Team News: Raheem Sterling starts for England, Gianluigi Buffon out of Italy squad

England have named Liverpool midfielder Raheem Sterling in their starting XI for this evening's World Cup Group D opener against Italy in Manaus.

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The 19-year-old starts in the centre behind Daniel Sturridge, as Roy Hodgson's side line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Wayne Rooney is named on the left-hand side of attacking midfield, with Danny Welbeck, passed fit after overcoming an ankle injury, on the right.

Meanwhile, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is absent as he recovers from a recent knee injury.

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Italy goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon is not in the squad after suffering an ankle injury in training on Friday, with Salvatore Sirigu of Paris Saint-Germain stepping in to take his place between the sticks.

Veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo is named as captain for tonight's clash against the Three Lions.

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

Italy: Sirigu, Chiellini, Darmian, Candreva, Marchisio, Balotelli, Barzagli, De Rossi, Paletta, Pirlo, Verratti