Or bye bye England?

Maybe a draw would have felt like a fairer result, but Balotelli’s goal separated the teams and leaves the 3 Lions with difficult task to survive to the next stage.

Raheem Sterling was rewarded for his impressive form in training and given the start that many wanted, and it was deserved. He showed flair and pace and no fear running at the Italians.

After just 3 minutes Sterling’s shot into the side netting beating Sirigu resulted in a ‘goal’, at least on some of the tv channels covering the game.

Unfortunately, as Sterling’s lack of celebration confirmed, it wasn’t a goal.

England pressed hard on Italy and look like they can threaten any team, but still looked fragile at times at the back, and down the left. Italy causing us problems, Pirlo again being given too much freedom and orchestrating as usual.

It was on 35 minutes that, as a result of what looked like a move that has been well rehearsed, Pirlo dummied and set up Marchisio who struck the ball from around 25 yards through everyone in the penalty area and beat Joe Hart.

The fight back couldn’t have been better, just two minutes later Rooney put in a cross that Sturridge put beyond Sirigu, all level.

In the goal celebrations Gary Lewin, the 3 Lions physio, injured his ankle and was stretchered off.

The scoreline stayed level to the break, needing Jagielka to head off the line and seeing the woodwork hit by a shot from Candreva.

England came out for the second half with the same 11 but switching Wellbeck to the left to try to strengthen the defensive capability.

It wasn’t long into the second half that Balotelli got away from Cahill to nod in a cross from Candreva. England behind again.

Hodgson brought on Ross Barkley after an hour and we had more chances but didn’t convert them, Rooney shooting side and Barkley’s attempt being saved.

The conditions made the last 20 minutes or so tough going and time was running our for the 3 Lions and Pirlo hit the bar from a free kick.

And that’s how the scoreline finished 2-1 to Italy and a uphill battle for England who are in a fight for survival with Uruguay on Thursday after they had a shock 3-1 defeat by Costa Rica. A fight that will almost certainly involve Luis Suarez.

It’s not over yet, but kicking off the tournament with a defeat isn’t the best start for the 3 Lions!

Explore posts in the same categories: England Away, Here We Go, World Cup 2014

Tags: #3Lions, Daniel Sturridge, England v Italy, Joe Hart, pirlo, Raheem Sterling, ross barkley

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