Eyes Fixed On England Tonight

We've seen Germany, Portugal and Spain go through, the favourites to get through but who will be the fourth?
It's that time again for England go into the Quarter-finals to take on Italy and I am sure everyone will be looking to see who will be played. So lets have a look.


As far as I can see, Liverpool and Arsenal will be teams with the players that will make or break it on the offence.
Italy's solid back four has shown through the group stage that they are capable of defending against even the toughest of opponents but what who or what can we do to break it down?!


Italy's defence is indeed solid however inconsistency and random lack of concentration as seen in their match against Spain and Croatia could be their undoing and England's glory.


Andy Carroll has to start.


Carroll's ability to hold the ball and head in the high crosses will be crucial in getting over the Italian defence who have been superb in defending against the Spanish side who excel with fancy footwork. We will be relying on Gerrard and possibly Downing (Though the more likely Milner would be selected) to spot Carroll as well as Walcott who can provide Carroll with the balls to nod them home while Chamberlain will be our counter man, one to attack on the counter and run riot with Walcott as support. However this would be best utilised in the final third, the first part will see England attacking variety points of entry, playing the wide balls as well as having Young and Wellbeck countering. Their familiarity with each other will help provide a strong and constant attacking piece of football.
We will have to see England playing much more aggressively if we have any hope of dealing a blow to Italy and going into the Semi Finals.


This is not going to be an easy game for the defence as Italy still have attacking strength in Di Natale, Balotelli and Cassano, all of who have put themselves on the scoreboard in this competition, our defence will need to look sharp. Balotelli essentially the Italian Carroll with an attitude (in the coolest way possible with a lot less hair), while Cassano has a Rooney style flair about him and Di Natale is your experienced Striker, picking out the weak points in a defence and taking advantage of it to put away the goals.


With only a couple of hours left before the match, I would pick my starting XI as:


Hart
G.Johnson, Terry, Lescott, A.Cole
Downing, Gerrard, Parker, Young
Carroll, Wellbeck


Sub at 60mins


Wellbeck < Oxlade-Chamberlain
Young < Walcott


Score prediction:


Hard to say but I go with...


England 2-1 Italy
Carroll and Gerrard to score
Balotelli to score


Almost time!!! See ya after the game!!