England vs Italy – EURO 2024 Qualifier

Hi everyone,

Hope you’re all well.

On Tuesday 17th of October 2023, England were back in Wembley to play a EURO 2024 qualifier against Italy.

With three qualifying games remaining and England sitting top of group C, the three lions had the opportunity to automatically qualify for Germany 2024 if they didn’t lose against Italy.

Tonight’s opponents were Luciano Spalletti’s Italy. Much like England Italy played over the weekend, with their qualifying game ending 4-0 against Malta. Before this they faced Ukraine and North Macedonia which ended in a win and a draw. Unlike England, Italy needed to win this game to gain crucial points in their battle for qualification.

Gareth Southgate named a much stronger team for this match replacing all 11 players from Friday's match, including some controversial names! This consisted of Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, and captain Harry Kane. I, like many other English supporters, was very excited to see Jude Bellingham in action, since his move to Real Madrid he has been going from strength to strength ripping teams apart every week!

The two sides had met on two occasions since the heartbreak of the EURO 2020 final in the Nations League, one of which ended in an Italy win and the other a 0-0 draw. They also met in March for a EURO qualifier where England left with the three points in a 2-1 win. With a lot riding on this match, would England finally get redemption?!

England secured their spot in Germany’s 2024 EURO campaign after coming from behind to beat Italy 3-1.

With the EURO 2020 final still looming over Wembley Stadium, it was England, who were looking for revenge, that got off to a bright start. Early into the game the Three Lions got the ball into the box multiple times, but just couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Against the run of play, it was Italy who got the first goal of the night. The Italians worked their way up the pitch using the left side before switching to the right, Giovanni Di Lorenzo crossed the ball low into Gianluca Scamacca and with his first touch send a bullet into the top netting.

Just under ten minutes later Scamacca had the opportunity to double Italy’s lead, but his shot from the edge of the box went wide of Jordan Pickford’s goal.

Real Madrid star, Jude Bellingham, continued his fine club form onto the Wembley pitch, being at the heart of England’s regained domination.

Some silky football down the centre of the pitch from the home side allowed them to advance up-field, a quick one-two with Harry Kane saw Bellingham almost through on goal – but he was brought down by the outstretched leg of Di Lorenzo. After a lengthy VAR check a penalty was awarded, and Kane converting for his 60th England goal.

Marcus Rashford was the next England player to send a shot Gianluigi Donnarumma’s way, but his attempt was blocked by the Paris Saint-Germain keeper.

Bellingham, once again proving he is already a world class player, won the ball back with a fantastic tackle deep in his own half. Advancing up the pitch he received a ball from Phil Foden, after completely taking out his defender by lobing the ball over the Italians head Bellingham continued his run into an abundance of space. The 20-year-old released Rashford down the left wing, the Manchester United winger put England ahead following a strong direct run towards goal and a fine finish to complete the move.

England were able to control the closing stages of the game, with Southgate bringing on defensive players Marc Guehi and Jordan Henderson to help see out the three points.

The Crystal Palace defender, Guehi, had a strong fifteen minutes looking very confident and even picked out Kane to begin another England attack. Kane got the better of Scalvini and was able to charge towards goal before calmly finishing beyond Donnarumma to get his second of the night.

This 3-1 result saw England comfortably secure their place in Germany for next summer’s EUROS finishing top of their table!

Que Sera, Sera, Whatever Will Be, Will Be, We’re Going To Germany!! I thought it was a very exciting game of football, when we went 1-0 I thought the worst, but the team did brilliantly to battle back for the three points. When I saw Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips on the team-sheet I wasn’t the most impressed, much like Jordan Henderson against Australia it was noticeable they lacked minutes playing at the highest level. Maguire often slowed the pace of the game down with repetitive backward passes, but with a 3-1 win you can’t be too annoyed! Jude Bellingham, my oh my, what a player! He dictated the play throughout and was a crucial element of the first two goals and the overall comeback. And he’s only 20! Was also nice to see Marcus Rashford on the scoresheet after the tough time he’s having at Manchester united at the moment. Finally always a proud moment to see a Crystal Palace player in an England shirt, Marc Guehi did really well with his limited time on the pitch.

England’s next game is in November against Malta, meaning it’s time to go back to club football! The next game I’m attending is Crystal Palace vs Tottenham in a little over a week at Selhurst Park, so look out for that post!

Thank you for reading.

Ellie Xx