England lose their World Cup opener

By Phil McNulty

England’s World Cup campaign opened with defeat against Italy in the steamy heat of the Arena Amazonia in Manaus.

Mario Balotelli’s header just after the break settled an entertaining game after Daniel Sturridge had equalised Claudio Marchisio’s fine strike.

England were undone by defensive vulnerability in a display that deserved a draw and contained plenty that would have pleased manager Roy Hodgson.

The bottom line, however, is that England now face a scrap for survival against Uruguay – and probably Luis Suarez – in Sao Paulo after Oscar Tabarez’s men lost to Costa Rica.

England’s players tired visibly towards the end of a game played in the tropical climate of Brazil’s Amazonian rainforest, and Hodgson must hope not too much energy has been drained from his players.

There was also a blow for England’s backroom staff as physiotherapist Gary Lewin was taken off on a stretcher after being injured celebrating Sturridge’s goal.

Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling made a stand-out contribution after he was selected to start, and England looked a constant threat going forward until they ran out of steam in a humid and oppressive atmosphere.

Italy still produced moments of quality and struck the woodwork through Antonio Candreva and a late free-kick from Andrea Pirlo, who defied his 35 years and the environment to stroll through the game with his trademark quality.

England now fly back to Rio to recover knowing they will threaten any side in their group, but further repeats of defensive frailties could be fatal for their World Cup ambitions. BBC