Earlier this week England’s Under-21 side discovered which three opponents they will face at UEFA Euro 2013 in Israel next summer. Stuart Pearce’s team secured their position as one of eight teams competing in the tournament by defeating Serbia over two legs – one of them followed by sickening scenes – in the qualifying playoffs.
An England international friendly just half a week before the beginning of the Premier League season was never going to capture the attention of the masses, nor was it going to produce blood and thunder. Nevertheless, Roy Hodgson took his squad to Switzerland for a meeting with Cesare Prandelli’s Italy – England’s most recent opponents thanks to a UEFA Euro 2012 quarter-final – and watching the game was a more than passable way to spend 90 minutes.
The new football season is here, and in some divisions of non-league and countries around Europe the teams are already back in the swing of things and approaching full fitness. But before England’s players get underway in the Premier League, the August international must be negotiated. This year, England are nominally at home but will actually play the match in Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The opponents? None other than Italy, our conquerors in the 12-yard duel in Ukraine at UEFA Euro 2012.
England manager Roy Hodgson has named his second England squad, a selection for next Wednesday’s friendly against Italy – the team that knocked out England at UEFA Euro 2012 before losing out in the final – in the Swiss capital, Bern.
UEFA Euro 2012 is over and it finished with an eventful final. It culminated in the crowning of Spain as one of football’s truly great teams. There can be no dispute after Vicente del Bosque’s team secured their third consecutive major international trophy, adding to their wins at UEFA Euro 2008 and FIFA World Cup 2010.
Supporting the England national football team from a fresh perspective.
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