England are back in action for the first time since their World Cup quarter-final exit when they take on Italy at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Thursday evening.
Gareth Southgate's side will be keen to put the disappointment of their defeat against France behind them as they travel to Italy in their opening game of Euro 2024 qualification. The Three Lions haven't won in Italy for more than 60 years, however, and face arguably their toughest test in their first game of Group C.
North Macedonia, Malta and Ukraine also make up a tricky-looking group but Southgate's men know what it takes to get to a major tournament, having not missed one since 2008. The Three Lions will be aiming to be at the competition, which is set to get underway in Germany on June 14, 2024.
Getting through their group will be England's first objective, with Italy their opening opponents. Roberto Mancini's team didn't qualify for the World Cup but possess a wealth of quality through their side, and will give the Three Lions a real test.
What time is Italy vs England?
The game will get underway at 7:45 in Naples, the home of the Serie A leaders.
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England last met Italy in the Nations League back in September when Mancini's men ran out 1-0 winners thanks to Giacomo Raspadori's strike. This followed a drab 0-0 draw at Molineux earlier in the year as the Three Lions finished rock bottom and were relegated from their group.
However, the most notable meeting between the two teams came in the Euro 2020 final back in July 2021. Italy edged the Three Lions on penalties to win the tournament, with Bukayo Saka missing the decisive kick.
Italy overcame England in the Euro 2020 final in 2021 (Getty Images)How to watch
The game will be shown live on Channel 4, with the coverage set to start at 7pm. Jules Breach will present the show, with Steven Gerrard, Jill Scott and Joe Cole on punditry duties.
It be shown free-to-air and viewers can also live stream it for free on All 4. Channel 4 will also have the rights to show England's clash against Ukraine this weekend.
Match odds
Italy vs England odds from Bet365:
Italy - 15/8
Draw - 11/5
England - 6/4
*odds subject to change
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England take on Italy in Naples on Thursday (Getty Images)Will England beat Italy on Thursday? Let us know in the comments below!
Team news
England will be without Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount and Nick Pope for the trip to Naples after they all pulled out of the squad through injuries. Raheem Sterling, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raheem Sterling, Callum Wilson and Jadon Sancho were not named in the squad last week - and none have been drafted in to replace the injured trio.
Southgate is expected to name a strong line-up for the game, however, with Harry Kane set to lead the line as he aims to become the Three Lions' leading goalscorer. Harry Maguire could also be named in the XI, despite struggling for game time in a Manchester United shirt this season.
As for Italy, Mancini could select a rather experienced team at international level, with Vincenzo Grifo, Raspadori and Mateo Politano amongst those to start Italy's most recent match back in November.
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