ENGLAND sparked their UEFA Nations League campaign back into life with a battling draw in Germany and now have the chance for Euro 2020 revenge when they face Italy at Molineux.
Gareth Southgate's men suffered the heartache of losing on penalties in the Euro showpiece at Wembley after these nations played out a tense 1-1 draw.
But it's the Azzurri who have been suffering since then, with Roberto Mancini's players missing out on the World Cup for a second successive time after a shock play-off defeat to North Macedonia.
Italy have recovered to make a decent start in the Nations League, with a draw against the Germans followed up by a 2-1 victory over Hungary that saw our man Slips Tips cash in with a handicap bet.
England were woeful as they crashed to a shock 1-0 Budapest defeat in their opener but played far better as they came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw in Munich.
Harry Kane's penalty brought up my Tuesday bet builder and the Three Lions will now fancy their chances of beating an Italian side that doesn't look as strong as the one that ruled Europe last summer.
How the bookies view it
I'm surprised to see Italy as big as 43/10 with SBK while England's best price is just 16/19 with the same firm. Every showdown between the big guns in this group has ended level so far and another draw here pays 28/11 with SBK.
Head to head
That Euro 2020 final (below) at Wembley was the third successive 1-1 draw between these nations. The overall head to head is almost as close, with Italy just edging it. They have won 10 of the 28 meetings, with England claiming eight victories and the other 10 matches ending level.
Players to watch
Southgate has admitted he will make changes for this clash to protect his players after a gruelling season. Jack Grealish made a massive impact off the bench in Munich and that should be enough to earn him a start here. The Manchester City star is 4/1 at Paddy Power for anytime scorer but is more likely for an assist and that pays 3/1 at McBookie.
Lorenzo Pellegrini has been a key man for Italy so far in this Nations League campaign, netting in both their games. I'd expect him to start again here and the Roma star looks overpriced for a goal at 8/1 with Bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
BTTS has landed in both Italy's group games so far and also in their last five clashes with England. It pays 11/10 with SBK for this one and that looks good value based on the stats.
Backing the half-time draw paid off for me in Munich and it has landed in three of the four games so far in Group A3. Another stalemate at the break in this one pays 21/20 at McBookie.
Six yellows were dished out in the Euro final, with five of them going to Italy. So over 3.5 cards appeals at 5/6 with McBookie while Gianluca Mancini is good value at 21/10 with Bet365 for a card if he starts. The Roma stopper has picked up 22 yellows and a red this term.
This UEFA Nations League match between England and Italy will be played on Jun 11, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best England vs Italy prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
