Euro 2012: Suggested England Line-Up For Italy v England, Sunday 24 June

I understood the defensive set-up against Ukraine, given the need to stop them scoring, guaranteeing at least a draw.

But I think England can afford to go for it a bit more on Sunday, for the Quarter Final against Italy. Italy don't have that much poke up front, and England have a very good defence, well supported from midfield, by Roy Hodgson's technically rigid 4-4-2 system. England's goalkeeper, and three of the four England defenders are world class, and Lescott has done very well.

To increase England's attacking options, Walcott should I think replace Milner on the right wing. Walcott has electric pace, and can run all night. By contrast, although Milner has proved his international pedigree, he does seem to struggle a little in humid conditions. I also think Carroll should replace Welbeck, who was pretty ineffective against Ukraine and Sweden, regardless of his excellent finishing skills.

So here's my eleven to face Italy;      

Hart, Johnson, Cole, Terry, Lescott, Gerrard, Parker, Walcott, Carroll, Rooney, Young.

Who's going to win on Sunday? I think England have a real chance of beating Italy. My money's on a score draw after extra time, with England winning on penalties, because Hart is the better goalkeeper. You'll be chewing on your fingernails, as England progress to a Semi-Final against Germany.

Euro 2012 Match Report: England 1 Ukraine 0

A more defensive England set-up, designed to stop Ukraine scoring, and you can't knock Roy Hodgson for that. Ukraine should have been awarded a goal in the second half, when a strike of theirs was clearly over the line. But England deserved their win, of both the game and group. Job done.

Hart 7. Assured, defence protected him well.
Johnson 6. Quiet. Gave away possession unnecessarily x2.
Cole 6. No mistakes. One good shot.
Terry 9 (MoM). Marshalled defence superbly, 2 crucial touches to deny goals, dangerous at England corners.
Lescott 6. Understandably super-cautious, did nothing wrong.
Gerrard 7. Great vision again.
Parker 6. Quiet, but solid.
Milner 6. Workhorse, not best suited by defensive set-up. Seems to struggle in humid conditions.
Young 6. Quiet, fundamentally because of defensive set-up.
Welbeck 5. Ineffective, surrendered possession needlessly x3, no goal this time.
Rooney 6. Looked fit, but out of practice. Often surrendered possession. Goalkeeping error gifted his tap-in.
Walcott (Sub) 6. No real impact, did nothing wrong.
Oxlade-Chamberlain (Sub) 6. Looked a bit untidy, but made a nuisance of himself.
Carroll (Sub) 6. Little time to make an impact.

Job done sums it up. I'd expect a different approach for Sunday's Quarter Final against Italy, and I think England have a real chance of progressing, to a Semi-Final against Germany.

Who's going to win on Sunday? Check out http://tinyurl.com/cxzyutk 

Euro 2012 Match Report: Sweden 2 England 3

I thought England deserved the win. Going forward, they looked more dangerous. Midfield was scrappy and clustered all game, and Sweden had the better of it, but England defended well, which was evidenced by the fact that both of Sweden's goals came from set pieces.

Hart 6. Confident, largely untroubled.
Johnson 6. Quiet but assured.
Cole 5. Uncharacteristically out of position often, needlessly surrended possession x5.
Terry 6. Lack of pace again exposed, but played well.
Lescott 6. Solid, did nothing wrong.
Gerrard 7. Great cross for the first goal, great vision.
Parker 6. Solid, continues to surprise.
Milner 7. Workhorse, some good crosses, continues to justify his selection.
Carroll 8 (MoM). Workmanlike, fantastic header for the first goal.
Welbeck 7. Not enough overall impact, but great touch for the third goal.
Young 7. Always looks dangerous and creative. Good vision.
Walcott (Sub) 8. Great strike for the second goal, set up the third.
Oxlade-Chamberlain (Sub) 6. Little time to make an impact.

Overall, a good England performance, showing spirit, commitment, desire, urgency, and promise for the future. I think they'll get the point they need against Ukraine, to qualify for the knockout stages.