Southampton striker, Graziano Pelle, stroke first header which looked to have set Italy on course for win in the last friendly as the Three Lions struggled to procure grips with the strategies and changes made by the manager, Roy Hodgson, after the previous Euro’s qualifier victory against Lithuania. However, England were slightly lifted by the introduction of a number of substitutes and Townsend successfully capped a second-half performance that merited a 1-1 result. The new rising star of Tottenham, who is currently 20 years old, drove 11 minutes from time bestowed Italy’s legendary goal keeper, Gianluigi Buffon, no chance of saving. Roy Hodgson’s men then ended the match on top and they only a great save from Gigi Buffon successfully stopped England captain, Wayne Rooney. In the game, Rooney managed to get a hit on the bar from adding his record of 47 goals for Three Lions squad and closing even further on the record set by Sir Bobby Charlton of 49 goals. The experiment, in which Roy Hodgson was set in midfield, failed dismally and then he reverted to his natural position, defender, when Smalling went off ill before the half-time break. Similarly, it was such an entirely wasted night for Arsenal’s Walcott in as much as he got misused in a forward role instead of on the wing, which he usually has when playing for Arsenal.
England accomplished 126 passes in the final third of the pitch, which was 42 more than the opponent. There were also some pluses too, however, with a great cameo from Everton’s Barkley and an astute performance by Michael Carrick when he was sent in to replace Chris Smalling. For long periods, England looked poor and shaky in their performance pock which was marked by wayward passing. Basically, it was of no coincidence that the squad improved their performance significantly once players considered more familiar positions and the others were introduced who passed the ball, giving them pace, width, and pace.
England’s effort of seven straight wins since the last world cup may be over yet Roy Hodgson might deem it as a satisfactory few days. The win against Lithuania made it five victories out of five in the current Euro 2016 qualifying campaign and it was a totally worthwhile fact, finding mission against Italy. Roy Hodgson will get his men back together in June for a friendly match against the Republic of Ireland in June, followed by another key qualifier against Slovenia.