The wait will be over for two sets of supporters when England take on Italy in Group D on Saturday night.

Both sides get their World Cup campaigns underway in the energy-sapping heat of Manaus, with England looking to avenge the defeat they suffered to the same team in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.

Roy Hodgson's side have a very different look about them now, and there have been calls for a different approach for months as England enter a major tournament with hope rather than expectancy.

In a group which also includes Uruguay and Costa Rica, an early victory is crucial for Hodgson, who is only waiting for Danny Welbeck to be given the green light as he looks to select from a fully fit squad.

Selection issues continue to be high on the agenda for Hodgson as speculation persists over which players will be chosen to support Daniel Sturridge, with Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Welbeck all pushing for a place in the side.

Italy are in a similar position to England heading into the tournament, with very few tipping Cesare Prandelli's side to be among the challengers in the latter stages of the competition, but a squad mixed with experience and youth are confident ahead of their opening match.

Andrea Pirlo has dominated the build-up to the match, while the form of AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has repeatedly been questioned by some members of the Italian media.

Italy's current form is certainly a worry for Prandelli, who has not seen his side record a victory in their previous seven matches prior to arriving in Brazil.

Recent form

England: LLWWDD

Italy: DDDLDD

Possible starting lineups

England: Hart, Johnson, Jagielka, Cahill, Baines, Gerrard, Henderson, Lallana, Sterling, Rooney, Sturridge

Italy: Buffon, Abate, De Sciglio, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Rossi, Pirlo, Verratti, Candreva, Marchisio, Balotelli

Sports Mole says: 1-1

Written by
Callum Mulvihill

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