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England last beat Italy when Geaves and Charlton played as visitors launch Euro bid

talksport.com, 23 March 2023, 09:34
After four months away, England are back in action tonight as they start their journey to Euro 2024 on an unhappy hunting ground.

The Three Lions endured World Cup heartbreak against France but qualifying for the Euros is already upon us.

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Gil Azzurri beat England in a penalty shootout at Wembley in 2021 to lift the Euros for the second time.

And the Three Lions head to Italy looking for revenge but have not won there since 1961.

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The team that day contained Jimmy Greaves and Bobby Charlton, and the Three Lions won 3-2 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Since then, England have faced Italy eight times on their shores and failed to record a victory across various stadiums.

And goals have been a real problem, as the Three Lions have only scored twice on those visits.

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So this is not a place that England do well and things are going to have to change if the Three Lions are to get their qualification campaign off to a good start.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has joined Southgate's coaching staff as the England boss attempts to seal an opening win.

Southgate said: "It could be the most important qualification game we have.

"We know the level of the challenge, but everything we did well in Qatar, we have to continue.

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"I think this game against Italy is exactly the type of game that we've got to take on.

"It's somewhere we haven't won for a long time - don't have a great record against Italy, so it's a really good test for us to see if we can take a step forward as a team.

"The long-term aim is to be European champions; however, we've got to qualify, and our recent games against Italy give us a huge source of motivation."

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England's winless run in Italy has to end at some point because there are too many quality players for it to carry on much longer.

However, after missing out on the World Cup, Roberto Mancini's men will want to put on a show in front of what will be a passionate home crowd.

And given this is the opening match, a draw wouldn't be the worst result for England - although all Three Lions fans hope to see a vibrant, attacking display from their side.

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