Reaction
Phil Neville: 'Criticism of my commentating skills was brutal'
Phil Neville admits that the criticism that he received for his debut as co-commentator for the BBC at the World Cup was "brutal".
Jul 2, 12:11
Rene Meulensteen cannot understand Wayne Rooney criticism
Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen does not believe that striker Wayne Rooney deserves the criticism that he has received from the media.
Jun 19, 13:00
Gary Neville encouraged by England's display
England coach Gary Neville says that he was pleased with the Three Lions' display against Italy last Saturday.
Jun 17, 04:41
Daniel Sturridge would never 'bend rules' as Luis Suarez has
England's Daniel Sturridge insists that he would never cheat to try to secure victory as Liverpool teammate Luis Suarez, his opponent on Thursday, has done in the past.
Jun 17, 00:30
Diego Maradona: 'Wayne Rooney failed against Italy'
Former Argentina international Diego Maradona says that Wayne Rooney failed to produce his best form in England's World Cup defeat to Italy on Saturday.
Jun 16, 10:24
Alan Pardew: 'Roy Hodgson playing Wayne Rooney out of position'
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes that England boss Roy Hodgson is wrong to play Wayne Rooney out of position.
Jun 16, 07:28
Alan Hansen: 'England miss Ashley Cole at World Cup'
Alan Hansen believes that England are missing Ashley Cole following their defeat to Italy in the World Cup on Saturday.
Jun 16, 06:53
Mario Balotelli: "We do not fear anyone"
Italy striker Mario Balotelli is adamant that his side do not fear any team at the World Cup as they got their campaign off to the perfect start by defeating England.
Jun 16, 03:20
Jose Mourinho defends Wayne Rooney performance
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho feels that Wayne Rooney played well in England's defeat to Italy amid criticism of his performance.
Jun 16, 03:05
Steven Gerrard hails "fearless" Raheem Sterling
Steven Gerrard says that Raheem Sterling will have a big future for England following the impact he made in their opening World Cup clash.
Jun 16, 00:19
Paddy Crerand: 'Play Wayne Rooney in best position'
Former Manchester United midfielder Paddy Crerand says that Wayne Rooney needs to be deployed in a central area by England.
Jun 15, 17:50
Andrea Pirlo praises Italy side
Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo hails his side following Saturday's 2-1 win over England in their World Cup opener.
Jun 15, 15:55
Jose Mourinho: 'Wayne Rooney out of position'
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho claims that Wayne Rooney was played out of position in England's 2-1 defeat to Italy on Saturday.
Jun 15, 13:55
Jordan Henderson upbeat despite England loss
Jordan Henderson insists that there are plenty of positives to take out of England's 2-1 defeat to Italy at the World Cup.
Jun 15, 13:49
Daniel Sturridge reveals injury concern
England striker Daniel Sturridge reveals that he is struggling with a dead leg ahead of Thursday's crucial World Cup encounter with Uruguay.
Jun 15, 13:30
Salvatore Sirigu happy with display for Italy
Goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu admits that he was pleased with his performance for Italy during their win over England at the World Cup.
Jun 15, 12:25
Steven Gerrard admits he is "proud" of England's performance against Italy
England captain Steven Gerrard praises the performance of his teammates in the 2-1 defeat to Italy, admitting that he is "proud" of the display.
Jun 15, 11:27
England physio Gary Lewin to return home
The FA confirms that England physio Gary Lewin is to return home from the World Cup after suffering a dislocated ankle.
Jun 15, 11:19
Claudio Marchisio claims he had hallucinations during the game due to the heat
Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio claims that he experienced hallucinations due to the heat during the 2-1 win over England on Saturday.
Jun 15, 09:42
Cesare Prandelli hails Italy midfielders' performances
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli hails the performance of his midfielders, who dominated possession in the 2-1 win over England on Saturday.
Jun 15, 09:11
Cesare Prandelli: 'England one of the strongest teams in the World Cup'
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli believes that England are "one of the strongest teams in the World Cup"
Jun 15, 08:47
Cesare Prandelli slams FIFA "madness"
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli says that it is "madness" that FIFA do not allow every team the luxury of a cooling break to combat the heat in Brazil.
Jun 15, 05:41
Roy Hodgson: England on "back foot" for last 16
England boss Roy Hodgson admits that the Three Lions are on the "back foot" to qualify for the second round of the World Cup after losing to Italy.
Jun 15, 04:23
Cesare Prandelli lauds match-winning Mario Balotelli
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli singles out match-winning Mario Balotelli for special praise following the 2-1 World Cup victory over England.
Jun 15, 03:14
Mario Balotelli wants Italy fear factor
Italy striker Mario Balotelli believes that every team should "fear" the Azzurri following their 2-1 win over England.
Jun 15, 02:29
Steven Gerrard optimistic over England progress
Steven Gerrard says that England still have plenty to play for in the World Cup following their defeat to Italy.
Jun 15, 02:07
Roy Hodgson defends Wayne Rooney performance
England coach Roy Hodgson rejects claims that Wayne Rooney looked 'uncomfortable' on the wing in the 2-1 defeat to Italy.
Jun 15, 01:48
The Match
Player Ratings
Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during England's 2-1 defeat to Italy in their opening World Cup match this evening.
Analysis
Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at England's 2-1 defeat to Italy in their opening match of the 2014 World Cup.
Match Report
England lose their World Cup Group D opener with a 2-1 defeat to Italy in Manaus.
Live Commentary
Relive England's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Italy in their World Cup opener courtesy of Sports Mole's live coverage of the match.
HT Report
England hold Italy to 1-1 at half time in their World Cup Group D opener in Manaus.
Team News
England name Liverpool midfielder Raheem Sterling in their starting XI for this evening's World Cup Group D opener against Italy in Manaus.
Preview
Sports Mole previews England's opening World Cup match against Italy ahead of the meeting between the two sides in Manaus.
Head to Head
Jun 5, 2013 7.30pm
Form Guide
Build-up
Alan Shearer: 'Italy clash will be Wayne Rooney's biggest England game'
Former England striker Alan Shearer claims that Wayne Rooney will be playing his "biggest game" for the Three Lions in tonight's Group D opener against Italy in Manaus.
Jun 14, 22:58
Gianluigi Buffon confirms absence against England
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon confirms via Twitter that he will miss the Azzurri's Group D opener against England in Manaus this evening.
Jun 14, 21:08
Glenn Hoddle: 'Frank Lampard must start against Italy'
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle believes that Frank Lampard must start against Italy at the World Cup.
Jun 14, 16:34
Gianluigi Buffon out of Italy's first World Cup game against England
Gianluigi Buffon confirms that he will miss tonight's World Cup Group D game between Italy and England.
Jun 14, 16:25
Joey Barton reveals "man-crush" on Andrea Pirlo
Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton praises Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo.
Jun 14, 15:16
Report: Gianluigi Buffon out of England match
Reports in Italy claim that Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will miss Italy's World Cup clash with England with an ankle injury.
Jun 14, 15:03
Neil Lennon: 'England need Rooney'
Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon says that England need Wayne Rooney to be at his best if Roy Hodgson's side are to beat Italy.
Jun 14, 14:50
Steven Gerrard praises Daniel Strurridge
England captain Steven Gerrard claims that Liverpool and international teammate Daniel Sturridge has the potential to become "one of the best strikers in the world".
Jun 14, 14:37
Gianluca Vialli: 'Italy have slight advantage'
Former Italy striker Gianluca Vialli backs his country to beat England in tonight's World Cup clash.
Jun 14, 12:26
England vs. Italy: Five key factors
Ahead of England's World Cup opener against Italy this evening, Sports Mole picks out five factors that could have a telling impact on the final result.
Jun 14, 11:14
Gianluigi Buffon limps out of Italy training with ankle injury
Gianluigi Buffon is a doubt for Italy's World Cup opener with England after limping out of training.
Jun 14, 02:56
Roy Hodgson "happy" with Manaus pitch
England manager Roy Hodgson says that he is happy with the condition of the pitch that his side will be playing on during their World Cup opener against Italy.
Jun 14, 00:18
Jordan Henderson: 'England players confident ahead of World Cup opener'
Jordan Henderson admits that he had "butterflies" watching Brazil kick off Thursday night's World Cup opener against Croatia.
Jun 13, 23:59
Danny Welbeck passed fit for Italy clash
Roy Hodgson reveals that Danny Welbeck is fit to face Italy on Saturday in England's opening World Cup game.
Jun 13, 23:08
Steven Gerrard: 'England will adopt bold approach against Italy'
Steven Gerrard insists that England will adopt a "bold" approach against Italy in their World Cup opener.
Jun 13, 22:56
Jordan Henderson: 'England youngsters have no fear'
Jordan Henderson lavishes praise on England's younger players ahead of their World Cup opener against Italy.
Jun 13, 21:00
Andrea Barzagli: 'Juventus bond huge help to Italy'
Italy defender Andrea Barzagli believes that the familiarity between the Juventus contingent of the Azzurri squad could be their biggest weapon at the World Cup.
Jun 13, 15:38
James Milner: 'England have good mix of players'
England midfielder James Milner insists that England have a perfect mix of youth and experience ahead of their opening World Cup game this weekend.
Jun 13, 14:20
FIFPro critical of Manuas pitch quality
Players' union FIFPro adds to the criticism regarding the poor playing conditions of the Amazonia Arena pitch.
Jun 13, 13:16
Joe Cole: England have "great chance"
Aston Villa midfielder Joe Cole believes that England stand a chance of winning the World Cup.
Jun 13, 12:45
Leighton Baines hails England team spirit
Leighton Baines insists that team spirit within the England camp is high ahead of their opening World Cup game against Italy on Saturday.
Jun 13, 11:13
John Barnes: Wayne Rooney is England's "most important player"
John Barnes tells Sports Mole that Wayne Rooney is England's "most important player" and talk that he should be dropped is "nonsense".
Jun 13, 10:43
James Milner: 'Heat is not an issue for England'
James Milner claims that the heat in Manaus is not playing on the minds of the England squad ahead of the match against Italy.
Jun 13, 05:59
Gianluca Vialli: 'Mario Balotelli has earned starting spot'
Gianluca Vialli believes that Mario Balotelli should start for Italy in their World Cup opener against England.
Jun 13, 01:51
Mattia De Sciglio to miss England clash
Mattia De Sciglio is ruled out of Italy's opening World Cup match against England.
Jun 12, 23:37
Manaus pitch spray-painted green?
Reports suggest that the pitch at the Arena Amazonia has been spray-painted green following criticism over the state of the surface.
Jun 12, 22:22
Andrea Barzagli wary of England threat
Italy defender Andrea Barzagli is wary of the threat England will pose when the two sides meet in their World Cup opener on Saturday.
Jun 12, 20:44
Italy to train at Arena Amazonia despite concerns over pitch
Italy will still train at the Arena Amazonia despite England opting to stay at their hotel amid concerns over the state of the playing surface in Manaus.
Jun 12, 20:29
Andrea Barzagli plays down Manaus heat
Italy defender Andrea Barzagli does not believe that the hot and humid conditions in Manaus will favour either side when they take on England on Saturday.
Jun 12, 20:03
Gary Cahill: 'I don't know what to expect'
England defender Gary Cahill admits that he doesn't know what to expect when playing in the hot and humid conditions of Manaus this Saturday.
Jun 12, 19:46
Italy concerned about Manaus pitch
Italy Football Federation vice president Demetrio Albertini expresses concern over the state of the Amazonia Arena pitch ahead of their World Cup opener against England.
Jun 12, 19:16
Gary Cahill: 'England don't have masterplan for Andrea Pirlo'
Gary Cahill insists that there is no "masterplan" in place to deal with Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo on Saturday night.
Jun 12, 17:41
Ray Parlour: 'Steven Gerrard as good as Andrea Pirlo'
Ray Parlour believes that England should not worry too much about Andrea Pirlo as they have as good a player in Steven Gerrard.
Jun 12, 15:04
Michael Owen: 'Dropping Wayne Rooney is not an option'
England legend Michael Owen stresses that dropping former teammate Wayne Rooney for the opening World Cup game against Italy on Saturday is "not an option".
Jun 12, 14:42
Carlo Ancelotti: 'Italy must stay united'
Carlo Ancelotti says that if Italy stay United there is no reason why they cannot go far in the World Cup.
Jun 12, 14:30
Phil Jagielka: 'Italy not immune to Manaus conditions after Confederations Cup'
England defender Phil Jagielka does not think that Italy's experience of playing in Northern Brazil last summer gives them an advantage when they face off in Manaus.
Jun 12, 14:12
Rafael Benitez: 'Man-marking may not stop Andrea Pirlo'
Napoli manager Rafael Benitez warns England that their reported plan to mark Andrea Pirlo may not stop the midfielder controlling their match with Italy on Saturday.
Jun 12, 13:42
England to inspect state of Manaus pitch
England will send backroom staff to inspect the Manaus pitch that will host their game against Italy after pictures emerged of a dry and poor playing surface.
Jun 12, 11:33
Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo: 'We know how to defeat England'
Italy veteran Andrea Pirlo warns England that he has done his homework on them ahead of their World Cup meeting.
Jun 11, 23:52
Wayne Rooney hails 'best' England squad
Wayne Rooney says that the current England squad is the best he has been involved with during his international career.
Jun 11, 23:14
Andrea Pirlo: 'I'll retire from Italy after World Cup'
Italy's Andrea Pirlo admits that he could retire from international duty after the 2014 World Cup.
Jun 11, 20:48
Wayne Rooney: 'England are better than Italy'
England striker Wayne Rooney claims that his side are better than Italy ahead of their meeting in Manaus on Saturday.
Jun 11, 19:47
Andrea Pirlo plays down Manaus heat
Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo plays down talk of the heat of Manaus affecting the game against England on Saturday.
Jun 11, 19:30
Wayne Rooney: 'Danny Welbeck will be fine'
Wayne Rooney reveals that Danny Welbeck will be fit for England's World Cup opener against Italy.
Jun 11, 17:36
Danny Welbeck misses England training
England striker Danny Welbeck misses training ahead of Saturday's World Cup opener against Italy.
Jun 11, 15:33
England squad take anti-malaria tablets ahead of trip to Manaus
England's World Cup squad take anti-malaria tablets ahead of their clash against Italy in Manaus on Saturday.
Jun 11, 14:13
John Barnes: 'Bench Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley for Italy game'
Ahead of England's World Cup opener against Italy, John Barnes tells Sports Mole that Raheem Sterling and other youngsters would best be used as impact substitutes.
Jun 11, 10:44
Martin Keown: 'England can handle Mario Balotelli'
Martin Keown believes that England's defenders must be proactive early on against Italy striker Mario Balotelli on Saturday.
Jun 11, 03:39
Raheem Sterling 'very much in consideration' for start against Italy
England manager Roy Hodgson reveals that Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling is very much in consideration for a start in their World Cup opener against Italy on Saturday.
Jun 11, 01:46
Claudio Marchisio expects "difficult" England test
Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio is expecting a "difficult" challenge when his side take on England in their World Cup opener on Saturday.
Jun 10, 22:50
Roy Hodgson cautious over conditions in Manaus
England manager Roy Hodgson advises caution when it comes to the conditions that his players will face in their World Cup opener against Italy.
Jun 10, 15:32
Roy Hodgson: 'England not just focusing on Andrea Pirlo'
Roy Hodgson claims that England will not just be focusing on stopping Andrea Pirlo when they face Italy in their World Cup opener this weekend.
Jun 10, 15:16
Roy Hodgson: "Nothing wrong" with Steven Gerrard
Roy Hodgson says that England captain Steven Gerrard is not carrying an injury, despite reports to the contrary.
Jun 10, 15:06
Cesare Prandelli: 'Italy must improve'
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli tells his players that they must improve before their World Cup opener against England this weekend.
Jun 10, 11:31
Italy's Mario Balotelli not guaranteed starting spot against England
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli suggests that Mario Balotelli is not guaranteed a starting spot against England on Saturday.
Jun 10, 08:58
Roy Hodgson reveals plan to stop Andrea Pirlo
England boss Roy Hodgson outlines his plan to limit Andrea Pirlo's influence when the Three Lions play Italy at the World Cup.
Jun 10, 03:57
Jack Wilshere: 'England are prepared for Andrea Pirlo'
Jack Wilshere reveals that England have used their warm-up games to prepare for the threat of Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo in their World Cup opener in Manaus.
Jun 9, 23:33
Adam Lallana: Facing Italy would "mean the world"
Southampton and England midfielder Adam Lallana admits that it would "mean the world" for him to play against Italy in the World Cup.
Jun 9, 22:43
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain trains with England
England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returns to training with the side after injuring his knee.
Jun 9, 19:39
Ross Barkley: 'England must set tone against Italy'
England midfielder Ross Barkley believes that England must "set the tone" in the their opening World Cup match against Italy.
Jun 9, 19:10
Italy defender Ignazio Abate wary of England
Ignazio Abate warns his Italy teammates that England "could be the revelation" of this summer's World Cup.
Jun 9, 16:16
Jordan Henderson: 'England will play without fear in World Cup'
England midfielder Jordan Henderson insists that he and his teammates will play without fear in the World Cup.
Jun 9, 06:22
Roger Espinoza: 'England need to control possession'
Honduras midfielder Roger Espinoza feels that England's fate in the World Cup will hinge on how well they keep the ball in the heat in Brazil.
Jun 9, 05:57
Giorgio Chiellini: 'England's identity is the same'
Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini insists that England's "identity" is the same as the team his side beat in Euro 2012 despite numerous changes to the squad.
Jun 9, 05:30
Joe Hart hopeful of error-free tournament
England keeper Joe Hart is hopeful that he can avoid making a high-profile mistake at the World Cup, unlike two of his predecessors.
Jun 9, 03:33
Jordan Henderson: Raheem Sterling can be "secret weapon"
England midfielder Jordan Henderson believes that Raheem Sterling can be his side's "secret weapon" at the World Cup after playing a low-key role in the warm-up games.
Jun 9, 03:04
Glen Johnson: "We are ready now"
England defender Glen Johnson believes that Roy Hodgson's side are ready for the World Cup following their battling encounter against Honduras on Saturday.
Jun 9, 02:48
Roy Hodgson lauds England positivity in recent friendlies
Roy Hodgson insists that his England side showed positivity in their two friendly draws in Miami ahead of the World Cup.
Jun 9, 02:05
Gianfranco Zola: 'Italy must stop Daniel Sturridge, Wayne Rooney'
Former Italy international Gianfranco Zola says that the team will need to halt Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney when they face England in the World Cup.
Jun 8, 19:45
Who should start for England against Italy?
Sports Mole picks out the 11 players that we feel should start for England against Italy next Saturday night.
Jun 8, 16:46
Glen Johnson: 'England have improved'
Glen Johnson believes that England have improved since they last played Italy two years ago.
Jun 8, 12:11
Brazil's top five World Cup goals
Sports Mole selects the top five World Cup goals scored by this year's hosts Brazil.
Jun 7, 11:32
Paul Scholes: 'England should man-mark Andrea Pirlo'
Paul Scholes believes that Roy Hodgson should consider picking a player to specifically man-mark Andrea Pirlo.
Jun 5, 12:17
Harry Redknapp: 'Wayne Rooney needs to start for England'
Harry Redknapp believes that Wayne Rooney should start for England against Italy in their World Cup opener.
Jun 3, 09:00
Roy Hodgson unsure which England team will face Italy in World Cup
Roy Hodgson admits that he is yet to decide on his starting XI for England's World Cup opener against Italy in Brazil next month.
May 29, 17:44
Raheem Sterling to start in England's World Cup opener against Italy?
Roy Hodgson is reportedly considering starting Raheem Sterling in England's opening World Cup game against Italy on June 14.
May 27, 06:56
Roy Hodgson not set on starting XI for Italy game
England manager Roy Hodgson insists that it is too early for him to settle on a starting XI for their opening World Cup game against Italy in Manaus on June 14.
May 21, 00:00
