Topics: England, Italy, Roy Hogson, Cesare Prandelli, World Cup 2014, FIFA World Cup
England's record against Italy has not been appealing, especially with two straight losses as of late. However, with Gigi Buffon set to miss the match, they will hope to seize an advantage.

The last time England won anything on the international stage was well before any of the players on the current squad were born--1966. Since that World Cup victory 48 years ago, the Three Lions have endured disappointment after disappointment in each of their subsequent World Cups as well as EURO tournaments.

Moreover, their record against Italy as of late has not been good; as the last time they were able to defeat the Azzurri was nearly exactly 17 years ago on June 4, 1997. Specifically, their last two meetings with their upcoming opponents have both ended in defeats, and the memory of being eliminated via spot kicks at EURO 2012 will still be fresh in many of these players' minds.

As for the four-time World Cup winners, they, too, will feel quite a bit of pressure on their shoulders, especially following their embarrassing 2010 campaign when they were dumped out of the group stages. While current coach Cesare Prandelli was not on the bench, there are quite a few players within the team's ranks who took part in the South African disaster four years ago. Hence, as a result, theywill be keen to make amends in a match that could set the tone for their campaign in Brazil.

Starting XI for the game (formations as per Bleacher Report UK):

ENGLAND: Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard, Henderson; Welbeck, Sterling, Rooney; Sturridge

ITALY: Sirigu; Chiellini, Barzagli, Paletta, Darmian; De Rossi; Verratti, Pirlo, Marchisio; Candreva; Balotelli