Balotelli vs England.

If we are gonna stand a chance against Italy we have to start Wallcott. Italy struggle against pace as they aren't the fastest.
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Exactly which is why he should start on the bench and be brought on

We all know with Hodgson, defence comes first and with Walcott, you never know with the defensive side of his game but with Milner, you know what youre going to get in that aspect

"Never understood the hype surrounding Balotelli

They say he is capable of winning games single handedly but at the same time is capable of losing it on his own

But what exactly does he excel at? Serious question. No doubt hes talented but no way can he win games on his own"

Totally agree. People talk as though he's Ronaldo with a bad attitude. He has a good touch and good striking technique, but I've never been convinced by the hype.

I've got to be honest, I think Italy will beat England with or without Balotelli.

One of the Inter Milan coaches, his name escapes me, said that after all the years he has been at Milan, and of all the incredible players he has seen grow in the youth programmes, Balotelli is simply the best raw talent he has ever witnessed.
He doesn't have one particular attribute that stands out, but then he doesn't have one that he lacks either (ability-wise, not temperament). He is quick, strong, clever, skillful, creative, ridiculously calm...

Let's put it this way, I hope Balotelli starts as for me, he's more likely to lose the game for Italy than win it for them

Plus, im sure Lescott and hart know a thing or two about what ticks Baliotelli off

Yes but Milner is a terrible player. The game could be over before Walcott gets on the pitch. Plus, Walcott will pin Giacherrini back with his pace, I think for that reason alone he already offers as much defensively as Milner does.

Either way, I can't see England getting a result here. Italy are a far superior outfit, and England nearly beat top nations in tournaments. Glad we got out of the group though, as I wasn't even expecting that.

LOL How exactly did Spain "batter" Italy? They looked absolutely clueless against them. If any thing Italy looked far more dangerous on the break, and if Balotelli had a better day, or Di Natale came on earlier, Italy would have won

Walcott is useless against defences that defend deep.

He's only effective when there's space in behind and he isnt going to get any of that if he starts.

Milner is a lump but you cant fault the defensive side of his game. For a winger, hes as good as you're going to get for tracking back and he does put in a good cross or two every now and again.

Plus, he tucks in to help the CMs which Walcott definitely doesnt. Too risky to start Theo for me

The game vs Italy will be a chess match

Italy won't be defending deep, that's why he should start. Plus, their width comes from their wingbacks, having Walcott will make them less of a threat down the wings. I understand your reasoning, but playing with pace and width is a tried and tested tactic vs the Italians, and something we have the players to do.

We'll see what happens. I understand and respect your reasoning for wanting to start Milner, but in my opinion this game would play into Theo's hands.

They also play with three at the back remember.

If he keeps his cool & on it, England are out. If he gets wound up, we win.
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Just found this on an Italian website:

"Rooney vs. Italia

Si stá calmo e concentrato, Inghilterra e fuora. Si e wonda uppa, vinciremo noi."