Follow live coverage of England v Italy here

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 11pm BST. Live coverage is on BBC One. Radio commentary of the game will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Overview

England sealed a place in the World Cup in Brazil after finishing on top of their group during the qualifiers. The Three Lions were unbeaten in their 10 matches played, having won six of them.

Roy Hodgson will be hoping to start the summer tournament in South America with a win in order to take the first step to make it to the Round of 16 of the World Cup. England have played three friendly fixtures in the last one month and managed to win only one.

The weather could hamper England's progress in the World Cup as Hodgson is aware that a defeat against the Azzurri could dent their chances of making it to the next stage of the tournament. The Three Lions take on Uruguay in their second Group D tie on 20 June.

Like England, Italy remained unbeaten in the World Cup qualifiers. Cesare Prandelli saw his side finish on top of the table, winning six of their 10 matches played.

The game between England and Italy will be an exciting fixture as the two European nations will fight to start the tournament on a brighter note. The other two teams from Group D are Uruguay and Costa Rica, who will face each other in Fortaleza on Saturday.

What Managers Say

Rou Hodgson (England): "What we want from back home is support, encouragement, for people to believe. If it doesn't go that well for us, it's not for any other reasons than it didn't happen for us on the night."

Cesare Prandelli (Italy): "Look at what happened to Spain in South Africa, when they still won the title after losing their opening game to Switzerland. The opening games may never be decisive, but they are important -- not only for the three points but also for the extraordinary strength a positive result can give you."

Team Form

England

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): D D W W L
  • Last result: England 0-0 Honduras

Italy

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): D D L D D
  • Last Result: Italy 1-1 Luxembourg

Team News

England

  • Injured: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee)
  • Doubtful: Danny Welbeck (thigh)
  • Suspended: N/A

Probable Lineup: Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard, Henderson; Sterling; Lallana, Sturridge, Rooney

Italy

  • Injured: Mattia De Sciglio (calf)
  • Doubtful: N/A
  • Suspended: N/A

Probable Lineup: Buffon; Abate, Bonucci, Bonucci, Chiellini; De Rossi, Candreva, Pirlo, Marchisio; Balotelli, Cassano

England Italy World cup