Euro 2012 finalists take on England in a friendly in Switzerland, in what will be a replay of the quarter final that saw the English eliminated on penalties for the umpteenth time in recent memory. It must have been some consolation, though, for Roy Hodgson and his men, to see Italy hammered 0-4 by Spain in the final.

Arsenal's Theo Walcott
Reuters

The timing of this round of international friendlies has drawn criticism from some quarters, given that the new league season across Europe either begins in a few days time or, as in the case of France, has already begun. Clubs will be aware that their highly-paid players, who have only just returned, in some cases, from international duty (either at Euro 2012 or the Olympics) and would certainly have preferred to be left alone until the qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup start. Nevertheless, the fixtures have been made and the games will go ahead.

Team News:

Hodgson has an increasing number of drop-outs through injuries and fatigue, with the most recent being Arsenal's Theo Walcott. In addition, first choice goal keeper Joe Hart of Manchester City, Walcott's club team mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge have all withdrawn. The only replacements called up are Norwich City goal keeper John Ruddy and Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott.

Birmingham City's Jack Butland, who had a good time between the sticks at the London Olympics 2012, will probably start in goal and is likely to have Chelsea's Ryan Bertrand and Spurs' Steven Caulker as two of the four defenders in front of him; the three played together for Team GB at the Olympics. Spurs; Kyle Walker will probably take the right back slot. Meanwhile, Hodgson will probably stick with United midfielder Tom Cleverly as one of his centre of the park options, particularly since Liverpool's Steven Gerrard has been left out, most probably to try alternatives and options; so too has Wayne Rooney and John Terry. Finally, United midfielder Michael Carrick, whose exclusion from the Euro 2012 squad raised a few eyebrows, has been selected. Up front, Liverpool's Andy Carroll, whose future at the club is still uncertain, will probably lead the attack.

Italy, meanwhile, will be without a key player in Manchester City's Mario Balotelli; the controversial forward was in superb form through the tournament in Poland and Ukraine. In addition, coach Cesare Prandelli will also be without players from Juventus and Napoli - the two clubs will contest the Supercoppa Italian in Beijing. Therefore, like England, Italy too have named a number of youngsters, including Stephan El Shaarawy and Mattia De Sciglio from AC Milan, Mattia Perin from Genoa, Manolo Gabbiadini from Atalanta and Andrea Poli from Sampdoria.

Predicted Line up

England (4-5-1):Butland; Walker, Jagielka, Cahill, Bertrand; Carrick, Lampard, Walcott, Cleverley, Young; Carroll

Italy (4-3-1-2):Sirigu; Abate, Astori, Ogbonna, Balzaretti; Nocerino, De Rossi, Verratti; Diamanti; Destro, El Shaarawy

Where to Watch Live

You can follow all the action live on iTV 1 and iTV 1 HD, from 7.30 pm BST on 15 August, from the Stade de Suisse Wankdorf Stadium in Switzerland.

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