England
- The Three Lions haven't roared in a major tournament since 1966, and it's unlikely that Roy Hodgson's men will establish themselves as kings of the Brazilian jungle this year. But there is hope. A balanced squad seasoned with the youth and pace of Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley; England have the arsenal to cause an upset. 25/1, and that's if we don't get ourselves involved in a penalty shoot-out.
- Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka form a relatively solid pairing in the centre of Hodgson's defence, but the 66-year-old may regret his decision not to involve the experience of John Terry. The right side is a weakness for England and Glen Johnson is always prone to error, but on the other side, Leighton Baines provides a threat on the flanks.
- We have options in the midfield and I'd like to see Ross Barkley alongside Steven Gerrard. Hodgson is likely to pair the captain with Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson, but Frank Lampard, Adam Lallana, Jack Wilshere and Barkley will all be competing to offer the side something different. On the flanks, Raheem Sterling and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (if fit) will deliver excitement - something England lack.
- Daniel Sturridge netted an impressive 21 league goals last season and alongside the experience of Wayne Rooney, he'll be hopeful of adding to his impressive tally this year. Rooney will sit just behind the Liverpool striker where his passing abilities can be fully utilised.
Key Player
Wayne Rooney
(Rooney has performed poorly in England's last two major tournaments and will be looking to answer his critics)
Possible line-up
Italy
- At 28-1, Italy are no longer the international force they once were, but one thing Cesare Prandelli's men do have is World Cup know-how, and they always seem to find a way into the semi-finals. Their strengths lie in the centre of midfield and in the explosiveness of their strikers, but if the Golden Oldies don't show up and Mario Balotelli throws one of his temper-tantrums, the Italians will struggle.
- Giorgio Chiellini will martial a fairly timid looking back-line made up of Ignazio Abate, Andrea Barzagli and Matteo Darmian. Juventus's Mattia De Sciglio has been ruled out of Italy's opener.
- The Italians are blessed with strength and experience in the centre of midfield. The vision and elegance of Andrea Pirlo could marry gloriously with with the ruthless approach of Daniele De Rossi, but Paris Saint Germain's Marco Verratti may be the man England have to keep their eye on.
- The English will be excited to reunite with 'Mad' Mario Balotelli after a year apart, but the 23-year-old could drive a stake through the hearts of his former buddies if he turns on his talent this year. He can be volatile, but he can also be brilliant.
Key Player
Andrea Pirlo
(Pirlo could be the beating heart of Cesare Prandelli's side - his elegance on the ball is often a joy to watch)
Possible line-up
Prediction
If England utilise the creativity in their midfield to effect, they should win the game. Wayne Rooney's vision and ability to bully defenders could be key and Hodgson's men will be looking to get the Manchester United forward on the ball as much as possible. My heart says England, but my head thinks a draw.
England 1 - 1 Italy
