Chris Smalling keen to face Italy

England defender Chris Smalling has said that he would relish the opportunity to play against Italy this evening.

The Three Lions face the Azzurri in a friendly at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, 15 years after their last trip to Italian shores.

Manchester United man Smalling has stated that he is ready to show England boss Roy Hodgson that he is good enough to become a regular in the team.

"I think it will be one of my biggest games. When you get to play against opposition of that calibre it is one that I will be relishing," he told the FA's official website.

"When we go out for training I will be running around trying to make sure that the manager picks me.

"I feel like I am in the form of my career and the manager has shown a lot of faith in me. I have stayed fit the last couple of months and I am enjoying my football."

Smalling has won 15 caps for the Three Lions.