All the pre-match talk had been about where Manchester United's Wayne Rooney would start and his form. Roy Hodgson opted to start the scouser on the left, with young Raheem Sterling in the middle ahead of club team-mates Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard and behind Daniel Sturridge. Danny Wellbeck completed the attacking line up. If the talk wasn't about Rooney, the other topic of conversation was how to stop the incredible handsome Andrea Pirlo from controlling the game.
England started brightly, the fearless Sterling almost repaid his managers faith early in the game when an effort from outside the box narrowly went wide of Salvatore Sirugu's goal. He replaced Buffon who had injured himself prior to the game. It was so close the commentators celebrated and the score board changed.
Jordan Henderson also hit an impressive drive forcing a save from the PSG goalkeeper as the Liverpool boys continued on from their excellent league campaign. Italy had plenty of possession, but their impact was limited in the early exchanges. England had the better of the chances but were unable to capitalise as Sterling, Sturridge and Wellbeck all seen chances go begging. It was costly.
Italy broke the deadlock just after the half hour mark when the bearded master, Pirlo allowed the ball to go through his legs and fool the young Raheem Sterling. The pass found Claudio Marchisio outside the box and his shot evaded a crowd of players and nestled into the bottom corner of Joe Hart's goal to put the Italians ahead.
They weren't ahead for long however. The fast footed Sterling, who was having a stunning game released Rooney down the left. Rooney had not been having a good game at all, but his left footed loft found the prolific Daniel Sturridge in the middle who volleyed it home just two minutes after Italy took the lead. Strangely and somewhat ironically, England's physio, Gary Lewin, injured himself during the celebrations. It is believed he tripped over a water bottle and broke his ankle.
Italy nearly took the lead again, but Phi Jagkielka was on hand to nod a cheeky audacious chip by Mario Balotelli over former team mate Joe Hart. Andrea Pirlo continued to stroll around controlling proceedings on the green grass of Manaus like a man 10 years his junior.
England started brightly again after the restart but it was Italy who took the lead again. Candreva, who provides width and pace to his team, delivered an exceptionally accurate cross that eliminated Chelsea defender Gary Cahill and allowed Mario Balotelli to nod past England's number 1 at the back post. "Why always him?", Joe Hart thought.
England attempted to draw level again. A quick neat exchange between Gerrard and Sterling saw the captain burst into the box and get clattered into by Italian and ex-Liverpool defender, Gabriel Paletta. The referee pointed for a goal kick and deemed the contact as just a coming-together.
Rooney also had a golden chance to equalise, and shut the critics up but he dragged his shot wide when it was easier to hit the target. A sign of a man low on confidence, with diminishing talent.
Andrea Pirlo had a final scene in this game stepping up to hit a free kick that thundered against the bar much to the relief of stricken stopper, Hart. Pirlo returned to his wine garden immediately after.
The game ended, and Italy claimed a vital 2 - 1 victory. England face Uruguay whilst Italy meet surprise package Costa Rica next. Pirlo was also on the victorious side in the Battle of the Beards. His experience and hold on the game was more influential than his opposition, Gerrard, who had unfortunately shaved. While Italy sported seven beards, Engand only mustered one. Wellbeck who had been selected to stop Pirlo had not had the desired result. England can look to Raheem as he produced a sterling performance despite his tender years. Roy Hodgson must seriously consider dropping Rooney for Lallana or Barkley, particularly if they can produce a performance equal to that of Sterling's.
England 1 - 2 Italy 
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