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England have one foot in Euro 2024 after first win in Italy for 62 years

England's Harry Kane and John Stones celebrate after the match - Reuters/Peter Cziborra
England's Harry Kane and John Stones celebrate after the match - Reuters/Peter Cziborra

By Sam Wallace, in Naples

There was much of the familiar turbulence of the last 12 months of the England team that made a historic victory in Italy feel so chaotic, and yet by its breathless conclusion Gareth Southgate had one of the biggest wins of his four qualifying campaigns.

This was the first time an England team had won in Italy in 62 years, back to the days when the goals were scored by Jimmy Greaves and Gerry Hitchens and the Italians were not yet famous for defensive football. In the recent mini-saga with Roberto Mancini’s Italy, in which the fortunes of both teams have risen and fallen dramatically, this was the fourth meeting since the Euro 2020 final 21 months ago – and at last Southgate’s team prevailed.

The Euro 2024 qualifying campaign has begun with a victory over the defending champions and, for all the caveats, that feels like the bugle has been sounded on a fresh start for Southgate. Roberto Mancini picked an Italy XI with nine of those who started at Wembley in July 2021 and the pressure is on his side now.

For England it has felt like a long wait for this moment, not least in the decades going back to the era of Greaves. This is now the era of Harry Kane whose 54th goal for England, dispatched from the penalty spot in the first half, elevates him to the top of 151 years of goalscoring for the national team. History will remember the goals. It should not overlook another towering performance from the England captain who in his team’s best moments dominated this Italy defence.

The first half had been one of England’s best performances under Southgate outside of tournaments. The second lurched back in Italy’s favour and by the end there were just ten Englishmen left on the pitch, Luke Shaw dismissed with two yellow cards 54 seconds apart. Three England players including Shaw were cautioned for time-wasting. Here in Naples one could not, at least, say they have not adopted some outside influences.

There had been moments when England could have done better, starting with a remarkable miss from Jack Grealish in time added on at the end of the first half with England two goals up. Yet after the break, Mancini had pushed his midfield on and the pair of Jorginho and Marco Verratti were afforded the control denied to them in the first half.

Southgate would later be critical of the way his team let Italy off the hook in the opening stages of the second half. They would score through the debutant Mateo Retegui, an Argentine who qualifies for Italy through a Sicilian grandparent. “If you start any half the way we did the second, you will be in trouble,” Southgate reflected. There again was the vulnerability revealing itself and then the battle was on for England to avoid being engulfed by some familiar problems.

They finished with five men at the back. Phil Foden had come on for Grealish on 69 minutes and was then replaced by Kieran Trippier on 81 minutes after the red card. England were in a 5-4-0 formation launching long balls down the pitch to a lone striker who was not there. Early days in this qualifying campaign but it felt like the question of whether they hung on would dictate much.

There is a difficult game awaiting them on Sunday against Ukraine, who did not play this week. “This is only a good result if we win at Wembley,” Southgate said later. He said he had told the players the same. The Ukrainians have no shortage of motivation to perform for their national team and they will have seen the same weaknesses in England.

They were only there after the break. Before then had come a big England midfield performance that saw Italy’s players harassed and dispossessed closer and closer to their own goal. Confident in defence, Harry Maguire and John Stones passed through a very mediocre Italy press. Italy looked shaky then and England had all the chances.

Declan Rice celebrates his goal against Italy - England already with one foot in Euro 2024 after gutsy first win in Italy for 62 years - AP/Alessandro Garofalo
Declan Rice celebrates his goal against Italy - England already with one foot in Euro 2024 after gutsy first win in Italy for 62 years - AP/Alessandro Garofalo

Mancini’s team was old. There was no Federico Chiesa, injured, and the Leeds United teenager Wilfried Gnonto would come on in the second half. Of the team that started only Retegui, 23, was younger than 26. Mancini’s two centre-halves Francesco Acerbi and Rafael Toloi are 35 and 32 respectively. Not necessarily a bad thing when one considers some of the vintage greats who have played that position for Italy. Yet these two are not giants of the Italy team – they have 40 caps between them.

Against them, Kane was masterful with his back to goal and his penalty for the 54th England goal of his career was scored with all the precision that was missing in Qatar against France. Jude Bellingham was too muscular and intense for Jorginho, 12 years older than his young counterpart.

Jude Bellingham in Naples - Getty Images/Michael Regan
Jude Bellingham in Naples - Getty Images/Michael Regan

Southgate selected Kalvin Phillips in midfield for his first start since the final day of last season, and his farewell game for Leeds. England scored with the second corner in succession from the right, both of them well-delivered by Bukayo Saka. Kane’s shot was blocked by Leonardo Spinazzola and the rebound fell nicely for Rice to score.

Later a ball in the area struck the hand of Giovanni Di Lorenzo and the Serbian referee Srdjan Jovanovic was invited by his Var, Tomasz Kwiatkowski to consult the monitor and give the penalty that Kane dispatched. A different Italy after the break. It was Maguire’s mistake for the Italy goal: a misplaced pass and then a dash forward out of position to try to win the ball back. He fouled Nicolo Barella and the move developed to a fine angled ball from Lorenzo Pellegrini that caught England out. Retegui finished well.

With Maguire on the ground, Shaw was obliged to try to win a ball and the foul was punished with a second yellow after a delay, yet the ten men left hung on.


England beat Italy in Italy for first time since 1961 - how it happened


10:25 PM

Gareth Southgate put his faith in his tried and trusted performers in Naples but did they reward him?

Here are the player ratings from Naples.

READ: Italy vs England player ratings: Jude Bellingham imperious but Harry Maguire caught out

Jude Bellingham and John Stones celebrate a hard-earned win - Getty Images/Eddie Keogh
Jude Bellingham and John Stones celebrate a hard-earned win - Getty Images/Eddie Keogh

10:23 PM

How Harry Kane broke the record

Here's a great look by my friend and yours, Daniel Zeqiri, on Harry Kane's record-breaking time in front of goal for England.

READ: Harry Kane's record-breaking England career in four stages


10:10 PM

The congratulations flow in...

From Prince William...

From his club...

From the Mayor of London (an Arsenal fan...)...

From Gary '48 goals' Lineker...

Keir Starmer (another Arsenal fan...)...


10:00 PM

That Wayne Rooney tweet

If I was American I'd probably write something like 'game knows game' right now, but I am not so I won't...


09:58 PM

That winning and record-breaking feeling...

It was a significant night - for Kane, for beating Italy in a competitive fixture for the first time in 45 years, and the way they had to really dig in for the victory during that second half.

England (and Kane) have done it! relief and joy on hearing the final whistle for Harry Kane and John Stones - AP/Alessandra Tarantino
England (and Kane) have done it! relief and joy on hearing the final whistle for Harry Kane and John Stones - AP/Alessandra Tarantino

09:55 PM

Harry Kane speaks to Channel 4 - 'It means everything'

On his emotions after breaking the record...

"It means everything. I was so excited to put the shirt back on, get back on the pitch and get the campaign off for the Euros."

On the record-breaking goal...

"It had to be penalty of course. Once it hit the back of the net there was so much emotion. Thanks to the players, my family, it was a magical moment."

On the wait for the penalty to be confirmed...

"Used to it now - I just do what I do, I work hard, I trained hard yesterday and [when the chance came] I put it away."

On the night as a whole...

"It's just a great night. We've not won in Italy in ages. So to win and score is special...The World Cup was difficult way to end, it was tough to end in that way."

On what next for England...

"We feel we're one of the best in Europe and keep knocking on the door. That win shows we're ready for next challenge."

On Wayne Rooney praising him for breaking his record...

"Big thanks - I was on pitch when he broke the record. I know what it mean to him - I'm so proud of him. I remember handing him the boot [when he broke the record] and he said 'I'll be handing this back to you.'"


09:43 PM

FULL TIME: Italy 1-2 England

A night of rewriting the history books!

England have beaten Italy in Italy for the first time since 1961. Harry Kane has broken the England goal-scoring record, and the hosts have been beaten in a Euro qualifier for the first time in 41 matches.

It was a hard-fought win for Gareth Southgate's side - the proverbial game of two halves. He said it was the sort of game England needed to start to win and in the end they did it.


09:39 PM

93 mins: Italy 1-2 England

Tonalli has the ball on the right but can only find Pickford in the England goal rather than a team-mate in the box. Two minutes left for England to hold on...


09:37 PM

91 mins: Italy 1-2 England

Phillips gets the ball and launches it long - that's all England can do at the moment. It's about trying to play as much of the game away from the England goal - game management. Meanwhile, Kane earns a free-kick in his half which will take more time out of the game.


09:36 PM

89 mins: Italy 1-2 England

It's still all Italy as Gnoto crosses to the back post. It's headed clear as the board is raised to show there will be five minutes added time.


09:35 PM

87 mins: Italy 1-2 England

Fair play to England - for all of Italy's pressure and possession Pickford hasn't had much to do this half despite the team losing its shape... As I type the hosts win a corner. What can they do with this?

The answer to that teaser is 'earn another corner'. From this set piece Tonalli cannot beat Walker at the near post and England breath yet another sigh of relief. Three minutes to go...


09:32 PM

84 mins: Italy 1-2 England

More changes for England - the Chelsea pair of Gallagher and James are on for Saka and Bellingham.

Oh dear - England players react to Shaw's red card - Getty Images
Oh dear - England players react to Shaw's red card - Getty Images

09:28 PM

81 mins: Italy 1-2 England

This half has been tough with 11 men - now with 10 you feel Italy will pile on the pressure.

Southgate makes the change - Foden, just on, is sacrificed for Trippier.

Can England hang on?


09:26 PM

RED CARD FOR SHAW!

No sooner has Shaw been shown a yellow (for time wasting, errrghhhh) than he goes in hard on Retugui. And after some thought and deliberation - and a fair few suggestions from the Italians, no doubt - he is shown another yellow and then the dreaded red...England are down to 10 men for the last 10 minutes. There were apparently only 54 seconds between those two yellows...


09:24 PM

76 mins: Italy 1-2 England

Yet another Italy attack down the left through Gnoto. Walker is on a yellow card and the Leeds man goes one way then the other before delivering a cross to the back post. But Shaw does just enough to get in front of his man.

These are nervous times for England as Shaw is then booked for time-wasting.


09:22 PM

74 mins: Italy 1-2 England

England are living dangerously here - Gnoto and the impressive Spinazzola combine well on the left but again England do just enough to prevent the shot on goal. Italy come again and once more the visitors do what they have to to stay a goal up.

At the moment there are a lot of last-gasp challenges, last-ditch blocks from England - they are having to show a different side to their game compared to the enterprising opening 45.


09:18 PM

72 mins: Italy 1-2 England

Kane does well - he's out on the right flank and wins a free-kick, which, you suspect, was his aim - to take a bit of time out of the game and play it at England pace, not the hosts'.


09:17 PM

69 mins: Italy 1-2 England

The two Italy subs make an instant impact as Gnoto and Tonalli combine well on the left before the Leeds man delivers a low cross that England manage to deal with well. But it's still all Italy - England are yet to have a shot this half - they are just searching for a bit of composure. The pace of the game is being dictated by the hosts.


09:15 PM

67 mins: Italy 1-2 England

Changes: Southgate brings on Foden for Grealish. Meanwhile, Leeds' Gnoto is on for Pellegrini and Tonalli for Jorginho.


09:13 PM

66 mins: Italy 1-2 England

Great play from Saka who is patient, patient, patient on the right before delivering a peach of a cross to the back post. Alas, for him and England no team-mate gambled on hitting that space.


09:11 PM

63 mins: Italy 1-2 England

England could do with some possession if only to take some of the sting out of this Italian resurgence. Phillips is looking tired out there and it might be an idea to take the Man City man, lacking in minutes this season, off.

Meanwhile, the Italy pressure continues, they move the ball around waiting for the opportunity to create the vital chance, England are chasing shadows at the moment but they are keeping their shape and compressing the play well.


09:09 PM

Debut goal for Retegui - coolly taken

Retegui - Reuters
Retegui - Reuters

09:07 PM

61 mins: Italy 1-2 England

Verratti has been impressive this half - he's pulled the strings for Italy and again he's at the heart of things as his long shot is well blocked.


09:06 PM

Royal seal of approval


09:06 PM

59 mins: Italy 1-2 England

This is very much game back on - the crowd have gone up a decibel or 1,000 and this now needs a few of the old heads in the England side to manage the game well and weather this storm.


09:02 PM

GOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLL!!!!

Italy 1-2 England (Retegui)

Good finish at the end of a good move - Italy play through the lines through Verratti and Pellegrini before setting up Retegui who is free in the box. It's his Italy debut but he's displays nerves of steel as his shot finds the left-hand bottom corner. That's the positive, now for the negative - Maguire was out of position having initially lost the ball.


09:02 PM

55 mins: Italy 0-2 England

Italy are dominating possession at the moment - but everything is in front of England, it's easy to defend and they are forced, through Retegui, into a very hopeful shot from all of 40 yards...


08:59 PM

52 mins: Italy 0-2 England

More Italy possession in the final third but England are defending well and the hosts are forced to lump in a hopeful ball that Pickford comes to claim without too many problems - 'an early shout sorts it out' as Home Under the Hammer's Dion Dublin says on C4 commentary.


08:57 PM

51 mins: Italy 0-2 England

Warning signs from the hosts - Verratti is in the centre 25 yards out, feeds Pellegrini but his snatched shot goes just wide. He was well dealt with by Walker but promising signs nonetheless from Italy.


08:55 PM

49 mins: Italy 0-2 England

Italy have started the second half in much the same way they did the first, with intensity and purpose. England weathered the first storm and are doing the same here.


08:54 PM

47 mins: Italy 0-2 England

Early corner for the hosts, a chance to get back into this match. It's a great delivery and they earn another corner from the other side this one winds Kane who is now a hero in pain. Is there nothing he won't do for his country?!


08:51 PM

45 mins: Italy 0-2 England

Italy are unbeaten in 40 European qualifiers but it's hard to see how they don't lose this - they were second best in everything during the first 45 minutes.


08:47 PM

Here's another look at that moment


08:43 PM

When Harry Met the England Record

Harry Kane appeals for the penalty after Di Lorenzo handles the ball...

Harry kane - AFP
Harry kane - AFP

No worries for Kane after the miss against France - he slots the ball into the back of the net without a problem...

Harry kane - Getty Images
Harry kane - Getty Images

Relief, celebration and the record...

Harry kane - Getty Images
Harry kane - Getty Images

08:38 PM

HALF-TIME: Italy 0-2 England

What a half for England, what a half for Harry Kane. After a worrying opening five minutes the visitors have been well on top. They've been solid at the back and menacing in attack. They are more than worth the two-goal lead, which could (should) be more with that Grealish chance.

Kane now has 54 goals in 81 appearances, what a player. He scored from the spot just 103 days after the miss in the World Cup quarter-final, only idiots would have doubted him.

Harry Kane - Getty Images
Harry Kane - Getty Images

08:33 PM

45 mins: Italy 0-2 England

It should be 3-0, England  go down the right-hand side with Saka, plays in England's new record goal-scorer who crosses low to the back post and it looks for all the world as though Grealish is going to hit it into the back of the net. He's unmarked but scuffs his attempt, not even getting it on target. A scoreline of 3-0 at the break wouldn't flatter the visitors.


08:30 PM

GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!

Italy 0-2 England (KANE)

So 103 days after THAT missed penalty against France Kane scores from the spot to put England 2-0 up and BREAK THE RECORD. His 54th goal for England - the most ever for England.


08:29 PM

PENALTY FOR ENGLAND!

The ball is delivered to the back post and Harry Kane - Di Lorenzo is back-tracking and in doing so it looks as though the ball has hit his arm preventing Kane getting in a half-chance. the Italian wasn't looking at it but after the referee is told to go to the monitor he points to the spot. Harsh, I think, BUT IT GIVES KANE A CHANCE TO BREAK THE RECORD FROM THE SPOT....


08:26 PM

40 mins: Italy 0-1 England

Decent chance for the Italians as Retegui gets a shot away only for Stones to get an excellent block in. England would be better served moving to the ball a bit quicker here. That's how they created the goal but the foot has been taken off the gas a touch here.


08:24 PM

37 mins: Italy 0-1 England

Verratti is getting on the ball a shade more now and that's showing in better Italy work. They are much more up with the pace of the game now, and perhaps even dictating it. England look to take the sting out of the game with Stones and Maguyire occupying possession at the back.


08:22 PM

34 mins: Italy 0-1 England

The noise picks up around what has been an unusually quiet Stadio Diego Armando Maradona so far this evening. Italy come forward down the left but Spinazzola's cross is overhit. More frustration for the hosts.


08:17 PM

30 mins: Italy 0-1 England

England are keeping the ball well here. They are patient and waiting for the opening. They pass it around the back, moving it up on the right before Saka loses it. But Italy are very much second best at the moment.


08:14 PM

28 mins: Italy 0-1 England

Great in attack and defence: He's called Declan Rice. Barella drives towards the England box and just when it looks as though he's about to pull the trigger Rice gets in a brilliant sliding tackle. Just what The back four and Pickford want from the sitting midfielder who, like most of his team-mates, has had a great first opening half hour.


08:11 PM

25 mins: Italy 0-1 England

Clever centre-forward play from Kane wins England a throw in the final third on the right. Alas the visitors are unable to create much from it, but yet more good signs. Italy need to get a foothold in this game, they're being overrun and dominated by England at the moment - Rice and Phillips are doing their job and that's allowing the attacking threats of Saka and Bellingham to play front-foot football.


08:10 PM

23 mins: Italy 0-1 England

We've not really seen Italy as an attacking force since about the fourth minute and as I type Shaw deals with the threat of Barella well.


08:08 PM

19 mins: Italy 0-1 England

Since that poor opening few minutes England have been well on top. They are playing with vim and vigour and causing problems for Italy. Saka, Bellingham are playing well and asking questions of the hosts' backline. As I type Kane is free on the right before delivering a fine low cross that Bellingham nearly gets on the end of. Promising, enterprising stuff this from Southgate's side.


08:05 PM

Rice's opener in pic and video form!

Rice scores v Italy - Shutterstock/Paul Greenwood
Rice scores v Italy - Shutterstock/Paul Greenwood

08:03 PM

16 mins: Italy 0-1 England

England's bright opening continues as Shaw gets beyond Grealish, not for the first time tonight, and gets in a low cross that forces Donnarumma into yet more action in the Italy goal.


07:59 PM

GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!!

Italy 0-1 England (Rice)

And the visitors have been rewarded for the bright start. Saka takes the corner, it goes deep where Kane is lurkign with intent. He gets in a shot but rather than find the back of the net, allowing him to break the record, it defects to Rice whose attempt puts England one goal to the good.


07:59 PM

11 mins: Italy 0-0 England

Saka, Kane and Bellingham combine well before the latter drives towards the box and unleashes a fierce shot - Donnarumma saving well and conceding a corner.

After a dodgy opening England have come back well.


07:57 PM

9 mins: Italy 0-0 England

England's first corner of the game - can they create something from this? 'Very nearly' is the answer as Saka delivers a curling ball that Donnarumma punches clear just a yard off his line. But the Italian keeper is adjudged to have been fouled - the 'you can't even breath on a keeper without getting penalised these days' brigade may have a point with that one.


07:54 PM

7 mins: Italy 0-0 England

It's been an action-packed opening as Grealish goes under from a challenge on the edge of the box, but the ref waves play on. A minute later England attack down the other flank. Saka collects the ball from Bellingham works his way into the box and shoots - Donnarumma saving low to his right.


07:52 PM

5 mins: Italy 0-0 England

Good start from Italy, poor start from England. Phillips is caught dwelling on the ball for too long, is dispossesed and Italy attack down the left until Maguire is alert to the danger and concedes the corner. From the set piece the ball goes right across the box and England, again, breathe a sigh of relief.


07:50 PM

3 mins: Italy 0-0 England

Another early warning for England - it's a free-kick for Italy on the right in the final third. It's delivered into the box - nothing fancy, a regulation set piece - and Verratti, I think, is unmarked just 12 yards out. Luckily for the visitors his attempt is poor and trickles wide. That's worrying from England.


07:48 PM

2 mins: Italy 0-0 England

Spinazzola starts well and goes on a rampaging run down the left which is ultimately well dealt with by the visitors. He's a dangerous attacker from deep and England have already been warned.


07:46 PM

1 min: Italy 0-0 England

They're under way at the iconic Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. Can england get their first win over Italy in Italy since 1961, can Harry Kane break the scoring record? We're about to find out...


07:44 PM

National anthem time

Two contrasting numbers here - England's 'God Save the King' is a bit downbeat, the singer was behind the music and it was all a bit awkward. Then the hosts had some upbeat, modern take on their anthem, almost like a dance number. Interesting...


07:42 PM

Sam Wallace in Naples...

Simple but moving farewell to Gianluca Vialli in the stadium in Naples - "Ciao Luca" - and lots of good footage of him as an assistant to his old friend Roberto Mancini at Euro 2020.

Gianluca Vialli with his former Sampdoria team-mate and current Italy manager Roberto Mancini - Getty Images/Alessandro Sabattini
Gianluca Vialli with his former Sampdoria team-mate and current Italy manager Roberto Mancini - Getty Images/Alessandro Sabattini

07:40 PM

Gareth Southgate speaks to Channel 4...

On England's task tonight...

"We haven't got a great record [in Italy] and tonight is chance to put that right."

On starting Kalvin Phillips...

"[Jordan Henderson] was big part of the World Cup but has not been able to train fully, so we're keeping him back. Kalvin has played well for us, he's at a big club and hard to get in the starting XI, but he's more than capable of doing the job for us tonight."

On starting Jack Grealish...

"He's a in a good moment with his club, full of confidence and this is a game where we need to keep possession and get in behind and stretch their defence."

On what victory would mean tonight...

"We have to look at qualification over eight games - win here is a great start. That is the objective."


07:35 PM

There's currently a sound and light show at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium

Can't have a big match without one now...


07:34 PM

England's record in Italy

Isn't anything to write home about. They've not won since May, 1961 and the overall record is two wins in 17.

As Southgate has said: "This is the type of game we need to start winning."

It might be quite tough, though.


07:28 PM

A few vital bits of info

Kick-off is at 7.45pm and you can watch on Channel 4.

Harry Kane - Getty Images/Eddie Keogh
Harry Kane - Getty Images/Eddie Keogh

07:15 PM

Jude Bellingham speaks to Channel 4 - 'The lads are confident'

On the side's first match since the World Cup exit...

"It's been a quick turnaround. There's been a bit of reflection from the World Cup."

On emotions in the camp...

"The lads are confident and looking forward to playing in an amazing fixture."

On playing alongside Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice...

"I'm really looking forward to it. Two quality players. The good thing about all of us is we have different attributes so we need to show that and hopefully create some chances. Every midfield battle helps to sway the tide of the game. It's important we get on the front foot and try to take control."


07:07 PM

Those teams in good, old-fashioned black and white

ITALY XI TO FACE ENGLAND: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Acerbi, Toloi, Spinazzola, Barella, Jorginho, Verratti, Berardi, Retegui, Pellegrini

Subs: Falcone, Meret, Darmian, Gnonto, Scamacca, Pessina, Emerson, Scalvini, Cristante, Politano, Tonali, Romagnoli

Arsenal's Jorginho starts for for the hosts with another pair of Premier League players - Wilfried Gnonto of leeds and West Ham's Gianluca Scamacca - on the bench.

Jorginho starts for the hosts tonight - AP/Fabio Ferrari
Jorginho starts for the hosts tonight - AP/Fabio Ferrari

ENGLAND XI TO FACE ITALY: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Rice, Phillips, Bellingham, Saka, Grealish, Kane.

Subs: Trippier, Ramsdale, Henderson, Dier, Maddison, Chilwell, James, Guehi, Gallagher, Foden, Forster, Toney.

The main news is that despite his lack of minutes this season Kalvin Phillips starts. His Manchester City team-mate Jack Grealish also starts - pipping Phil Foden for a place.

Kalvin Phillips has been given a big vote of confidence tonight - Getty Images/Valerio Pennicino
Kalvin Phillips has been given a big vote of confidence tonight - Getty Images/Valerio Pennicino

06:54 PM

Tonight is not just about England's Euro 24 qualification

It's also about whether we'll see Harry Kane break Wayne Rooney's England scoring record.

Here's a fine list of England greats to look at.

  • Wayne Rooney - 53 goals

  • Harry Kane - 53 goals

  • Bobby Charlton - 49 goals

  • Gary Lineker - 48 goals

  • Jimmy Greaves - 44 goals

Harry Kane can become England's all-time record men's scorer if he finds the back of the net this evening - AP/Pavel Golovkin
Harry Kane can become England's all-time record men's scorer if he finds the back of the net this evening - AP/Pavel Golovkin

06:48 PM

Here be the Italy XI


06:47 PM

And here is the offending new Italy Adidas kit...

Have to say, I agree with Sam - it doesn't look right, it's not simple enough, easily the worst Italy kit of my lifetime. Harsh, but true...


06:45 PM

From Mike McGrath in Naples...

As reported by the Daily Telegraph yesterday, Gareth Southgate has brought in Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish into his team for the Euro qualifier against Italy.

Players have already been out to inspect the pitch at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium and will return for the warm-up, with Southgate sticking with the 4-3-3 formation that served him at the World Cup.

The back four will be the same as against France in the quarter-finals in December, with Phillips brought into the midfield in place of Jordan Henderson.


06:40 PM

Here's the England XI


06:37 PM

Three fine Italy kits of years gone by...

...of the type Sam was talking about (ie. not by Adidas).

The Italia 90 version - as worn by Golden Boot winner Toto Schillaci - this is a personal fave of mine... - AFP
The Italia 90 version - as worn by Golden Boot winner Toto Schillaci - this is a personal fave of mine... - AFP
The Euro 96 version - seen here modelled by Gianfranco Zola and Pierluigi Casiraghi - AP/Luca Bruno
The Euro 96 version - seen here modelled by Gianfranco Zola and Pierluigi Casiraghi - AP/Luca Bruno
The very 'Italian' number of 2000 - seen here modelled by the wonderful Alessandro del Piero - Reuters/Paolo Cocco
The very 'Italian' number of 2000 - seen here modelled by the wonderful Alessandro del Piero - Reuters/Paolo Cocco

06:29 PM

Sam Wallace in Naples

Sorry to report that Italy have switched kit manufacturer to Adidas and having just spotted the shirt in a concession store at the stadium, it just doesn't look right. No more Puma, or indeed Le Coq Sportif or Diadora or Kappa, of the great Azzurri shirts of old. The home shirt now looks like a Sweden away or a mediocre France home with the blue sleeves interrupted by the white lines. The internet tells me that Italy wore Adidas between 1974 and 1978, although the pics from then suggest they kept it simple.


04:10 PM

Gareth Southgate on qualification trail once again

Tonight sees England play in their first match following their World Cup quarter-final exit to France. It was a tournament which promised much, but ultimately ended - as it so often does with England - in glorious failure. You know the script, the Three Lions march to the latter stages of a tournament, play well (some say dominate) the match against fancied opposition but come out on the wrong side of the scoreline.

Although, such has been the amnesia surrounding the state of England pre-Southgate (remember Euro 2012, and Iceland 2016?) that many consider the supposed failure of losing to a fine France side in a World Cup last-eight clash to be less than glorious. They consider Qatar 22 another lost opportunity for the side to get its hands on deserved silverware, to remind the world that England created the game and that they'd do well to remember that.

Gareth Southgate is perceived as a the man responsible for this and that is doubtless due to two things: (i) he's the England manager so any criticism, not without reason, tends to be thrown at his door, and (ii) his perceived 'wokeness'.

Anyway, all of the issues people have with Southgate - that he's too defensive, unable to unleash some remarkable attacking talent (not exactly without merit) - cloud one key thing: that England under him have gone from sick man of European football to continually  qualifying for and being key factors in major tournaments. The fact that expectation is so high when England play now is partly down to him turning the side around. It's not as though England have been historically ladened down with silverware and that his reign has been a huge anomaly.

Tonight, he and his side get their qualification for next year's European Championships under way with a tricky tie against Italy in Naples. Tough team to beat in a tough place to go (more on that later). They may well lose in a country they haven't won in in 62 years, but in a group with Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta (as well as tonight's hosts) where two go through it's hard to see Southgate and Co fail to make it to Germany next summer. And yet another trip to a major tournament is nothing to turn your noses up at.

Stay here for all the team news, pre-match build-up and action, witch kick-off set for 7.45pm.