England will play their first of two final World Cup warm up games this Friday night, facing Roberto Mancini’s Italy – as the Three Lions take a tough trip to the San Siro on a quest for revenge, after having their hearts broke by the Azzuri at the European Championships.

The final international break before this winters World Cup in Qatar presents the perfect opportunity for Gareth Southgate to rally his troops and cement his starting eleven by building some genuine momentum heading into the tournament.

Despite some of the teams key players struggling for form and minutes in the Premier League, Southgate remained loyal in his recent squad selection – defenders Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell have all been surplus to requirements at their club this season but remain in the squad based on their previous international performance – whilst others like Rice, Mount and Jarrod Bowen are struggling to find form early on in the season, and still find themselves in favour.

Ivan Toney’s first England call-up is justified, the striker’s notched 5 goals and 2 assists in 7 league games for Brentford this season, – but with Harry Kane in fine form, and Tammy Abraham ready to take his chance too, it’s difficult to see how Toney can establish himself in a team that’s certainly top heavy in attack. Eric Dier and Conor Coady find themselves back in favour too, after a good start to the season with Spurs and Everton – the centre back pair are dependable and experienced playing in a back three too, which we’ve seen Southgate deploy on numerous occasions. Surprisingly, their inclusions appear a wise move by the manager.

Southgate’s suggestion that he’ll pick players based on form rather than merit seemed to slip his mind – players like Ben White, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho must feel aggrieved after being left out of the squad despite a stellar start to the season. With Kalvin Phillips out due to injury, Jude Bellingham is expected to start in midfield for the Three Lions.

To say Jude Bellingham’s talent has flown under the radar in England is a profound understatement. Since moving to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham in 2020, the teenager has become a mainstay in BVB’s starting eleven, whilst quickly growing into the clubs most valuable player after the sale of Erling Haaland.

Still only 19 years of age, Bellingham is a technically brilliant combative box to box midfielder, boasting quick feet and intricate control very rarely seen in such a young footballer. The teenagers vision is excellent, he carries absurd levels of stamina and knows how to find the back of the net too – with England’s midfield rocked by a poor start to the season by Henderson, Rice and Mount alike, then an injury to Kalvin Phillips, Bellingham has his chance at cementing a place in Southgate’s World Cup starting eleven. It’s a tough test against a scrappy Italian midfield, yet the 19 year old is more than ready to pass with flying colours.

Italy head into this contest after failing to pick up where they left off after last seasons Euro 2020 win at Wembley. The Azzuri missed out on World Cup qualification in shocking fashion, losing 0-1 at home to minnows North Macedonia.

Losing 5-2 to group toppers Germany certainly didn’t help, but a narrow victory at home to Hungary – who smashed the Three Lions 4-0 away from home in June – offered a glimpse at an upturn in form for the Italians. England haven’t won away in Italy since 1961, and look to kick off their World Cup warm up games at the San Siro by rewriting the history books and reminding the world how far the squad have come as a genuine force in tournament football.

Prediction :

Italy have failed to score once at home since the Nation League’s inception, yet aren’t as robust and organised defensively as we’ve come to expect historically.

The last four ties between two of Europe’s elite have resulted in a draw come full time, 1-1 seems a familiar scoreline for both countries – due to the nature of international football, both sides will set up not to lose, and the midfield battle is key. The Italian midfield is dynamic, battle tested and rarely tire – to beat them on their home turf, England must utilise youth and legs in their team by maintaining the press and energy levels set throughout.

Don’t expect a goal-fest, and certainly don’t hedge your bets on a Three Lions win – injuries and poor form leave Southgate’s players are desperate for a performance to prove their worth in the squad before they head back to their clubs and focus on the league until November again.

Kane and Sterling will undoubtedly be the teams focal point, after a scoring start to the season – so don’t be surprised if Kane pops up with a penalty or headed goal, before a repeat of Euro 2020’s final, in which Italy equalise and finish the stronger team on the night. Italy are making one of their final appearances at Milan’s world famous San Siro stadium before it’s knocked down and replaced next year – so the atmosphere should be electric.

If England are to get anything out of this game, the players just remain calm and attack Italy’s back line with speed and precision, as opposed to any intricate build- up play – however it seems as though the game has come at the wrong time for Southgate, who may face backlash from the media with another sub-par, toothless performance.

1-1 Draw