Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker:
In what is set to be a heavyweight EURO 24 qualifying showdown from Wembley on Tuesday night, England will welcome Italy to Wembley.
England
Starting with the hosts, marking their return to international duties last week with a 1-0 victory against Australia in a friendly matchup, England will be desperate to lay down a heavyweight marker on Tuesday night. Opening up their showdown at Wembley holding a three-point buffer at the top of the Group C table, Gareth Southgate’s side find themselves within touching distance of punching their ticket to next year’s European Championships. mustering 13 points from their five qualifying contests and yet to suffer a single defeat, the Three Lions are tipped as a genuine contender out in Germany next year. Although England might have suffered World Cup quarter-final heartbreak at the hands of France out in Qatar over the winter, Tuesday’s hosts haven’t shown any signs of a hangover. In fact, including a 3-1 romp against British rivals Scotland at Hampden last month, England are unbeaten in all of their seven appearances across all formats since opening up 2023.
Team News
After making a string of changes against Australia last week, Southgate is expected to recall a number of his first-team stars here. All settling for a spot on the bench at Wembley, the likes of Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham will be handed a full return on Tuesday night.
Despite struggling to find any regular Premier League action with Manchester United this season, Harry Maguire should also return at the heart of England’s defence. Likewise, Jordan Pickford will replace Sam Johnstone between the sticks.
Italy
As for the visitors, marking their return to EURO 24 qualifying duties with what was a routine 4-0 romp against Malta over the weekend, Italy will be more than aware that they face another crucial showdown here. Currently sat second in the Group C standings and with just their goal difference keeping them ahead of Ukraine, Luciano Spalletti s side certainly have plenty of pressure on their shoulders. However, despite handing the Three Lions European Championship heartbreak at Wembley two years ago, Italy should be concerned by their most recent Group C clash against Tuesday’s hosts. Hit with a disappointing 2-1 loss when they welcomed England to Naples back on March 23rd, the former Inter Milan boss will be more than aware that his side faces another stern examination here. With Ukraine firmly breathing down their neck, Italy know that their qualifying scrap could go right down to the wire.
Team News
Released from Italy’s squad last week and at the heart of a real controversy, the Blues will arrive at Wembley on Tuesday night without the duo of Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo.
Bagging a brace against Malta over the weekend and now notching seven goals in as many appearances for club and country, Sassuolo star Domenico Berardi should have another key role to play at Wembley. Despite returning from a recent knock, ex-West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca will likely have to settle for a spot on the bench here.
Key Factors to Consider
