- Italy unbeaten since World Cup
- England now not lost in nine matches
- Both teams started with experimental sides
- Harry Kane makes full England debut
Andros Townsend's spectacular strike gave an experimental England line-up a creditable draw against Italy in Turin.
Southampton striker Graziano Pelle's first-half header
looked to have put Italy on course for victory in this friendly as
England struggled to get to grips with the changes made by manager Roy
Hodgson after Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier
win against Lithuania.
England, however, were lifted by the introduction of
several substitutes and Townsend capped a second-half display that
merited a draw. The Tottenham winger's rising 20-yard drive 11 minutes
from time gave Italy's veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon no chance.
Hodgson's side then ended the game on top and only a
fine save from Buffon stopped England captain Wayne Rooney - who had
earlier hit the bar - from adding to his total of 47 goals for his
country and closing even further on Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time record
of 49.
The experiment of using Phil Jones in midfield failed
dismally and he reverted to defence when Chris Smalling went off ill
just before half-time. Similarly, it was a wasted night for Arsenal's
Theo Walcott, misused in a forward role rather than on the wing.
England completed 126 passes in the final third of the pitch, 42 more than Italy
There were pluses too, however, with an excellent cameo
from Everton's Ross Barkley and a composed performance from Michael
Carrick when he replaced Smalling.
England, for long periods, looked poor and disjointed
in a performance pock-marked by wayward passing. It was no coincidence
that they improved significantly once players assumed more familiar
positions and others were introduced who gave them pace, drive and
width.
England's run of seven straight victories since
the World Cup
may be over but Hodgson might regard this as a satisfactory few
days. Victory against Lithuania made it five wins out of five in the
Euro 2016 qualifying campaign and this was a worthwhile fact-finding
mission in Italy.
Hodgson will get his players back together in June for a
friendly against the Republic of Ireland in June then another key
qualifier away to Slovenia.
Southampton striker Graziano Pelle has scored two goals in three Italy appearances
Joe Hart became the sixth England goalkeeper to reach 50 caps
Italy are unbeaten at home since August 2013 - since then, five wins and five draws
Six of the last 10 goals scored in international matches involving England have been headers
Italy have conceded just nine goals in their last 13 international matches
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