Raheem Sterling battles Claudio Marchisio at the World Cup in 2014
Raheem Sterling battles Claudio Marchisio at the World Cup in 2014

Free football preview and betting tips: International friendly between England and Italy


England return to international action on Tuesday night as they welcome Italy to Wembley.


England v Italy recommended bets

2pts England to win and under 2.5 goals at 56/19

1pt Half-Time/Full-Time - Draw/England at 9/2


Gareth Southgate's England come into the game full of confidence, having put in a positive performance in the 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Friday night.

They host an Italy side who were defeated by Argentina at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on Friday night.

The Italians will also be absent from this summer's World Cup in Russia, having shocked many as they failed to qualify.

Southgate has admitted that he is unsure of his starting XI for Tuesday's clash, but reveals that Jack Butland will replace Jordan Pickford in goal.

On Butland's inclusion, the England boss told his press conference: "at the beginning of the week we decided to give (Pickford and Butland) a game for the experience.

"We've stuck with the plan right the way through with those decisions and there's no reason to come away from that.

"In lots of positions on the field we've got really good options and players that can go into the team and do well for us. We've got tough decisions further down the line. There's a lot to play for."

They secured their first win over the Netherlands since 1996 and England will be aiming for what would be just their third win over Italy since November 1977.

Jack Butland will start for England
Jack Butland will start for England

This Italy side though are much changed to the one that defeated England 2-1 at the 2014 World Cup as they find themselves in a period of re-building.

The 'Azzurri' have failed to win in their last three outings whilst Southgate's men are now unbeaten in seven. They are also unbeaten in eleven games on home soil and will be confident of extending that run given Italy's recent fortunes.

This will be the Three Lions' penultimate game at Wembley before the World Cup. They host Nigeria at the national stadium before facing Costa Rica at the Leeds United's Elland Road.

All five of England's last five games have finished with under 1.5 goals, with under 0.5 goals in two of those games in that run. They have kept five clean sheets alongside that and Italy have failed to score in their last three.

That's why I'd be looking at a lack of goals at Wembley on Tuesday night but having the 'buffer zone' of under 2.5 goals. England will be aiming for another win as they continue to prepare for this summer's tournament and are capable of wrapping up the victory in front of their home fans.

With the uncertainty surrounding team selection, like Friday night's clash with the Netherlands, I'd be avoiding backing individual player markets with the possibility of them having little or no involvement.

Score prediction: England 1-0 Italy (Sky Bet odds: 11/2)

Best bet: England to win and under 2.5 goals at 56/19

Alternative bet: Half-Time/Full-Time - Draw/England at 9/2


Odds correct at 1625 BST (26/03/18)

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