ENGLAND suffered defeat in their first World Cup game in Manaus.
Alex Grace Reports
Goals from Italy's Cladiuo Marchisio and Mario Balotelli either side of a Daniel Sturridge strike were enough to give Italy a 2-1 victory over the Three Lions on Saturday Evening.
England were undone by defensive venerability's in a display that would please Roy Hodgson.
The rue reality is that now England face a scrap to survive when they play Uruguay on Thursday after they were beaten 3-1 by Costa Rica. Whoever loses that one is doomed to elimination at the first hurdle.
Towards the end it was visible that Roy's men were tiring in the heat in the Amazon, but he will hope that not too much energy is lost as England face a another tough encounter in Sao Paulo.
To add insult to injury Physio Gary Lewin was taken off via a stretcher after he broke his ankle when celebrating Daniel Sturridge's goal.
Raheem Stirling put in a brilliant display as England looked dangerous and were a constant threat until they tired in the hot and sticky atmosphere.
However, Italy were still producing moments of brilliance and Andrea Pirlo the man tormented England back in Euro 2012 had a free kick which managed to clip the top of the woodwork on its way over.
Pirlo was involved in the games opening goal as he set up Marchisio who struck the ball from 25 yards through a crowded penalty area leaving Joe Hart with no chance.
England responded less than 2 minutes later when good build up play Wayne Rooney crossed the ball over for Daniel Sturridge to tap in to level things at 1-1. Italy ended the half the stronger side Phil Jagelika headed off the line from Balotelli.
England's problem was again on the left flank as Leighton Baines was unable to prevent the ball getting across into Balotelli who had got away from Gary Cahill to have a simple header to restore the Italian's lead.
Hodgson brought on Everton youngster Ross Barkley and he helped England to continue to create chances but were unable to take them.
Rooney pulled a shot just wide after he was put through by Baines and Barkely ended a great run with an shot that was pushed away by the Italian keeper. He was brought into action again and did well to keep out a Baines free kick as conditions began to take their tole on both sides.
Pirlo nearly had the final say when he's swerving free kick clipped the bar and went over as Joe Hart was rooted to the spot.
Player Ratings:
GK: Joe Hart: 6
DR Glen Johnson: 6
DL Leighton Baines: 5
DC: Gary Cahill: 6
DC: Phil Jagelika: 7
CM: Jordan Henderson: 7
CM: Steven Gerrard: 6
FC: Danny Welbeck: 7
FC: Raheem Sterling: 8
FC: Wayne Rooney; 6
ST: Daniel Sturridge: 7
Alex Grace Reports
Goals from Italy's Cladiuo Marchisio and Mario Balotelli either side of a Daniel Sturridge strike were enough to give Italy a 2-1 victory over the Three Lions on Saturday Evening.
England were undone by defensive venerability's in a display that would please Roy Hodgson.
The rue reality is that now England face a scrap to survive when they play Uruguay on Thursday after they were beaten 3-1 by Costa Rica. Whoever loses that one is doomed to elimination at the first hurdle.
Towards the end it was visible that Roy's men were tiring in the heat in the Amazon, but he will hope that not too much energy is lost as England face a another tough encounter in Sao Paulo.
To add insult to injury Physio Gary Lewin was taken off via a stretcher after he broke his ankle when celebrating Daniel Sturridge's goal.
Raheem Stirling put in a brilliant display as England looked dangerous and were a constant threat until they tired in the hot and sticky atmosphere.
However, Italy were still producing moments of brilliance and Andrea Pirlo the man tormented England back in Euro 2012 had a free kick which managed to clip the top of the woodwork on its way over.
Pirlo was involved in the games opening goal as he set up Marchisio who struck the ball from 25 yards through a crowded penalty area leaving Joe Hart with no chance.
England responded less than 2 minutes later when good build up play Wayne Rooney crossed the ball over for Daniel Sturridge to tap in to level things at 1-1. Italy ended the half the stronger side Phil Jagelika headed off the line from Balotelli.
England's problem was again on the left flank as Leighton Baines was unable to prevent the ball getting across into Balotelli who had got away from Gary Cahill to have a simple header to restore the Italian's lead.
Hodgson brought on Everton youngster Ross Barkley and he helped England to continue to create chances but were unable to take them.
Rooney pulled a shot just wide after he was put through by Baines and Barkely ended a great run with an shot that was pushed away by the Italian keeper. He was brought into action again and did well to keep out a Baines free kick as conditions began to take their tole on both sides.
Pirlo nearly had the final say when he's swerving free kick clipped the bar and went over as Joe Hart was rooted to the spot.
Player Ratings:
GK: Joe Hart: 6
DR Glen Johnson: 6
DL Leighton Baines: 5
DC: Gary Cahill: 6
DC: Phil Jagelika: 7
CM: Jordan Henderson: 7
CM: Steven Gerrard: 6
FC: Danny Welbeck: 7
FC: Raheem Sterling: 8
FC: Wayne Rooney; 6
ST: Daniel Sturridge: 7
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