Having met in the knock-out stages of Euro 2012, with Italy running out winners, England were looking to even things up in their opening fixture of Group D in the World Cup.

Both sides would have been pleased with the way they started the game, not creating any real clear cut chances but still causing problems for each others defence. The inclusion of Sterling was looking like the correct call, running at the Italians, shooting at goal and also flashing the ball across the six yard box. However, it didn't take long for Andrea Pirlo to start getting on the ball and dominating the midfield area. Italy began to work the ball down their right hand side with confidence, Rooney leaving Baines exposed at left back and Candreva was taking full advantage. Italy took the lead following a great dummy by Pirlo from a corner and Marchisio hitting a sweet strike into the corner of the net.

Despite this set back, England hit back immediately with Rooney finding a bit of space down the left and crossing for Sturridge to finish inside the six yard box. The second half started in much the same manner as the first, Pirlo dominating the ball in midfield and Darmian and Candreva combined to open England down the their left side, with Balotelli providing the headed finish to make it 2-1 to Italy. Hodgson made a few changes in the second half but none of them provided the spark England required. Rooney dragged a good chance wide but the game ended with the Italians running out 2-1 winners.

Italy will have been delighted with this result and probably couldn't believe the space that was afforded to Pirlo in the middle. The first goal showed good invention from a corner and the second involved great build up play by the impressive Darmian and Candreva, who look like a good partnership down the right. Sirigu came in for Buffon and did well, Verratti was energetic in midfield and Balotelli led the line superbly. If Italy can play like this against Costa Rica they will almost certainly win and progress to the knock-out stages and will be looking to at least make the quarter finals.

England have got a few more problems, Rooney looks out of form, didn't offer Baines any help defensively and is struggling to hold on to his starting place. Lallana is in fine form and will be pushing to start the next match against Uruguay. Gerrard was over shadowed once again by Pirlo and England really need him to raise his game if they are to qualify from the group. On a positive note, Sturridge, Sterling and Welbeck looked lively in attack and can cause any team problems. If England can solidify the midfield area, dominate the ball a bit more and get their attackers on the front foot in threatening areas then they can beat Uruguay. Hodgson has got some tough decisions to make before the next match, if England beat Uruguay they can qualify from their group but on their showing against Italy they will struggle to get passed the last 16.

England odds to qualify from group – 1.91 @ Bet365

Italy odds to reach the quarter finals – 1.73 @ Bet365