England’s start to the ongoing UEFA Nations League campaign has been far from ideal. The Three Lions enter the final round of fixtures before heading into the off-season, desperately needing a win to keep their hopes alive in this particular group.
Having played the first two games away from home, England will return to their home country, despite Molineux empty-handed, as UEFA sanctions begin. They were defeated by Hungary in a hostile environment and were able to recover late in the match against Germany, who won bronze in the middle of the match in Munich.
Harry Kane’s late penalty disappointed German fans and earned England an important point when it seemed to be aimed at further defeat. That draw kept the hopes alive in the group even though they would still have to climb to the top, which could only defeat Italy.
Roberto Mancini has tried with his teams in the first two games. His many youth teams faced Germany, and a harvest of highly skilled workers found work against Hungary in the second game. That victory puts them at the top, and another win will strengthen their position there.
Italy can also take the good in its amazing form in foreign games. The Azzurri have not lost a single game on the road since losing to Portugal in September 2018. The run is quite impressive, although all its recent results from the Euro 2020 Final were not much to write about.
Italy will then get another shot in England in the return of that Final Wembley, although they will have to play the game against Molineux empty-handed. These are the results of the Euro 2020 Final, which has been marred by crowd problems as England receives sanctions from UEFA.
Gareth Southgate may have to fight without Kalvin Phillips in the last two matches of this international round. The midfielder was sentenced after colliding with Nico Schlotterbeck of Germany earlier in the match. James Justin is also out of the game, having missed a clash in Munich.
Phil Foden et Fikayo Tomori are still skeptical again, although Marc Guehi may be fine after sitting on the bench against Germany. Southgate could go back to 4th and field a team facing an attack against Italy, with many changes expected in the team.
Reece James could replace Kyle Walker at right-back. John Stones and Harry Maguire could be a popular defense, while Kieran Trippier could keep his place at left back.
Jude Bellingham’s first appearance against Germany provided Southgate with speculative food and the manager could keep the young Borussia Dortmund midfielder in his three-man squad. Declan Rice will continue to play the role of anchor. In addition, there may be a start for Conor Gallagher, who is eligible for this particular program.
Jarrod Bowen and Jack Grealish were impressed when they played against Germany and may be the first to face Italy. Raheem Sterling and Buka Saka could pave the way, while Harry Kane will continue to lead the England line.
Roberto Mancini has lost many of his players since announcing the squad for the international round. Despite their victory over Hungary, the manager is expected to make changes to the team in many areas.
Leonardo Bonucci sits on the bench against Hungary and could join the team to replace Gianluca Mancini in the central defense. However, Alessandro Bastoni will retain his place at the back, while Leonardo Spinazzola will be retained as a left-back.
There could be a change back right as Giovanni Di Lorenzo is expected to replace David Calabria. However, Mancini will be looking to make minor changes to the midfielder, as Sandro Tonali is expected to replace Bryan Cristante.
Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Pellegrini are expected to retain their places in the middle of the three-yard line, and these are in good shape to score goals. Giacomo Raspadori could replace Gianluca Scamacca as a central striker, while Matteo Politano and Alessio Zerbin are likely to offer support from many quarters.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3):
Pickford; James, Stones, Maguire, Trippier; Gallagher, Rice, Bellingham; Bowen, Kane, Grealish
Probable Lineup (4-3-3):
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Bastoni, Spinazzola; Barella, Tonali, Pellegrini; Politano, Scamacca, Zerbin
