neck. They need Steven Gerrard dominating

that midfield, because there are going to be times when they are

outnumbered, it is up to him to boss that midfield. Italy are a

good side, but let not forget that England are a good side as well.

much talk about the mercurial Balotelli, Gazzetta dello Sport

said it was him against England. How much added advantage is it that

he plays week in week out with a two of our players? It he was a

team-mate of mine, I would be having a little chat with him in

the tunnel, winding him up, trying to get into his Psyche. It might

not sound pretty, but that is what you have to do. We have seen how

good he can be, we just have to hope he has a bad night tonight.

Part of that is the psychology Paul Stott it is not going to be

comfortable, is it? It never is. Going into the tournament, Italy

were embroiled in another match- fixing scandal. But history

suggests that when it comes to major competitions, it doesn't seem

The names to not trip off the tongue, unpalatable tongue twisters

of regularly on the footballing diet in Italy. The scandal in 1980,

players throwing matches, one player banished the two years. He

Donations to cosy between certain clubs and referees in 2006.

Juventus are stripped of two league Now, 2012. The usual mysterious

international betting syndicates. Atalanta's captain band, former

legends implicated, Juventus's manager investigated. Is history

repeating itself? Cesare Prandelli said he would have no problem if

Italy were prevented from appearing, the good of football more important.

First, the world champions. They could start, renewed faith. Croatia

next. The general leading from the Against Ireland, Italy were on --

in control, on the field, at least. Now, England. Playing like Italy

themselves. A scandal of its back home, trials, unrest and summer. --

all summer. The need to stay away longer, all-consuming.

They have had their problems. You played for many years with Inter

Milan in Italy, was that all was an undercurrent? That is too harsh,

but there is always a sense, is this OK? It is part of the culture.

The Government changes every couple of months. There is always a

feeling, what goes on? But you have to give them credit, because when

they are in trouble and they have their stories, similar to 2006,

they start to stick together. They can be in the same room for three

months, they work it out. They are not getting tired of which are

there, they are not going Khadija there. They build chemistry.

coach has used it to his advantage. Before 1996, we were getting

slaughtered from the media, the manager said, let's use it to our

advantage, let's stick together. They will make that tonight.

have picked out Andrea Pirlo as the danger man. What threat does he

carry, apart from the obvious? is to Italy what Steven Gerrard is

to England. He is what makes their midfield tick. He will get the ball

He is not afraid to take it under pressure. He makes himself at

available, he is aware. He is starting every mood. He is not

afraid to have the ball under pressure. He has belief in his

ability, he passes and moves, he gets it back. You will see that

time and time again. That is where Wayne Rooney will come in. They

vied for the past. If you give him the time and space to pick his head

up, he can do that, at a right foot into Mario Balotelli. Mario

Balotelli should do better. Look at him again, the same position,

getting the ball from the full-back. He has got the time and space. He

goes past the midfield player. This time, with his left foot. He plays

it into Antonio di Natale. England will have to be aware of that. He

is gifted at dead balls. Lethal. Yes, he is excellent, we have got

to be aware of them. It is important, will it be Danny Welbeck

or Wayne Rooney or James Milner or Ashley Young? Somebody has to stop

him playing go. You have got to keep him in his own half. The

minute he comes over the halfway line, he will destroy you. You need

to get on him tight and quickly. Should England reach the final on

Sunday, the likelihood is Ashley Cole will win his 100 cap. A man

for the big occasion, he never let Most appearances in tournaments.

Seven FA Cups, a record. Three league titles. Their Champions

League win. You will go down as one of the greats of English football.

Do you feel appreciated? I am not too sure. To be honest, I looked

back myself and think of the career I have had, and say, I have had a

great career, I have won a lot of trophies. It is not down to meet

two were bit about me being appreciated. Does it matter?

would be nice to be appreciated and loved, but it is not something I

lose sleep over. I am here to play football, and I had to carry on

winning trophies. You are loved by Chelsea fans and the court England

fans. Is there a misconception about you? I think so. It is

understandable in certain terms, other issues that come with it. I

have dealt with it for five years. Yes, his relationship with his

country and its media. Portugal two dozen of four, a battle with

Cristiano Ronaldo sums up his finest time in English colours. A

tabloid newspaper inadvertently awarded him three out of 10. Did it

become a chant on the bus? It is normally more than -- it is more

than I normally get!, you do not really enjoy this kind of situation.

I'd you OK now? I am not worthy, I do not like seeing myself in the

paper and on the TV. There I let my football do the talking. To the

public know you? I do not think so. Everybody thinks I am allowed, but

I am quiet and shy. -- everybody thinks I am allowed. I was asking

Lee Dixon about you, he was worried about his place. But he said you

were not good on your right foot. I asked, who taught you the art of

defending? He said, Tony Adams. was amazing to be around him.

People like him, Lee Dixon, Martin Keown, David Seaman, they looked

after me. He said that Tony Adams had you on a piece of string.

always covering Kent! His legs had gone by then! That go back to the

first cap, against Albania. Do you remember that day? Yes, being so

young, it was nerve-racking. Of course, I will always remember the

game, because somebody threw a lighter. One of my colleagues had

it. Everybody said it was lipstick, I said, come on! It could my eye.

It was a debut never to forget. colleague picked it up, and he has

kept it as a souvenir. Would you like it back? I would! You will

never forget it! A long time ago. We are heading towards cap number

100, that would be the final. have three games to go, but it

would be amazing, to have a great career and get 100 caps in the

final. To get to a century a week today, he can rely on a battle plan

that has already worked once this season. With the Champions League,

nobody thought we could win. Not that many people gave us a chance.

But we had determination, fight, the will to win. TUC that in this

England squad? I think so. We have got a mix, a lot of senior players,

but a lot of young players, eager to impress. You nearly got the

first goal against Ukraine. In my head, I thought, this is my chance.

But it was a good save. I will never score! You cannot say that!

You should be positive! You never know, but I cannot see it! If we

put a camera inside the dressing room, 30 minutes before kick-off,

what would you be doing? I would have Mark iPod on.

superstitions? No. I am so boring! I disagree! The Life looks quite

interesting from the outside! Just an ordinary guy? Yes. You happen to

You can be as boring as you like if We have brought a Lee Dixon, he

knows about full-backs. This substitution, for Jurgen Klinsmann!

The BBC has gone crazy! We had one too many blue shirts! Ashley Cole,

what does he give you, apart from consistency? When he first came

back to Arsenal, he was a fresh kit, his huge amount of talent, and he

learned the art of defending it of Tony Adams. He was an unbelievable

loner. His talent is there for all to see. His biggest asset is not

his pace, it is not his reading of the game, but he knows his job.

That is what has made him the best left-back in the world. It is his

position in for May. He gets everything right. He is rarely out

of position. He does to go tight. As soon as the ball goes wide, that

is where he goes back. He is back into his position. He is in a

decent position. As the ball goes into the box, he knows where to go,

so he recovers his run. He is now in a good position. He does not

dive in, brilliant defending. One on one, take me down the line,

because I am quicker than you, and I will get a tackle in. He has got

no fear of windows, he has dominated Ronaldo. Cover for Joleon

Lescott. If he does a bit tighter, he is too tight, if he goes too

wide, he would be too wide, but he is perfect. Now, they win the ball.

He knows he can go. He has got an engine. He hopes to get the ball in

that position, but he does not get it. He has a look behind him, he

realises that Ashley Young has put cover on. When James Milner does

well on the right hand side, the ball comes over. He nearly got his

first goal for England. Apart from that side... Their rubbish

goalscorer! But his consistency has been brilliant. The great divide in

defensive play since time began, when the winger is attacking, do

you bring him inside or dandelion? -- down the line? Sometimes, they

were taken down the line. He is the best I have ever seen at that. For

Arsenal, for Chelsea, for England, I cannot remember any time that

anybody has gone past him. young man England will have to be

worthy of his Mario Balotelli. Not May be some people think I am

arrogant, but that is me, I am a footballer. The most important

moment is on the pitch. If only it were that simple. Mario Balotelli,

always the centre of attention. With country or club. We are

intrigued, beguiled, frustrated, but always cultivated. The riddle

that is Mario Balotelli. We like him! Manchester City fans worship

him. I would like to dedicate this to my favourite person in the world,

Mario Balotelli. The magic tricks, stealing Sergio Aguero's clothes,

the goal with the shoulder. Some team-mates adore him. I have come

to love the guy. When he is on form, he is a great player. At times, he

shows exactly why many predict greatness awaits. He flows with the

natural attributes of a striker at the peak of his powers. That is a

brilliant finish. There is a message for everybody! It was a

message for all of the people that top bad about me. Why all was me? -

- y always me? Why? And for all of the good, there is considerable bad.

Clashes of inexplicable rage and petulance. We know what he is like.

If you are a world beater, you could get away with that. The key

is a liability. -- he is a liability. He is going to go!

occasionally let stand those who fought so hard to save him. --

leads down. I love him, he is a fantastic player, but he needs to

change. If not, he could lose the It all boils down to trust. Can you

trust him to perform, not to explode? The Mario Balotelli we

know it is just as likely to losing a crucial game as to win it, so has

Prandelli chosen wisely? Whatever happens, we will all be watching.

He said yesterday he was more of a man then Peter Pan. Mark Lawrenson

is more of a man then Peter Pan! But you are not a fan? You have

made it clear he is a gamble. Jurgen was talking about the time -

- the Italians been together, but I cannot see how he can be in the

team, and them be together. When the coach says, it is imperative

you are together, I cannot see how it can be, because he is always a

Against the Spanish, he does really well for me, he closes down quickly,

he is in on goal, and I tell you what, what is he doing? He is

dawdling. Then there is petulant, frustration, you cannot tell. The

goal his cause is absolutely fantastic. Wonderful technique.

Fantastic ability. Then he spoils it because he is going to mouth off

about something. He can hurt you, though. The ability it is there. He

has under-achieved much yet in his career, but what an opportunity

tonight to shut everyone up. He has won a championship! With that hand,

and I believe he has aged huge amount, let's just hope we don't

see it tonight -- with that talent. It is getting closer to kick-off. A

bit of Shakespeare perhaps? This Happy breed of men, at this little

world, this precious stone in the silver sea, or would you prefer

three little words? Come on, Three little words, a new beginning.

It is not going to be easy, claw you kidding? Start the game,

heightened expectations. You have got the best fans in the world

behind you. Or you have got to do it is achieved. You are halfway

there, captain Steve Bee Gee. So close, so near. Come on, England!

Three little words. Three little Far too important now for juvenile

references. So leave it, yeah? England have got to start quick. We

have to play with passion. Absolutely. Do better in possession,

they have got the players. The players can data level from the

group stages, if they can, then I think they can win over 90 minutes.

They have to get the ball into the box. On the occasions they have

done it, they have been dangerous. What has served the most teams well

in this tournament has been crosses into the box, we saw Ronaldo score

one from a great cross from Moutinho, we saw Alonso score 1 for

Spain, four other England's goals have come from crosses. We have got

to get the ball into the right Just watch the way one attacks the

near, one attacks the middle. It is a fantastic ball in from Gerrard.

You have but to have the desire to go and attack of that, Lescott had

that in abundance. It was just a dream of a cross. Andy Carroll gets

in, it is an incredible ball. Look at the power he generates, his neck

muscles, that is textbook centre forward, how to head a ball that is

coming into the box. Walcott came on against Sweden, and when you

have got that space, you have got the pace of Walcott, you have got

to use it to good effect. And he did that. He gets to the byline,

and he cuts the ball into a dangerous area, that is a great

finish from Danny Welbeck. This is Rooney, where he should have scored

at the other night from a Young cross. But again, Steven Gerrard,

get the ball into the danger area, you have got four guys in there, it

falls to Rooney, he should have scored earlier, but you probably

won't get a simple tap-in than that, ever. People always say you have to

pick the ball out, you don't - you have to put it into the right areas.

It is up to the forward to get into the right area. Steven Gerrard, he

is one person who gets the crosses in, he is so influential. Best

player England have at the tournament. We said at the start,

he looks 100% fit, the quality of that cross is absolutely fantastic,

in the same game, against the French, defensively he gets in a

good position. A superb blog there, the ball for Andy Carroll was great.

We have seen this from right to left, over the years, and a great

example, getting his C-difficile in, tackling. Enthusiasm, energy. Don't

give them time and space. Encourage a mistake. Another ball into the

box, unbelievable, then again, in a defensive position. A good touch,

and a great hit with his left boot. And saved the best fast, this is

fantastic, he has a little look up, he sees Wayne Rooney running, and

an inch-perfect pass, it Wayne Rooney had been fitter, it would

have ended up in the net. So vital for England that he keeps that

level of performance, because over the three games, he has been

magnificent. The key to England's success? They have to stop Italy's

best player, which is Pirlo. It is up to them whether Rooney drops

back, they have to attack down the wings, when they have got the ball,

be expansive, and be tight when we haven't. Will they do lead?

penalties! 90 minutes, England. is almost time. England versus

Italy for a place in the semi-final of the European Championship. Will

be fickle finger of fate finally. With domineering hand she moves the

turning wheel. Like currants in a treacherous Bay, swept to and fro.

Her ruthless will has just deposed before King's, from locomotion

lifts appointed head. No cries of misery she hears. No tears she

heeds. But steely hearted laughs, groans. Such is the game she plays,

and so she tests the strength of mighty power, when one short hour

sees happiness from utter The commentators are Mark Lawrenson

quarter-finals at Euro 2012. A date with Germany awaits the winners of

the biggest game ever played Mameli" ("The Mameli Hymn")

# Fratelli d'Italia. # L'Italia s'e desta.

# Dell'elmo di Scipio. # S'e cinta la testa.

# Dov'e la vittoria? # Le porga la chioma.

# Che schiava di Roma. # Iddio la creo.

# Fratelli d'Italia. # L'Italia s'e desta.

# Dell'elmo di Scipio. # S'e cinta la testa.

# Dov'e la vittoria? # Le porga la chioma.

# Che schiava di Roma. # Iddio la creo.

# Stringiamoci a coorte. # Siam pronti alla morte.

# Italia chiamo. # Stringiamoci a coorte.

# Siam pronti alla morte. # God save our gracious Queen!

# Long live our noble Queen! # God save the Queen!

# Send her victorious. # Happy and glorious.

# Long to reign over us. have faced off in a tournament of

significance, and the first time outside a bit of it. In 1980 the

Azzurri won 1-0, in World Cup Italia 90, the host team won again,

but nobody really cared, it was the third place play-off. This time,

more than any other time, it unchanged. It is the same team that

kicked off against Ukraine five nights ago. Four at the back, four

in midfield. Cole, Milner, Young and Steven Gerrard are on a booking,

but that is only something to worry about if England win. Portugal's

Pedro Proenca is the referee. He was the man in charge in Munich or

Chelsea's Champions League final glory. That is just a fact rather

Italy side that started against Ireland in the final group game.

Bonucci is in for Chiellini, and Montolivo replaces Thiago Motta

come he says he is fit, but he has been left out any way. In attack,

Mario Balotelli is back. He scored off the bench against the Irish, he

changes places with the -- Di Natale tonight. Chiellini is listed

among the Italy substitute despite team plays more like an Italy team

than the Italians themselves. Foundations built by Capello, all

put together by Roy Hodgson who took so much from his time in

charge of Udinese and in tough. -- into Milan. AC Milan were founded

by English men. The links are strong, but for one, the chains at

these championships will break to wait an eternity to get the

games started. They have been at there, straining at the leash, for

some time. But we have to wait for the obligatory countdown to kick-

off. Take a seat. Hold your nerves. Try to enjoy it. One week from now,

here it will be the final kicking off. Roy Hodgson took Fulham to the

final of the Europa League, and he did it by beating teams from

Ukraine, Italy and Germany, in that order, followed by a meeting with

one from Spain. Could it be the same path to England success,

orders the Road end here? One thing for sure, as ever, we do not expect

it to be easy. It will be a roller- coaster. The first glimpse of Mario

Balotelli. The important thing for England, they have to get tight on

to Andrea Pirlo. He makes the Italian team tick. Joe Hart has not

quite done what he usually does with the first clear rounds. He is

against Croatia in the group stage. Italy's record when he gets a goal,

they have won eight and drawn one. Joe Hart wanted John Terry to wait,

but he did not have enough time. Italy trying to play everything

through Andrea Pirlo already. Wayne Rooney is not straying too far away

Juventus players in the starting line-up. They won the leak in the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 59 seconds

survivors from the World Cup- winning team of 2006. It is off the

post, Joe Hart was well beaten! hits it first time, right across

left Joe Hart. It was a good job he got the slice of it. It made its

been away. -- it made it spin away. Daniele de Rossi has scored in the

last two tournaments, against Paraguay in the World Cup, and a

free kick against France at the last European Championship.

could have been worse, it could did all of the hard work in getting

there, but he could not finish it not get in if purchase on it. --

enough purchaser. It was a great height for Gian Luigi perform to

make the save. In the European Championships qualifying, he saved

at 93% of the shots that were fired in at his goal. He has been a giant

in the Italian call for some years now. Absolutely. If this boy gets

anywhere near that ability, it will teams. England had at least six at

feared players behind the ball. -- outfield players. Glen Johnson

follows the ball in. He shovels it as much as anything. It does not

come out of his feet. It is an excellent save, but it is straight

at him. He had to dig it out. kick. I am not sure that that could

centre of defence in Italy's first two games. Joleon Lescott was

fouled. Two or three times, they have hit the long, straight ball,

Italy, mostly from Andrea Pirlo. That is another look at the Daniele

de Rossi slice. Just there, he had to dig it. If he had it either side

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Back's forward, and the wingers There is a deliberate ploy from the

Italians, the long ball, behind John Terry, rather than Joleon

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prowling more than Roy Hodgson at It is a corner. Clever play by

Wayne Rooney, he had not had much as they start to this game, but he

is composed in these areas, he always gets his head up. It was

blocked by Leonardo Bonucci. The goalkeeper has not been too happy

but his defenders at times already. -- with his defenders. Now, Ignazio

Abate has gone to the floor. It is an England throw-in. Wayne Rooney

was more in danger of hitting it with his hand. England are spending

a good amount of time around Italy from the great goalkeeper. Not only

that, he chose to punch under no great pressure, but in a straight

line. It was straight to Scott Parker. Very unusual from him. It

was like he did not want to get his gloves 30. A promising spell from

Balotelli. It was the long ball again. They have tried that four

times. It is great to see that look -- that they look fallible in

defence, Italy. Not too many ideas about how to pass their way through

attacking a 10 from those two. That is a wonderful interception

from Ignazio Abate said. As a goal kick being given? It looked as

though he had got too much on his header. But it looked as though the

defender got the last touch. I think he did. Editor of both, maybe.

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-- bit of both. It is good consider that Steven Gerrard

received the ball 10 yards from his own goal line. The other thing is,

we spoke at the start of the game about Pirlo and trying to negate

him, the best way is by England attacking, because he just doesn't

feature, he is being bypassed at the moment. Mario is having a

Cup winners in this squad. Pirlo, De Rossi and bruised on are the

words about that back at Carrington. He doesn't need to hold him, he was

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free kick and Andrea Pirlo. -- if tournament for both of these

nations. We know the circumstances in which Roy Hodgson took over. He

had to get a team together in a very short space of time. Italy

were beset by another match-fixing scandal, and their form coming into

this tournament, they lost three in a row without scoring. They lost to

Uruguay, the USA and Russia. But they got out of the group and they

showed why they are usually a good been a problem for Hart, but he did

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Hart. Joe Hart's 22nd England cap. England have only lost one game

with him in goal so far, against tournament. He got himself booked

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hear Joe Hart, he is a constant presence. That was a good header by

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the summer. He scored two goals in qualifying, his first goal since

Euro 2004 for his country. A really interesting story and selection,

Antonio Cassano. He suffered eight mini stroke in October, he had

minor heart surgery, he proved his worth with Milan to get his place

in the team. Rossi would have been it Italy's main man four goals

into this sort of pattern we were expecting now. Italy will try and

change the pattern, that is what Lescott against his Manchester City

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that has been played to him, Danny to get himself bore down that side.

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the ball. It does look to be James Milner. Read very nearly

being onside. I think Glen Johnson the right hand side as the Italian

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fans try to lift the momentum of Ian Butterworth watched all of

England's performance. Italy, just starting to pass it around now. The

shot from distance didn't trouble thought at first it might have come

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at the moment. It is important with England to play the way they are

Johnson. Federico Balzaretti is such an outlet down the left.

could hear Joe Hart telling of Wayne Rooney where Andrea Pirlo is.

and he has kicked out in frustration. It was not a bad drive.

It is a great ball, round the corner. England are playing to a --

trying to play offside, which was almost disastrous. Mario Balotelli

is playing the offside trap pretty well. It was John Terry trying to

not get many better opportunities. It was a good break, great into

play. -- into play. At least made Gianluigi Buffon make a safe. He

winning goal against Sweden. There was a debate about whether he meant

it or not. He knew where he wanted to put that. He was not quite up to

it there. Such a sharp bit of movement. But the shot is wide.

never really troubled Joe Hart. It is about even Stephen, this game.

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have completed twice as many passes as England. England had the same

number of chances. You might argue even better. Gary Neville has got

to his feet to have a word with start again. Just do not give the

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the ball from Daniele de Rossi. Wayne Rooney is told to get back to

his feet. The referee was in a good John Terry. He was waiting for the

talking to the fourth official. Joe Hart makes a casual saved. He was

making sure he stopped it. It was a good strike. Just make sure you

stop it, you can make sure on the next move. I just caught the

England manager having words. He thought Daniele de Rossi had taken

dived, surely. It is that Paul again. -- that ball. Has that been

England's greatest weakness? little bet. -- little bit. Scott

Parker went in strongly. The referee acknowledges it was a

commission. -- commission. almost turns his back. Khadija

London -- Daniele de Rossi thought he had been shot! At was a foul on

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Well done. He does really well in their situations. Mario Balotelli

has put it over! He kicks out at the post, he is livid. It will be a

corner, but surely it should have been a goal. It is a great ball by

Andrea Pirlo. Dear, oh dear. must have been Joleon Lescott, but

Mario Balotelli bingo sheet. It was a Super Bowl -- Super Bowl from

Wayne Rooney. It is important England go into half-time level.

Rooney. They did not make enough of own free kick. England could not

capitalise. We are seeing the best of Mario Balotelli, from a

footballing point of view. A wicked strike. He is getting himself into

goalscoring positions. At the other end, with the England chance, he

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fire is stoked. Unfortunately. Rossi having words. England need a

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of the training ground, not here at Stadium. Mario Balotelli has looked

dangerous sport Italy, England have had chances, which is perhaps one

of the biggest surprise is, the amount of chances both sides have

had. Nobody able to convert, though. Welbeck perhaps have the best

chance for England to take the lead. The players are going off to

regroup and I'm sure, get some fresh tactical instruction from

The best way to describe that is exquisitely painful to watch! As

always. It is a great game. England started poorly, De Rossi had a

great shot, it hit the upright, then England got into it, they

settled into their game. They had two great chances of their own. It

is anybody's game. Very evenly balanced. I'm quite happy with it,

going forward, but defensively, I think we have looked very iffy. We

highlighted Pirlo, I don't think we have worked hard enough to stop him.

But going forward, we have got balls into the box, created one or

two chances, but if Balotelli had the shooting boots on, it would

have been different. It seems there is more ability and the back four

this evening. I am worried about what is going to happen in the

second half, they have created a few chances with Pirlo, he has been

their danger man, but we have been good at times. One minute you are

off your seat. What has happened is that more men you get bored, the

more do centre-backs have to get up the pitch. -- remain you get

forward. When they come up the pitch, then they have got to get it

together. Derek three minutes that sum that half up. It was an

You try and analyse things, but this particular act but, I am not

sure what you can do better. You just have to say, a great strike.

No goalkeeper around would have got anywhere near this. It is going

away from Hart, and it is a fantastic strike. He is so unlucky.

The only thing you would say is the two midfield players, they are a

little bit deeper. He is over 30 yards out. What about this? A great

strike from Johnson. He has looked good going forward. We have got

numbers in the box, just watch him, he does it right for me because he

lifts the ball away from the defender's legs. That is an

excellent save from a Buffon. But he does the majority of things

right there. The number of times you have seen him at Liverpool,

going at defenders and causing them problems. One of our problems has

been the speed of our attack, but this time, jumped in just follows

the past. And then as the ball comes in, if it toe-poke it, the

defender Stubbs M. He has got to get between the defenders, and he

makes a great stab at it. But a fantastic save. De and you just

hate goalkeepers sometimes! You talked about strikers, any striker

likes crosses. We have heard about how Roy Hodgson can be negative,

but the positive thing is, look at the number of bodies we are getting

into the box. That was bad play from Balotelli. But then we have

two guys in the box, Rooney tries to pick out Welbeck, and yes, the

crossing has been positive for me, because that is the way we are

going to score, if we continue. He has a look to get the ball in at

every opportunity, Glen Johnson. Well defended in the end. That

would encourage me, yes, we have seen him make a great save, but

that was poor goalkeeping, he should have caught that. I don't

think their full-backs are great. They are playing narrow in midfield,

you can get down the side, and that is proved right. A lot of occasions

when England have broken... That was close, but not as close as that.

This was the best bit of play we have seen from Rooney. You have got

four dies looking to get forward, I think that is encouraging. On the

first Balotelli chance, you could have written a dissertation on how

bad it was. He runs about 25 yards, no pressure on the ball. That is

the problem when you get men forward. Pirlo will not drag back

and tackle, he will be in position, but then he will one day off, when

he gets the ball... It is in a good attack, he is on the edge of the

box here. Picks it up, no pressure on the ball whatsoever. He runs and

he runs. Balotelli, a bit of movement and he is in. I think John

Terry in the end, if you watch the three defenders that England end up

with in a straight line, as Pirlo gets the ball, watch Balotelli's

Movement. In a straight line, that is where the danger is. A little

ball over the top, and he can head that ball all day long. Let him

have it to feed. That is the other thing, I think we can do better. We

highlighted before the game, to get Rooney or Welbeck in and around

Pirlo. He is looking good balls in, he has the ability to hurt you. We

highlighted it before. That was the closest of all. Certainly the best

chance. He is the only man they have got. When you look at how they

play, every single thing goes through him. He has got every pass

in the box. How do you deal with him? You get Rooney and Welbeck in

and around him to stop him. Difficult, I know. Especially when

he is starting to move off on the edge of his back four. We have a

couple of clubs coming up, we say that if you leave him in his own

half, deep, like here. This is fine. From that, that is a straight ball

down the line. You should be able to defend against that. This is the

one. Danny Welbeck is hustling him, harrying him, that is the beauty of

it. But before the first Balotelli chance, he was coming in again,

picking it up in this area. Again, no pressure on the ball, just

inside the England half, he is watching the play. To me, that is

dangerous. The nearest guy to him is Welbeck or Rooney. The trouble

with that is a I think our trouble comes when we lose the ball, then

he picks it up. Rooney and Welbeck are not going to be thinking about

him then, they are thinking, they might get a goal. All of a sudden

they go... That is when the back four are so Key, they think, we

might lose it, and if he gets the ball, what is the game plan? At the

moment they are not sure. He has got in a couple of times, Balotelli.

He is a real quality player, he can play it long and short, his deft

touches, you have got to get eye on him, because if you don't, you lose

the game. A quick respite to tell you about a couple of sporting

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Coverage of the first day's play starts at 11:30am tomorrow morning.

The Germans are waiting to see who they will play on Thursday. Let's

get a half time thoughts of Jurgen Klinsmann.

Your thoughts on the first half? think a very good start, the first

20 minutes was a very fine, watching the England team.

Afterwards, Italy got a little bit more into the game, got closer to a

goal, but they are lacking the, from the English perspective, the

kind of clinical finishing. Both sides. Balotelli has had his

chances, and Pirlo, we spoke about before the game, has proven why he

is so dangerous. Yes, but also Montolivo. I think he is very well

involved in the Italian side, creating stuff, and it is an open

game, anything is possible. You have to keep going. The tempo from

England, much greater than they have played that so far in this

tournament. If you are Roy Hodgson right now, and thinking about your

substitutions, do you go early in the second half? Because they are

getting a lot of breaks down the wings. I think it will open up,

another 25 minutes, the game will open up, and it is a question of

fitness, who is the fitter team? If I were Roy, I would wait a little

bit. Maybe another 25 minutes, see what is needed. Maybe push it

towards the end of the 90 minutes, having in mind it might suddenly go

to extra time. He is definitely on our side, you know. Both semi-

finals are live on the BBC, starting with Portugal against

The following evening, a real showdown - the Germany will face

the winners of the night's encounter. We will also have the

Perfect Sunday, really. A nice lie- in, roast beef, Yorkshire pudding.

Nice relaxing game of football! yes, wonderful! Just the one thing,

though. England win! It is a tough call. Probably for spells in the

first half, that is the best England have played it in the

competition. But as we said, they have certain frailties, they have

to get tighter, quicker, be good news for England is that against

Croatia, he was sensational in the first half, but he disappeared in

the second half, Pirlo, he is 33 years-old. In terms of England, a

lot of forward play, in many senses they played as well in the first

half as any time in the tournament. Going forward, they can be very

happy, they have got into some dangerous positions, some decent

balls into the box, with better finishing, we could have scored one

or two bowls. On the negative side, you could say the same with the

Italians, they have been in great positions, notably from our poor

defending. It is a big test for England, the second half, but let's

not forget, it is a big task for them as well. We got the ball into

dangerous areas, we got it wide, we have created, but there is always a

but with England. We have been lax at the back. One simple balls, as

well. They should be our bread and butter. You have to defend better

with the ball over the top. I would leave it for 20, 25 minutes, then

we have got Walcott, we have got pace to bring on, we also have Andy

Carroll. They might not have faced anyone like Andy Carroll before.

Defensively, don't get caught up the pitch. Because we have seen in

Danny Welbeck has had a really good tournament, for a young player.

Offensively and defensively. Here is your man. He is always a threat.

He has had a few chances. They were good chances as well. If he had

another two or three, you would not expect him to miss all of them.

is going to finish in 90 minutes, England 45 minutes from glory.

hope so. Bags of heart and passion, they have got to start the same as

they did in the first half. They got into the game really well.

is there for them. Grasp the moment. Let's go back to the commentators

be nice if England could stop the second half as they did against

Ukraine on Tuesday -- start the second half. They scored within

three minutes of the restart, courtesy of Wayne Rooney. A present

from the goalkeeper. His Gianluigi Buffon feeling generous? He might

have made his mistake already. Another 45 minutes to hopefully

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Balotelli. Joe Hart was in a hurry to distribute. Ashley Cole always

happy to get the ball and to get forward. We need to see so much

more from Ashley Young again. has all of the ability in the world,

difficult header, helping it out towards the touchline. It is

difficult to know what to do, but incredible miss! I am not sure if

it does not come off his shin. He snatched at it. That is its huge

let-off for England. Daniele de Rossi knows it. They were

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corner. It was better from rain ruin a -- from Wayne Rooney. It is

when he is at his best, committing people. He is so strong. Steven

Gerrard is England's Andrea Pirlo. He is peelers when it comes to free

he is strong. He was about to react angrily until he realised it was

get the mess of his mind? The game is so finely balanced. We always

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a free kick. There can be no him by John Terry. That was great

defending. He reacted immediately to the danger, he knew where the

top! England's goal is leading a charmed life. How many

opportunities to the Italians want? It is not a good Paris, it is

straight back at Mario Balotelli. It was good pressure in the end

from the third attempt. It was great pressure, Glen Johnson, I

think. Joe Hart took as much time as he dared with the goal kick, he

took a few deep breaths, and he let the players in front of him the

shape. How many times will Mario Balotelli be onside? If you want a

number, seven. Seven times too many. Yes. It is not exactly a subtle

tactic. James Milner did not quite chances to score? -- are Italy?

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is out to do some stretching it. Andy Carroll

as well. Two very different options available for England. What Roy

Hodgson has done so successfully in the tournament so far, he has timed

the substitutions well. Yes. Jurgen Klinsmann hit the nail on the head,

he weds 20, 25 minutes, and thus the game changes -- he wades.

Italians have missed golden chances. I am not sure they created as many

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with Juventus in his first season he knew where the run was coming

from. He did well, he was always -- almost in the wrong position. He is

defenders and midfielders to go after the ball. Andrea Pirlo is

Pirlo have in this much time on the ball? I have got to have somebody

in and around him. But it is difficult. You are asking the

forwards to do it. They want to be and editor of respite. There was a

clash of heads. Who is the England player? Glen Johnson? It is Ashley

Young. He went head-to-head with it that they add. -- with Ignazio

Abate. England are thinking about a change, Andy Carroll is ready. Theo

Walcott is ready. Ashley Young might be one of those to make way.

Yes, regardless of his injury, he might have been coming off. He

keeps giving the ball away. goalkeeping coach is giving a

handshake of good luck to the substitutes, getting their tactical

message from Gary Neville. A chance for Cesare Prandelli to have a word

with Andrea Barzagli. That will have hurt. Yes, it is when you

least expected. With one week to go, the rest is all live on BBC One. On

Wednesday, Spain against Portugal, from 7pm. On Thursday night, the

winners of this play Germany in the second semi-final. You can keep up-

to-date on our website. Or you can tweet! You can. If you are sad

still awaiting the chance to come good attacking threat for Italy. --

Quite brilliant! It was a great something very special about him.

Danny Welbeck and James Milner our players to come off. Young stays on.

clear to see. I think he has done well, he has worked hard, as per

in the play. You concede Pirlo looking over his shoulder saying, I

where they keep giving the ball away. Roy has gone early and first

of the colleges. -- coaches. He doesn't mind a double substitution.

Never shy of changing it. Well done, Lescott. He knew exactly where

England have managed to catch anybody offside in the entire

tournament! I'm thought being as centre-back of culture, you would

appreciate that tactical nous! who was getting himself into the

penalty area, but is not finishing with any panache. I am not sure if

not playing as well as they were for the first half? They were

denying Italians the ball, keeping hold of the ball. But they are not

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of hounding and caressing and England's left-hand side, Abate is

looking more of the danger going forward than Ashley Young has for a

long time. I thought I'd just saw him clutching his left hamstring.

from the cross. It sat up for Ashley Young. I don't know how much

contact you made, it wasn't great. far from the England manager's

thought. He was very keen to talk blow his whistle. You almost know

that when he stops the corner being taken, everybody is pushing and

pulling, it almost never goes for the attacker. Lescott's show it was

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being tugged, Terry's show it is hold it up under pressure from

Barzagli, he has been adjudged to many more defenders who have

managed to block the ball as many fashion, stops to Rossi. -- de

Rossi. Cesare Prandelli has applauded Ashley Young for that.

Nothing wrong with the tackle. might get one of those back! I

don't think it works quite like that won the competition is this

fierce, at this level of the game. Do you see the Italians giving the

ball back? You never know. Paolo di Carroll. There is a clash of

maybe not. That is the other thing, or about substitutions. There is

the possibility of extra time. dreaded what follows that will not

be mentioned yet. The way things are going at the moment, England

would do well to reach extra time. Italy are the better team at the

swept out to Abate, who has the beating of the Young almost every

time. That was much better from him. Below's performance is a little bit

like Schweinsteiger was in South Africa. -- Pirlo's performance.

That remains England's last defeat in a competitive international

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enough to get on the end of that. Just that lack of quality in the

final third. They just have to be very clever and selective in their

passing. England need those people only found Hart. I can't wait till

PLO's starts to tire. The men at Milan thought he had. They went far

Work for England's medical team to do. A long way to go. Another 19

minutes, plus whatever is tacked on, plus another 30, you want him on at

It is still a very warm evening in Andy Carroll and Wayne Rooney, and

Gary Neville is chipping in. Just telling the front two what they

would expect from them. A goal be great. Does he look sharper than

in the last game? And little bit, Walcott to give the ball back to

Italy. He passed it straight to have a little look at Steven

Gerrard and make sure he is not Getting it and giving it. England

knew he would be the man to stop if Italy were to play, but he is

having more influence on the game in the second half. As everybody

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Ashley Young giving the ball away feel aggrieved not to be leading

the game and not going through to the semi-finals, if that is how it

works out. I wonder if their heads would react to go in behind. They

have not been behind in the tournament yet. Andy Carroll has

won England a free kick. Because of the paucity of England chances, you

might as well send-up the centre- backs are. Joleon Lescott is going.

John Terry is going, but only when he is sure he has cover. Scott

Parker is being directed back to the centre circle. We need some

movement. We need somebody to run ended up in geller rigid before

and's gloves. -- in the Gianluigi Buffon's gloves. He seemed to jump

underneath it. He has misjudged it. Being held again. But he would have

Henderson have been warming up, and Jermain Defoe is warming up, but

Italy will make a change. Alessandro Diamanti, the former

West Ham United player, will come Antonio Cassano is coming off. It

looks as though he has worked as much as he possibly can. Alessandro

Diamanti, he is 29, only his third appearance. He had only played for

Italy once before these championships. He has had a good

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club season. His season at West Ham, another change. Antonio Nocerino is

coming on. It is Daniele de Rossi, one of the senior players. He has

used up one of his chances. -- all of his chances. But he was a player

of some influence. Antonio Nocerino has had a good first season with

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throw-in. England cannot get out of but he watched it all the way.

was comfortable, but what is a worry, the time and space Italy are

getting in all areas. England are starting to back-pedal. They are

trying to go wrong almost every time to Andy Carroll. It is in the

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further. Andrea Barzagli is a bit unlucky. The referee deemed it an

aggressive tackle. It is the first days. Gianluigi Buffon is happy

The referee has stopped the game. He said the player got hit in the

face. He may have got Scott Parker's boot. Does the referee has

to stop it? What does the extra assistant do when that is

happening? He has a stick, and he presses it to alert the referee.

think it is a white stick. It was not his face, stop holding your

face. England were just ready to put under cross. -- to put in the

cross. It caught him on the shoulder. Hold your face anyway!

is a shame, England should have let the ball go out and have the throw-

in. Scott Parker was not to note the referee was going to stop the

game. Federico Balzaretti is OK. Really?! He is married to an

Italian ballerina, he has learned tips off the stage from her!

holding on for an additional half an hour. And then holed another

again. Italy have dominated the second half, and large chunks of

the first half. They have not taken their chances. Will England take

as he was? Not that he has to. is still getting the ball. He is

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England to get a really good 90 minutes out of the team. Cast your

mind back to the World Cup. In the tournament, they cannot seem to

come up with a good performance for Theo Walcott, but the Arsenal man

was on his heels. He needed to play it to his feet. He was in acres of

space. He could have turned and run. Roy Hodgson already thinking about

what the message will be before promise that has come to nothing,

and a bit of frustration. If looks could kill! What has Cesare

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Prandelli got up his sleeve? tournament, Glen Johnson. He just

got a vital touch. A superb, darting run from the substitute,

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is their last available the end of the game, there will be

Make sure he cannot turn. So it is a straight swap at right-back for

Italy. Abate coming off. Match year, more of a wing back for his club

than an orthodox full-back. Then again, Abate has played as a wing-

back for most of the game as well. He has played more forward than

Ashley Young, certainly, and used like he was struggling to retain

pointed you, but a seriously difficult chance. It is such a

difficult chance to convert for Rooney, this. No fairy tale

overhead finish this time. Great you cannot doubt their resolve at

all. But it is just at the quality. They can't keep the ball, they want

to force the play, the drop deeper and deeper. They rode their luck in

because they have another 30 minutes to go. This is how it was

written by many in the preview to the game. Always knew it would be

tight. Even Roy Hodgson always thought that it might go two hours

long, this game. Maybe even penalties to come at the end of it

all. Extra time to come. What are your quick thoughts about what we

are about to see? England need to start getting the ball down and

passing. Just passed it, keeps the ball, get the confidence back up,

stop giving the ball back to the Italians! A quick break for us, we

90 minutes of punishing, exhaustive football, and that is just for us

watching. England, hanging on in that second half. Italian chances

to wrap the game, they have largely dominated. They have done. England

in the second half were poor, I thought they played reasonably well

in the first, but it doesn't matter that they have been the better side,

it doesn't matter that they have the better of the play and the

chances, the score is still level. We know anything can happen in

extra-time. The one thing you can say about this England side, there

is so much spirit and resolve, sometimes big heart can take you

through. We have been so lucky. So we have got to make the most of

that. Montolivo, Nocerino, Balotelli, they have almost big,

big chances, so we have got to use that to our advantage. You work so

hard to get the ball back, and then to give it away straight away is so

hard to take. Sometimes when you are outnumbered in midfield, when

you are playing 4-4-2, you're outnumbered, so sometimes there are

not the options to pass it. When they have won but ball back in

certain areas, they have no options, but there are a lot of tired

players out there, more so England. It is about the mental attitude now,

how the big players stand-up in extra time, when you start to get

tired, John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole, it is about those

players going around, it is about their attitude to how they go about

this next 30 minutes. We have seen This was an extraordinary bit of

play. They had chance after chance after chance. We didn't learn our

lesson against Sweden. De Rossi, that is a sitter. Lescott played

him on side. You have to come out together, it is difficult, but you

have to. This is a great chance, Balotelli. Don't know how he missed

that, Montolivo. Got away with it again. Johnson just put enough

pressure on. He has played really well, he has defended really well.

Hart, we might need you shortly. This play is the best player on the

field by a mile, Pirlo. When you are playing with somebody with that

quality, it is imperative to get close to him. We have brought

Walcott on, but we have got to get the ball further up the pitch so

they can run at someone, and caused some damage. On the occasions we

have got in the box, a couple of shout or penalties. He gave this a

free kick the other way. He drags into the ground. De Rossi has got

hold of him. That is a penalty kick. That is what the officials behind

the goal are meant to be looking out for, to clamber back out. Here

it is, exactly the same again. What is the other official doing there?

Such a big call, to give a penalty kick there. The players are still

recovering, getting as much rest as they can, massaging those muscles.

Let's pause briefly and get the thoughts of Jurgen Klinsmann.

think everything is still to play here. I think Italy had most of the

second half, but there were moments that can change the game, momentum

that can change everything. They just need to get that moment now,

Rooney had a bicycle kick, in training he probably put that in. I

think they have to stay positive and wait for the one moment and

change it. What is required, it is a question of fitness and heart

over everything else? Certainly, but it is a psychological mind game

now. They have to keep going, obviously you're looking for the

special player who steps up, is it Steven Gerrard all Wayne Rooney,

you need one lead out there who makes a difference. A thanks, you

can. It looks like we're getting close to the extra 30 minutes. We

have been there before. You have to look at Theo Walcott. He is still

fresh, he hasn't done an awful lot since he came on, and he is a fit

lad. You have to get him on the ball and drive the Italians back.

Parker looks like he is really, really tired. It it get any more

tense, will have to call for the paramedics. The three of you are

driving me crazy! Particularly with Andy Carroll now on, it could work

in our favour. They must be as tired as us. It is about your

mental strength now. Stay strong! Believe! Make things happen. Guy

looking across to see if Jurgen is smiling. You know who the big

winners are, Germany are waiting, fresh and ready. Yes, he is smiling.

Either that, all he has got wind. England are going to start extra

for him to somebody in the next half-hour. It is just as it was the

last time England were in the European Championship, eight years

ago, they exuded to Portugal 6-5 on penalties after a draw. It does

look as if it will go the whole difference -- distance, although

Italy might have other ideas after the way they dominated the second

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Italy, but Andy Carroll is charging Parker's legs? He has looked tired

in the games before tonight. This second half, is he about to come

touch on the way through. It is going to be Jordan Henderson. Well,

a tired potboiler. -- it the his socks down a lot of retired

the squeal of anguish. The referee is producing a yellow card, he has

given England A free kick. He has taken a long time to reach that

decision. If Italy managed to get through, he won't be available for

not sure if that is any great surprise. No, he has given his all.

Henderson. Born and bred in Sunderland. He turns 22 last Sunday,

but this is his coming-of-age tonight. Fresh legs, that is the

counted if they had managed to. corridor of uncertainty for the

goalkeeper. He just went too soon, and then John Terry was as well.

They have looked a threat from set- pieces, Englander. It is just as

well, because they have not what a threat otherwise. -- they have not

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Balotelli sprung the track again, but he could not stretch enough.

Just when England are at their most vulnerable. They pulled men forward,

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way he rallied the supporters, at the start of the first period of

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is it from Andy Carroll, though. Just when he shows his inexperience.

Thankfully for England. The last time these nations met in a

competitive game, the World Cup qualifier, October 1997, England

produced such a battling display to get the point they needed to win a

place at the World Cup in 1998. This team will have to battle again

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is Mario Balotelli against Joe Hart incentive, he has got a German

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mother. He has played pretty well, pushed the woodwork. He was not

quite sure. It is a cross. He missed her tit, and it almost

sneaked in. -- he mishit it. Would be a cruel way to go out. They miss

it cross from a West Ham reject it. -- a mishit cross. Cesare Prandelli

keeps looking up at the screen, looking at the score, how are we

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supporters at seeing Ashley Young stopping it. Wayne Rooney was

ball away, put England are not bothered if -- Ashley Young. It is

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not good enough. The Italians will they just keep the ball for one

Glen Johnson, and Theo Walcott as well. Just too much height. The

in Kiev. Still, we have yet to see a goal. We have yet to see any

signs, apart from that last flurry, of England getting the chance they

might need to reach the semi-final, which is still looking at massively

unlikely at this stage. Let's get a word with Jurgen Klinsmann. How can

England hang on for another 15 minutes? They do hand on. This is

the only thing that matters. It takes one brilliant moment, and you

might win the game, even if you do not deserve it. But who cares? The

worst case, go to a penalty shoot- out and win it. When it? This is

England! But remember Chelsea! This might be the year! Is Roy Hodgson's

message just going to become a police defend? He will not want

anything ambitious, wealthy? They do not have it in their legs still.

That is a problem. If he realises the legs are not there, they have

got to defend, and go into a penalty shoot-out. It is a pity,

because these games, you want to go further up and create more chances,

the earlier, the better, but it is not happening. The Thursday semi-

final will be upon us, what are Germany's thoughts? With extra time,

they will lose some energy already. He has got two jobs tonight, Jurgen

Klinsmann, working for us and spying for his mate! We have seen

why the news from the Germany camp was that they would rather face

England and Italy in the semi-final. It is nice to have the choice.

England just want to work their way through this. It would be a case of

making it now. Yes, but we have talked about resolved, there is

nothing wrong with that. Hopefully, England do not get too deep.

have heard about the spirit and togetherness that has been with

this England party ever since they gathered together and travelled to

Krakow for their training camp. They have presented a united front

throughout, and they need it more than ever. It is strange, they were

vilified for deciding to stay in Poland before the tournament, and

now, it was a great idea! Well played, Fabio Capello! That is all

and Pirlo touches the ball out. He has pulled Diamanti up, the referee.

His indecision was final! He has got Premier League to to his,

Diamanti. He was a Premier League player for 12 months. He was a

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surprised! I'm still astonished a bad decision made by Milan a year

Robbens, wasn't it? Just a reminder of the time difference. It is past

midnight here, we are two hours ahead of you back home. It is

Monday morning. Which of these two teams will be going to the Warsaw

teams will be going to the Warsaw eventful time, he has been booked,

he will miss the semi-final it Italy get there, and he might lose

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some teeth. He catches in with his Young. I am not sure about this. I

am not sure if he is going to get on the ball when he plays it

through his legs. Where can Ashley Young go? Are he couldn't have had

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been too close. Wayne Rooney is hopping around, the England players

are furious. Marchisio has got one outnumbered by the English inside

the stadium tonight, but they can be heard loudly now. Their role so

empty seats, you know. The official and cannot bring himself to stare

into Balotelli's eyes. He didn't even smash it, did he? It is as

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pleased to have on the field every until it comes to the most

important part of the tour. Steven Gerrard just could close to him,

put him under a little bit of pressure. -- got close to him. Even

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remaining. It is purgatory. It is, the net finally, but it will not

count. Who is starting to believe wasn't prone to premature

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any more dramatic, nail-biting and just are not in the game, you

haven't touched the ball for ages. off the cramped that afflicted him

early in the second half, but he now has to rally the troops to

defend his corner. -- defend this -- happy to let that one goal

behind. Joe Hart is the sort of goalkeeper who you just think... I

more. Roy Hodgson can't really do any more. He did say before the

game that it would be an important time if it came to it for Gary

bitterly's view of the game, if they do not get through to the

semi-final, they will feel a massive but ball in justice has

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come their way -- Italy's view of about retrieving the ball, putting

it down and getting it as far down effort from the players. Just to

on. A free kick for Italy. Another one to be swung into the England

box here. Get Andy Carroll back. Everybody back. We're into the last

time. It is a free kick. Push everybody out, stick in the corner.

Roy Hodgson is out of his seat, and we have played time. The referee

has his was already, and that will be it. England are going to

penalties, they have held on, they have worked hard, they have battled.

The scenario many a of us thought would come to pass has. England in

a penalty shoot-out. This time, Fall the Italian possession, all

the Italian chances, all that matters now is who can keep their

nerve from the penalty spot. Italy have only ever lost a two quarter-

finals in major tournament, both on penalties after 0-0 draws. Spain in

2008, and France in the World Cup Of 1998. England's won a penalty

shoot-out success was in the Euro 96 after a 00 draw against Spain. I

am looking for every omen. The two goalkeepers have prepared Int

contrasting ways. Joe Hart has watched DVDs of every Italian

penalty taker for 10 years. Buffon said only that the only thing he

watched was a naughty videos in his room. Less professional, but may be

This is the moment that every player dreads. It is a horrible

situation, but all I would say, stay strong, mentally, and do not

change or mind, and do what you have practised for the last two

weeks. It was interesting, seeing Joe Hart looking at an iPad with

penalties on it, and the coaches were picking the players. They have

got to work out who will take them for Italy. With England, the

approach has been, it is not worth practising it, I have never

understood that, but Roy Hodgson has got his players to practise

frequently, he has got Joe Hart well-drilled. This is why you have

to stay strong, you have got to believe in what you have practised.

The court from the halfway line to the penalty spot will be the

longest Walk of their life, but there is a lot going through their

mind. They have to stay strong and remember what they have practised.

Sometimes it is written, England have done well to get to this stage,

because the gulf in class in the second half and extra time was

embarrassing. Italy were by far the best side, but when it comes to

penalties, there are no favourites. It is fifty-fifty. It looked like

England might have lost it during the second half of extra-time, but

A wonderful decision! We jumped off in disbelief! Make it right when it

matters. This is perfect. Watch the linesman. It is a great decision.

Spot-on. By six inches, brilliant. We have not played well at all. We

were OK in the first half, but after that, we were in our own half,

in our 18-yard box. We were lucky, but we might be lucky again. Who

knows? Jurgen Klinsmann, who would you prefer to play? A good first

half, but second half and extra time was all Italy. If you look

from the German side's perspective, they would rather have the England.

But now it is all over, the game is over. It comes down to nerves. It

comes down to follow when your first thought, and having a

positive first thought. If they trained at, it is a good thing,

they are ready. Forget about the game, just get the penalty shoot-

out done. You have got two competent

goalkeepers. One of there is going It is almost set up for Joe Hart to

be a hero, I can feel it. I said before the game, it would end up

almost. Mario Balotelli is gunning for the first penalty. They are

team-mates! He must have said something to him. He must say

something to him. They are trying to avoid eye-contact. I would be

all over him like a rash. He has got a tendency to she put down the

middle. Come on, Joe! Come on, Joe penalties. A slight stutter, but in

the corner.. Absolutely perfect. Nothing his Manchester City team-

mate could do. How about the captain of Liverpool and England?

In the quarter-final of the World Cup in 2006, Steven Gerrard's

Balotelli did. That is what you need to see, the captain coming