So England made it out top of the group, not sure how many people predicted that with France looking dangerous in the opening game but they managed to slip up royally in the final game meaning England, and a rusty, returning Wayne Rooney could sneak a 1 - 0 win in the final group game and come out on top of group D.
The performances did vary in the group stage, with a solid defensive performance vs. the French and a threatening performance against Sweden, which was also a solid defensive performance with some unfortunate set-piece defending marring an overall good performance. The game against Ukraine was a tense affair with the first half showing no real England threat, even with the returning Rooney who looked a little out-of-sorts and off the pace. The second half saw Rooney's return marked with a goal, his performance didn't really merit a goal as many passes and touches went astray but it was good to see a goal from England's main man.
So what should we expect from the Italians? Well, their main defensive asset in Giorgio Chiellini has been ruled out through injury which is a huge boost to England but that is not to say the Italians will roll over easily, with Gianluigi Buffon, Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Cassano still posing a major threat to England's chances of progressing through to the semi-finals. We can still expect to see the Italians put in a resolute defensive performance as it has almost become a national football stereotype for them. I am also looking to catch a glimpse of the Premiership's favourite footballing bad boy, Mario Balotelli in this game as it will be seen as a huge game for both his country and him personally if he is given the nod ahead of Antonio Di Natale.
If England do beat Italy they will face the winner of tonight's quarter final between Germany and Greece, it should be the Germans.. but let's hope for Greece to blow the Euro wide open (not for the first time this year)
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