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By Iain West | 9th October 2023
The upcoming England vs Italy clash in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers has football enthusiasts eagerly anticipating another thrilling encounter. This match is a chance for England to seek redemption after Italy’s victory in the 2020 European Championship final. Scheduled for Tuesday, 17th October 2023, at London’s Wembley Stadium, this showdown promises to be a highlight of the qualifying campaign.
Team Rankings and Form
As of now, England holds a favourable position in the FIFA rankings, sitting at number four, while Italy trails at eighth. Gareth Southgate’s squad has been on a winning streak in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers, securing four consecutive victories in Group C. One of their standout wins was a crucial 2-1 triumph over Italy in Naples. In their latest match, England displayed dominance with a resounding 7-0 victory over North Macedonia, reaffirming their formidable form and strengthening their position as a top contender in the qualifiers.
Expectations and Odds
The England vs Italy odds are expected to heavily favour the home team, given their impressive form and the home advantage. However, Italy remains determined to make a statement and rekindle their qualification hopes. Realistically, Italy faces strong competition from Ukraine for the second qualifying spot, with a pivotal match still to come. Ongoing issues in Ukraine have forced the team to play their home games in neighbouring Poland, setting the stage for a potential winner-takes-all clash in November.
Head-to-Head Records
Analysing the historical head-to-head record between England and Italy, the Italians hold a slight advantage with 13 wins compared to England’s nine, along with nine draws. However, when considering the past 40 years, the rivalry has been more evenly balanced, with England managing just three wins out of 18 encounters.
Recent Developments
Since their memorable encounter in the Euro final, the fortunes of England and Italy have taken different paths. Italy failed to qualify for the Qatar World Cup, while England’s impressive run saw them reach the quarter-finals before being eliminated by a strong French side. Harry Kane’s record-breaking goal in a 2-1 win over Italy in Naples further solidified England’s status as a top European team.
Squad Strength
England’s squad boasts a wealth of talent, including James Maddison, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and their inspirational captain, Harry Kane. In comparison, Italy still possesses quality players like Jorginho, Nicolo Barella, Marco Verratti, Andrea Belotti, and Mateo Retegui. However, England’s depth and recent performances make them the favourites in this contest.
Final Thoughts
The highly anticipated England vs Italy clash in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers is poised to deliver yet another enthralling showdown between two footballing powerhouses. While England enjoys the advantage in form and squad strength, with players like Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and the inspirational captain, Harry Kane, Italy’s rich footballing history and unyielding desire for redemption create an air of unpredictability. Football fans worldwide eagerly await this matchup, hoping to witness another classic encounter between these perennial rivals, England and Italy, as they vie for glory in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers.
Iain West is an MFF Sports Writer
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