Southgate, fans criticise VAR after Italy penalty

Sturdy foundations are needed.

Ashley Young made his first England start in 1831 days, just over five years, as the 32-year-old Manchester United man looks to secure a berth in Southgate’s World Cup squad. However, impressive displays in a more central role seem to have given the England boss more options. But progress all the same. However, numerous players in the Three Lions squad are young.

Raheem Sterling was England’s best attacking option with his driving runs causing panic at the heart of Italy’s defence. This summer’s tournament could be a vital learning curve in the England team’s development for future competitions.

England’s Jamie Vardy celebrates scoring against Italy.

To boos all around Wembley, Insigne fired the spot kick home past the diving Jack Butland who had previously had very little opportunity to make a case for starting in Russian Federation.

Gareth Southgate meanwhile followed up a 1-0 win versus the Netherlands with a 1-1 draw, that late equaliser denying them the chance of taking a first home victory versus the Italians since 1977.

“In terms of the last four games we have played four of the biggest football countries in the world and we have been competitive in every game and our patterns of play have become a lot clearer to everybody”.

Ciro Immobile, however, lived up to his name by failing miserably to take advantage on both occasions.

Then the Lazio forward was unmarked as he headed over from six yards instead of directing the ball into the net.

Such profligacy was punished when England took the lead on 26 minutes.

There were plenty of good points for Southgate to enjoy, not least the link up between Sterling, Lingard and Vardy.

Keeping possession and appearing more risky going forward, England had a stranglehold on the tie as they turned the tables on Italy and looked comfortable on their way to claiming another friendly scalp.

“That’s a real plus, and will only improve the more we work together”.

Referee Deniz Aytekin, however, indicated a desire to check Tarkowski’s challenge and, after an interminable delay, a penalty was awarded. To do so, we look to our experts to help us provide daily content for our readers, engage with fans via social media (Facebook and Twitter), and edit user content in order to create a universally enjoyable user experience.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fired straight at Donnarumma from the edge of the penalty area but, crucially, the hosts failed to get a second goal when firmly on top. He stuck with the 4-3-3 formation, but brought in Gianluigi Donnarumma, Davide Zappacosta, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Antonio Candreva in for Gigi Buffon, Alessandro Florenzi, Marco Verratti and Federico Chiesa, but Lorenzo Spinazzola was injured.