Massive game for the England. Still big decisions for Roy.

 

Does he stick with the same team that see him beta Ukraine? Or does he tinker about with it a little?

 

As always, predictions are very much welcome!

I think we'll stick with the same team and formation we have done throughout, although I would play Carroll instead of Welbeck personally as the latter goes missing too often despite being able to create space.

 

1-1 draw. Extra time and penalties. England finally winning a penalty shootout.

Hard to call at the moment, will be interesting to see the team. I'd be tempted to start with Carroll and Walcott against the Italian three-man defence.

It be interesting, Italy's games in the group matches were hardly entertaining, I think Roy should bring on Carroll to start, I'm thinking 2-0 to England.

Brave performance, match them over the course of the match, 1-1 by the end of extra time, England out on penalties.

Hard to call if it goes to penalties as we usually play teams with a better record, apart from when we played Spain, who we beat. Italy have won 2 of 6 penalty shoot-outs, England have won 1 of 6.

 

It all depends on what formation Italy play, they've played 3-5-2 twice but then switched to a 4-4-2. If they play the latter it's a packed central midfield as they don't use wingers so Milner would have to be playing then. It will be a tight game either way. Both teams perfectly capable of winning, but too hard to call.

I'd play the same team as vs. Ukraine, but with Carroll back in for Welbeck

 

Milner and Young haven't been great, but at the same time I think Milner is key to the way Hodgson wants to play and I'd rather Young started with Walcott, Oxlaide-Chamberlain, Defoe and even Downing as options from the bench

 

Think it'll be a tight game with England losing on penalties

Last time we beat Italy was 1997, last time we beat them in a major tournament was in 1977.

 

It's pretty much got nil nil written all over it etc, but I hope to be surprised.

 

If we win on penalties, expect Sepp Blatter to release a twitter statement saying that getting rid of penalties is a 'necessity' :lol:

To be fair when was the last time we played Italy? I can't remember playing them for at least 10 years.

Neither can I. We were in their group for World Cup 98 qualifying? May have been Euro 2000 but I don't think so. We've certainly not played them competitively since then, and I don't remember a friendly either. Seems utterly pointless talking about records at international level at the best of times but when none of either sides current playing or coaching staff were involved the last time we met it's just nonsensical.

Well Roy was actually involved in the preparations for the England squad in the draw against Italy in October 1997 so not quite so pointless as you may have thought.

 

They haven't met since 2002 though to be fair..

Unchanged team vs. Italy: Hart Johnson Terry Lescott Milner Gerrard Parker Young Rooney Welbeck

Scott Parker needs to hold his position, and not continually press the ball by himself when England don't have the ball. I'd have played five in midfield, as central midfield is the key to this game.

Unchanged makes sense... Is the Italy lineup out yet? I imagine there will be some criticism of Milner playing again but he will be vital tonight as Italy don't play like anyone else. If they play 3-5-2 like in their first two games he'll be needed as their width will push on more, if they play 4-4-2 it's with a diamond midfield so he'll be needed to come inside.

Unchanged makes sense... Is the Italy lineup out yet? I imagine there will be some criticism of Milner playing again but he will be vital tonight as Italy don't play like anyone else. If they play 3-5-2 like in their first two games he'll be needed as their width will push on more, if they play 4-4-2 it's with a diamond midfield so he'll be needed to come inside.

 

Milner gets criticized but I'm convinced Roy tells him to hold his position when attacking. He's not there because we're playing with one winger and one right sided midfielder. We need to hold the ball up so much better tonight. Welbeck, Rooney and Young need to be on top form. Sort of wish AOC was playing, as I remember when he put the shitters on Pirlo when Arsenal played at the San Siro!

Are you Roy Hodson in disguise?! :D He said the same about AOC but Pirlo plays for Juventus, who haven't played Arsenal for a few years.

I haven't seen much of the Italy team, but they apparently aren't great at dealing with physical players like Carroll and players with pace. May have been a good idea to play with Carroll and Walcott from the start, but Roy is probably looking to keep it tight and then bring them on as potential game changers

Are you Roy Hodson in disguise?! :D He said the same about AOC but Pirlo plays for Juventus, who haven't played Arsenal for a few years.

 

My bad! Me and Roy go way back, I just love his dinosaur tactics and how if any other top British club played them (apart from Chelsea) they'd get slaughtered, but single handedly expectations about England have been lowered to people didn't even think we'd be able to qualify from the group stages! :D Despite Pirlo being their main man, a bit of pace in the midfield then we can do ok against him. The word on the internet is that Motta is not starting for Italy. I really do think the key to this game could be Balotelli. I hope he starts, as I'd fear him more coming on for the last 20 minutes!

Are you Roy Hodson in disguise?! :D He said the same about AOC but Pirlo plays for Juventus, who haven't played Arsenal for a few years.

Rooney's been listening to too much of the Hodge :D

 

What was it he said again ? "AOC played well against Pirlo and Ambrosini". Ambrosini wasn't playing either if I remember correctly

Who would you all pick as your five penalty takers ? (obviously hoping it doesn't come to that..)

 

I'd go with: Rooney Gerrard Young Cole Milner