Manaus : This match is the most crucial game of the group after Costa Rica created upset by defeating Uruguay in the first fixture in group D. Italy have already lost their captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon for this key clash. Sirigu replaces Buffon in the goal while Andre Pirlo have been given captains armband. Balotelli will be leading the forward line.
England on the other hand have some young and fresh faces in their squad. Though they will miss the service of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who is out of this clash because of injury. Rooney and Welbeck will be starting up front for the English side. Steven Gerrard will be leading the side whiel Lampard will be starting the match from the bench. With no John Terry Jagielka and Gary Cahill will shoulder the responsibility in the central defence.
This match is a repeat of quarter-final clash at the 2012 European Championship, where Italy outplayed England before prevailing on penalties. A victory at Manus will put one team in comfort zone while the other team will have a tough job ahead to make it to the next round.
Teams
England
Hart (GK), Johnson, Baines, Gerrard (C), Cahill, Jagielka, Sturridge, Rooney, Welbeck, Henderson, Sterling
Italy
Sirigu (GK), Chiellini, Darmian, Candreva, Marchisio, Balotelli, Barzagli, De Rossi, Paletta, Pirlo (C), Verratti
