England face the Italians in Turin on Tuesday night in a rematch from their 2014 World Cup encounter in which the Azzurri came out on top in a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Claudio Marchisio and Mario Balotelli in Brazil.
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Numerous players have withdrawn from the squad through injuries, and Roy Hodgson has already confirmed that he will give opportunities to some of his fringe players – as reported by The Guardian. The likes of Kyle Walker, Andros Townsend, Theo Walcott and Ross Barkley are all pushing for starts.
Take a look at our predicted XI for the game:
GK) Joe Hart
The Manchester City keeper should get the nod over Rob Green and Jack Butland.
RB) Kyle Walker
We expect Walker to be given his chance to stake his claim for the right-back spot with Nathaniel Clyne rested to the bench.
CB) Gary Cahill
Roy Hodgson is still looking for the best central defensive partner for the Chelsea man.
CB) Chris Smalling
With his club teammate Phil Jones starting ahead of him against Lithuania last Friday, Smalling should be given a chance to impress against the Italians.
LB) Kieran Gibbs
With first choice left-back Leighton Baines ruled out through injury, the Arsenal man should get the number three shirt ahead of Ryan Bertrand.
DM) Phil Jones
The Manchester United man is set to replace his club teammate Michael Carrick. Perhaps Roy Hodgson has doubts over whether 33-year-old can play twice in such a short space of time.
RM) Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool man is one of the first names on the team sheet for club and country at the moment.
LM) Fabian Delph
The Aston Villa captain has become a regular for the national side in recent games, and with a injury to James Milner, expect him to retain his place.
AM) Wayne Rooney
Roy Hodgson is highly unlikely to drop his captain, and Rooney should get a chance to close in yet further on Sir Bobby Charlton’s all time goalscoring record for England.
ST) Theo Walcott
The Arsenal forward needs this game and will be eager to impress in a rare start for the national side.
ST) Harry Kane
In-form Tottenham striker could be handed his full international debut after scoring a substitute against Lithuania last Friday.