Relive England's draw with Italy

1. Southampton's Pelle heads Italy in front
2. Townsend fires in equaliser from 20 yards
3. Kane almost wins it late on in full debut

Blink and it's Easter. The football season rolls on, and we roll on with it. See you at the weekend!

Republic of Ireland (a), Slovenia (h), San Marino (a), Switzerland (h), Estonia (h), Lithuania (a), France (a).

Those are England's remaining fixtures in 2015 - as scheduled. Could they keep this nine-match unbeaten run going right through to Christmas?

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Ben, Sunderland: International and club managers all bemoan the fact we don't have a Christmas but are happy to waste a week playing meaningless, boring friendlies when the players could be resting instead. Scrap them!

Stuart in Brighton: It's a shame the time we wasted playing with Gerrard and Lampard. Carrick was the answer all along

Michael Carrick has won just 33 caps in the 14 years since his debut. Has he been massively underused? A victim of timing? He was up against Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard to name but three for the most of his career.

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PA

Mike Hall: British scientists bred Dolly the sheep 20 years ago, so why haven't we developed a new Paul Scholes yet?

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So England have learned that they need to build their midfield around Michael Carrick, 14 years after his debut?

'The Phil Jones experiment'

Reuters

England manager Roy Hodgson talking to ITV: "In the second half we had really good control, but I was very disappointed with the first half. I thought the atmosphere was dead, both teams were guilty of falling into practice match atmosphere.

"In the second half we got back to our high standards.

"Michael Carrick did very well, that is his position. I experimented in the first half with Phil Jones and he did very well defensively. Phil Jones then stepped into centre back and did very well. It was an experiment but we have to do that in these games. There might be a time where we need a Phil Jones type in that position in midfield.

"Both Andros Townsend and Ross Barkley turned the game. Barkley was was very brave. An outstanding talent and I have got to say a word about Andros. We needed someone to do something a bit of special and he has come up with the goods.

"It means a lot to us. It is no mean feat, to come to Italy and get a result, especially to take the game to them like we did. We are indebted to Andros. I haven't forgotten the first half, we can't allow that to happen. I don't think anything was good enough. We were lucky they were pretty tame as well. It keeps the momentum going."

Roy Hodgson calls Ross Barkley 'an outstanding young talent' and says 'nothing in the first half was what we wanted to see'.

Full reaction to come.

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Easter bonus

The international break can feel like a drag for some football fans - so rejoice that on Friday there are eight Championship games and a hefty schedule in Leagues One and Two, too. A bonus day! Saturday sees Arsenal v Liverpool and the return of the Premier League, Sunday it's Sunderland v Newcastle and then on Monday it's a full Football League schedule again.

Drink it in.

Check out all of the upcoming fixtures here.

'Carrick the best by a mile'

AP

England striker Wayne Rooney on ITV: "I think we deserved to win it. We had the better chances. Italy were the better team in the first half, partly because of ourselves, and second half we dominated.

"Overall we are pleased with the draw and it keeps us on an unbeaten run since the summer. I thought the best player on the pitch by a mile was Michael Carrick when he came on. He dictated the play for us and was the difference between the two teams.

"It is a friendly, we are missing players, but a good chance for the players who came to give the manager something to think about."

England's next game by the way is a friendly with the Republic of Ireland on 7 June.

Player reaction

EPA

England goal scorer Andros Townsend talking to ITV: "I was delighted. It was a difficult game and hard to break them down. It was going to have to be a strike from 25 yards to score today. It was all us after the equaliser and we had chances for the equaliser.

"It is a good result against Italy on their home patch. It was a nightmare to be at the World Cup and not play because I was injured. The manager stuck by me through the tough times and every time he has shown me loyalty I have repaid that."

England goalscorer Andros Townsend says it was a nightmare to miss out on the World Cup through injury. Will he be in the squad in France?

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Aaron Breddy: Much better second half. Look a different team with proper wingers on the pitch

Chris Mitchell: Much better second half. England can be pleased with that showing. Barkley and Townsend added the energy and Carrick the nous

James Brandon: Much better second half. Had the chances to win. Although it was against Italy's B Team

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I'm not so sure that international football would suffer if we scrapped friendlies - but I'm prepared to hear otherwise.

What do you think?

'A typical friendly'

Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"It was a typical friendly. Italy don't like friendlies either. The tempo of the game showed that. After 75 minutes it became a football match and England had chances. I am not a great lover of friendlies in modern football, did we learn anything? The players would have done better with a break than having a game."

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"It was a fabulous strike from Andros Townsend, the one bright moment in the game. Roy Hodgson will say it was an experimental team which was inexperienced against Italy who are inexperienced. We are away from home and still unbeaten."

FULL-TIME

Muted applause from the Italy fans as Roy Hodgson's side pick up a 1-1 draw in Turin. England much better after the break as Andros Townsend bags Gianluigi Buffon's shirt to go with his cracking equaliser.

What did England learn tonight then?

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Bill: Could be worse. Could be Portugal...

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That's what Ross Barkley can do, rolling his man and making 45 yards right down the middle, a great run, he then lays it off to Harry Kane who thrashes in a first-time strike, stinging the palms of Gigi Buffon from 20 yards. A sign of England's future, perhaps?

Elsewhere in Europe

Incredible! Minnows Cape Verde are 2-0 at half-time against the mighty Portugal. Wow! Only a friendly, but still...

AFP/GETTY

THREE MINUTES added on. Any more goals in this one?

Who had money on the draw? Course you did.

SUBSTITUTION

Andros Townsend - miles better for his country than his club? - leads another charge on the break for England but his low cross is just about dealt with by a retreating defender.

Italy then threaten at the other end. This game was poor for 70 minutes but is ending pretty well. Ryan Bertrand comes on for Kieran Gibbs.

CLOSE!

The game has come alive. Great surge from Italy sub Luca Antonelli, he leaves Phil Jagielka for dead and shoots hard, low and early. The holy trinity, but he drags it just past the far post. Joe Hart didn't have a chance of getting near that.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"I would love to see Harry Kane get one real, good chance. He has had limited opportunities tonight, but that is not his fault at all."

England ending on a high note. Top C.

Harry Kane and Ross Barkley link up well, spreading the Italian defence but the final cross from the right is cleared away.

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Ian: Didn't see that coming! Some quality from an England player.

Tim Arstall: I hold my hands up, I did not think Townsend deserved a place but what a goal that is. Delighted to be wrong

Jamie Millar: Andros Townsend might be the only player who is better for England than he is for their club. Cracking strike.

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GREAT SAVE!

Nobody really saw that one coming, but England have improved hugely in this half.

And that's a great chance for Wayne Rooney! Again the build-up is basic., a chip over the top finds the skipper, he's clear on goal but Gigi Buffon comes out well to smother his shot at source.

Rooney could have broken Sir Bobby Charlton's record this week. He's missed some presentable chances.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"Fabulous strike from Andros Townsend. This is what I am talking about, get the players on who are on the fringes, who want to be out there to prove a point, who are bright and sharp and want to be in an England shirt.

"This is what we want to see, players having a go."

AFP/GETTY

GOAL

Pick that one out! Andros Townsend's third England goal is another fine strike! Ryan Mason touches the ball to him 25 yards out, he slips one challenge and then hits an instant rising drive, scorching past Gigi Buffon's dive and into the far corner. Fabulous goal.

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Ciro Immobile spins in behind the England defence and he's away. Fair play to Phil Jones though, he jockeys him well and makes the covering challenge.

From the corner, however, England's latest number eight almost slams into his own net. He had no control over that clearance at all.

SUBSTITUTION

A debut for England as Ryan Mason comes on in midfield for Jordan Henderson.

CLOSE!

A great ball in from Harry Kane! Out wide on the right, he rolls his defender and fires it in to the near post. Great delivery, Wayne Rooney is in there but it slips off the boot of a covering defender and flicks wide of the far post. Much better from England.

EPA

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Ben in Reading: Ross Barkley and Fabian Delph need never play for the England squad again. We've seen enough.

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Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer in Turin

"This match is a bit of a mess now. There has not been a great deal of quality on show and there seems to be even less now. Italy's fans are doing a Mexican Wave - boredom is setting in."

Wayne Rooney gets a glimpse of goal. It's route one as Kieran Gibbs floats a pass into him, it sits up begging to be hit and Rooney puts the size nine through it. Nice hit, but you'd expect Gigi Buffon to save that all day long. And he does.

AFP/GETTY

SUBSTITUTION

What can Roy Hodgson tick off his list tonight so far? Phil Jones is not a midfielder, Michael Carrick is? Hope we know that now...

Andros Townsend is now on for Fabian Delph.

Elsewhere in Europe

Euro 2016 qualifier: Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany has been dismissed for Belgium in their Group B match against Israel. The Red Devils still lead 1-0 and as things stand, go above Wales and top of the pile.

Still 2-0 to Netherlands against Spain, while minnows Cape Verde are doing well to hold out Portugal, scoreless after 20 minutes.

SUBSTITUTION

Italy are slowly introducing their first team as Marco Verratti comes on for Mirko Valdifiori. Verratti was exceptional for PSG against Chelsea a few weeks ago. He's still just 22.

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Iainbudgen: With friendlies such as Germany, Spain, Holland, and France next year, as well as the Euros, next season could be a long one.

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No sooner do I say that, and Ross Barkley shows his frustrating side! Harry Kane flicks it on to the Everton man, who gets his head down and drives on, he tries to beat the last man when a simple pass to Wayne Rooney was on. Square it!

AP

Lovely from Ross Barkley, feeling for the defender at his back, turning the other way and spreading it out wide for Kyle Walker to clip over the heads of his team-mates. Barkley always likely to give it away, but he's exciting to watch. Can England afford to build a midfield around him though? Or is he too much of a luxury? He's made this better to watch, I know that much.

Franco Vazquez's first touch in the blue shirt is a pearler, a lay-off into the path of fellow sub Ciro Immobile but not for the first time Phil Jagielka desperately clears his lines.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Triple change for Italy as Ignazio Abate, Franco Vazquez and Ciro Immobile come on. It's Vazquez's debut.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"The pace and tempo has gone up. Is that England or have Italy dropped? England are still lacking though, they need to get Ross Barkley on the ball. It has been better with Michael Carrick in the side."

England on top for the first time all night. There's a bit of zip and dare I say flair there now.

SUBSTITUTION

Ross Barkley on for Theo Walcott and Wayne Rooney moved right up front. England much better in the last few minutes as Barkley and Rooney already combine to good effect. That's a midfield diamond of Michael Carrick, Jordan Henderson, Fabian Delph and Ross Barkley now. Sounds better doesn't it?

CLOSE!

An actual constructed move from England, a neat one too as Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane link up in the D, Rooney finds Kieran Gibbs arriving on the overlap but he rather tentatively pulls a shot into the side-netting. No real conviction there, but a fine move.

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Thomas Whelan: 'One Night In Turin'. To forget.

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CLOSE!

Well played Harry Kane. Michael Carrick finds him with the sort of incisive pass he can bring, Kane's first touch is more of a tackle but he has the pace to get to the loose ball and fire in a shot which is deflected into the side-netting. That's more like it.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"What are we learning from these friendly matches? Nothing. Leave Wayne Rooney out, leave all senior players and put all the youngsters in. Let them flourish. This is a typical England friendly which is going through the motions."

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Matt: No creative link between midfield and attack. Hodgson is the problem. England need a young, creative manager.

Christophe Pritchard: Can't understand why Roy's management surprises people. A leopard never changes its spots. He is not the right manager

Tim Little: Poor from England and Hodgson. Playing through the middle versus a five man Italian midfield. Width Roy! Width!

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GREAT SAVE!

What a pass that is, round the corner with the outside of the boot from Roberto Soriano, it turns the England defence square and only a fine stretch from Phil Jagielka cuts it out. Moments later Kyle Walker is beaten, Eder is in and Joe Hart makes a fine one-handed save. Jagielka screws his clearance at Graziano Pelle, and he fires wide. Big chance, England should be two down.

EPA

Gigi Buffon out to claim an England corner before Giorgio Chiellini makes a lot of not a lot from Harry Kane and buys his side a free-kick out wide. The veteran defender has scored two and assisted two of Italy's last eight goals by the way. Not just a hatchet man.

AFP/GETTY

KICK-OFF

Game on! Harry Kane has as positive start, shooting from range into the arms of Gigi Buffon.

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SUBSTITUTION

A straight swap at right-back for England as Kyle Walker replaces Nathaniel Clyne. That was pre-planned by all accounts.

It seems that Kyle Walker is coming on. I know, I know...

Will Michael Carrick's introduction spark England into life? It's asking a lot...

HALF-TIME STATS

BBC

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Craig Barlow: Does Roy just pick names and positions out of a hat?

Zak: Didn't realise England had travelled back in time to 9 months ago.

Astin: How do England make the beautiful game so boring?

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BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty in Turin

"Not a particularly satisfactory half for England. Too sloppy in possession, too sloppy in defence for Italy's goal and now an injury to Chris Smalling. Harry Kane has been quiet but hardly his fault - service has been minimal from a very narrow-looking England side."

PA

I'm heeding the advice of my mother during half-time. If I can't think of anything nice to say, perhaps say nothing at all.

Anyone got a positive to share? Anyone? You there, at the back?

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"Tempo is the difference. It is frustrating from England, whenever we see them start playing well, when there is a glimmer of hope, they come here and it is two steps backwards. That is disappointing. I would love to see players impose themselves on the game.

"Italy are not the quickest at the back. They need to roll one or two balls down the sides of the box and get them turned and facing their own goal. Get them to drop off and it allows more space for the midfield."

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Jamie Millar‏: Chiellini following Kane everywhere he goes and with the midfield providing no quality at all, he hasn't got a chance

Daniel Gravestock: Long ball won't work against such a deep back four... Need to draw them away from their own box...

Anthony Wood: Italy deservedly ahead in this game. More composed on the ball & completely untroubled by the England forward line.

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HALF-TIME

The corner came to nothing, Roy Hodgson looking ticked off as the half-time whistle goes. A fraud of a game so far.

Reuters

England have a corner as we enter the one minute of added time...

SUBSTITUTION

Michael Carrick is on for the injured Chris Smalling, Phil Jones can't get back into defence fast enough.

Chris Smalling goes down under a challenge and it looks like he's coming straight off. Phil Jones may be telling him that he can always move back into defence...

Good work from Harry Kane on the right flank this time but once he spins the pass inside Jordan Henderson clips a hopeful long pass out to nobody on the left wing. No real plan or shape about England at the moment.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"Italy look good when they come forward. They have the ability to play slow, slow, slow then quickly burst into life in the final third. The ball is going into Graziano Pelle and he has been able to chest the ball down, get it into this feet. There is no protection against him from England."

Harry Kane, perhaps borne out of frustration, drifts to the left and beats a man on a jagged run - but then loses it. As anonymous a half as Kane has had during his stellar ascension of the footballing ladder.

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YELLOW CARD

Graziano Pelle is now booked for a silly pull on the shoulder of Phil Jagielka. Not much in the way of highlights form England's opening 35 minutes. One miscued Wayne Rooney effort against the crossbar to make note of.

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BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty in Turin

"Phil Jones. A danger to himself and others."

Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"The tempo is not good enough. Phil Jones is lost in midfield and needs to go in a three at the back. England need to play quicker and get the full-backs up quicker. They don't want the ball at the moment. Harry Kane is getting no service."

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Frank_Lopez: Graziano Pelle is ruining what was to be a glorious Harry Kane show of British football superiority. Back on earth, guys?

Luke: Maybe time for Kane to be subbed, offering nothing at all. Press are going to rip into him tomorrow, save the lad Hodgson

Daniel Woodley: It's already evident that this system doesn't work. We need two wingers with Rooney just behind Kane. It is so obvious it hurts

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YELLOW CARD

Not much grace from England as first Phil Jones clatters Eder in the air and Kieran Gibbs is then booked for a late tackle in midfield. Replays suggest that Giorgio Chiellini was fortunate not to give away a penalty for having Harry Kane in a headlock from an earlier corner.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer in Turin

"England have plenty of support inside the Juventus Stadium and they were just being given some encouragement before Graziano Pelle gave Italy the lead, with Wayne Rooney involved in their best moments. Horrible goal to concede with Giorgio Chiellini away from Phil Jones far too easily and Pelle being afforded far too much time and space."

'You're playing for your country'

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"Really poor defending from England. Graziano Pelle was unmarked to flick home, he has been really good. He has been strong and held the ball up very well. Phil Jagielka is five or six yards off him, you need to be tighter. Joe Hart had no chance.

"I hope that is the kick up the backside England need. These players are playing for their country - if you play well you can get back into the side. It is an opportunity. They are almost playing as though it is a friendly that does not matter."

That was a slack goal to concede from England's point of view, but Graziano Pelle now has two goals in three caps for Italy. He's 29 but taking his chance late in his career. Italy not stacked with great strikers at the moment.

GOAL

Graziano Pelle would miss international friendlies if we scrapped them! The Southampton man puts Italy ahead with a deft header. Phil Jones won't enjoy the build-up, he is skinned by Italy centre-half Giorgio Chiellini out on the wing, Chiellini's cross is a good one and Pelle flicks in. Think Ian Rush in the 1989 Cup final.

AFP/GETTY

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"I don't want to be negative about England but they were much better against Lithuania, they played quickly with a high tempo. They have gone back to their old ways again of playing slow, slow. It is frustrating, you see one good performance but sadly, this is being played as a friendly."

Some Champions League class there from Wayne Rooney though, a magnificent crossfield pass into the run of Theo Walcott. Genuinely superb. Walcott cuts inside but Andrea Ranocchia is alive to his intentions and shuts the shot down.

The good news is it's only a fortnight until the return of the Champions League to Tuesday nights. The bad news is, there's 65 minutes left of this one to negotiate.

Would anyone miss international friendlies if they were scrapped? Or is that too miserable and harsh?

A few jeers and whistles from the home fans as England keep the ball nicely. Wayne Rooney finding space in between the lines now and seeing more of the ball. Can England work Gianluigi Buffon?

HITS THE WOODWORK

England close to the opener! That's the ball, Fabian Delph with a hanging cross from the left, Harry Kane heads it back into the danger area and Italy just about smuggle it out to the 18-yard line. Only as far as Wayne Rooney though, and his shot kisses a defender on its way through, only to bounce off the top of the crossbar and away.

Rooney would have claimed that...

PA

Elsewhere in Europe

Euro 2016 qualifier: In the Group B fixture, Belgium have taken the lead against Israel, with rejuvenated Manchester United man Marouane Fellaini netting from close range.

Meanwhile, in the friendly between Netherlands and Spain, the Dutch are putting La Roja to the sword, leading 2-0 through Stefan De Vrij and Davy Klaassen.

AP

AFP/GETTY

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Jack of all trades: I expect the Kane hype to keep growing as he will keep scoring goals against mediocre teams.

Tom Holmes: I am determined to enjoy this game without moaning or griping about England once. ... It's proving difficult.

Chris Abrehart: Once again Rooney shoved out of position to accommodate. No other team does that to their best player.

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Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"I am surprised Phil Jones is not playing at centre-back. Give him the confidence to form a partnership against a decent side. It is only a friendly but it is against quality opposition. Putting him in midfield is a strange choice."

CLOSE!

Italy cut England apart as Matteo Darmian bursts past Nathaniel Clyne on the left, he has all sorts of time but doesn't want to take the shot on, he tries to cut the ball back and Phil Jagielka does brilliantly to track his man and clear from inside the goalmouth.

The first real cohesive attack from either side, and England were cut to ribbons.

Reuters

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer in Turin

"Not a hugely distinguished start from either Italy or England. Too many sloppy moments in possession - but a fairly obvious "Welcome To Italy" challenge from defender Giorgio Chiellini on Harry Kane inside the first minute. A not-so-gentle reminder that this is not Lithuania.

"Hardly a seething cauldron inside the Juventus Stadium. More pre-season friendly."

AFP/GETTY

Oh dear, Eder. The Italian takes a strike on from 25 yards but puts it out for (almost) a throw-in. That was a terrible shank.

Elsewhere in Europe

Kazakhstan took a creditable goalless draw against neighbours Russia earlier, while Switzerland came from behind to draw against USA, who had former Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore sent off for a foul-mouthed tirade against the referee.

Ukraine lead Latvia through a Andriy Yarmolenko strike, while it is still 0-0 between Netherlands and Spain.

Harry Kane being snuffed out so far, he's up against top class defenders in Juventus duo Giorgio Chiellini and Leo Bonucci. A good step in his education. He won't be bullied, that's for sure.

GREAT SAVE!

Joe Hart has a stretch to tip away a fine try from Marco Parolo. Parolo hit one from fully 25 yards, a swerving, dipping strike and Hart takes no chances. Good save!

Italy beginning to grow in stature. The game is being played in an atmosphere akin to a Friday morning at a county cricket match.

Reuters

Harry Kane's first touch inside the Italy area is not as explosive as his first touch on Friday. Kane bursts into the box but loses his footing and Wayne Rooney can't retrieve the loose ball. Italy counter nicely and Graziano Pelle almost gets a header in.

'Jones looks lost'

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"We are five minutes into the game and I already feel sorry for Phil Jones. He is playing out of position and he already looks lost. He doesn't know whether to go forward or drop back. Players are not sure whether to give him the ball, it makes it very difficult for him. He is struggling."

AP

Alessandro Florenzi is the out ball for Italy in the early stages. He has all sorts of space on the right wing but again the crossfield pass is overhit and England survive. Even opening so far. No chances, no sign of a chance.

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William Woodland: Love how everyone is criticising the England midfield. Because we achieved SO much with Lampard and Gerrard in the middle..

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'Hart one of the very best'

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"Joe Hart, a fantastic goalkeeper. He had a bit of a blip for Manchester City but that is football, you can't go your whole career without making mistakes. Without doubt, England's number one and without doubt, one of the best in Europe."

Lovely touch and turn from Southampton man Graziano Pelle but he doesn't see Matteo Darmian out on the right and tries an ambitious pass through the eye of a needle. The actual Pele would have struggled to make that one.

Getty Images

Wayne Rooney at the tip of the diamond, trying to get involved in the early stages. Will he move a step closer to that record tonight? He's on 47 goals don't forget. Sir Bobby Charlton on 49.

Elsewhere in Europe

Just kicked-off in the Euro 2016 qualifier between Israel and Belgium in Group B. Remember, this match has ramifications for home nation Wales. A win for either side and they will go top of the group.

Phil Jones sweeping up in midfield, so far so good from the Manchester United utility man. A modern day Jamie Carragher, Gareth Southgate, Mike Marsh.

Welcome to Italy Harry Kane! The Spurs man is nobbled by Giorgio Chiellini 20 seconds into the game.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"All of my caps for England were on the road, away from Wembley, and it was a great atmosphere. It takes the game around to fans and allows them to see their stars. It is a shame that does not happen anymore. There are not too many national football stadiums around the world anymore."

KICK-OFF

Roy Hodgson looks on, Italy get us under way.

All set then? Here we go...

I'll really miss Gianluigi Buffon's national anthems when he retires. Top, top class. What an anthem Italy have got too. Brilliant rendition as ever. Just a pity the ground's half empty.

AP

England fans will make themselves heard very well tonight - there's nobody in Turin. A poor attendance. The England fans still can't stay in time with the national anthem though. Slow it down!

Reuters

LINE-UPS

Italy: Buffon, Bonucci, Ranocchia, Chiellini, Darmian, Soriano, Valdifiori, Parolo, Florenzi, Eder, Pelle. Subs: Sirigu, Abate, Antonelli, Candreva, Zaza, Immobile, Verratti, Cerci, Barzagli, Gabbiadini, Vazquez, Moretti, Santon, Marchetti.

England: Hart, Clyne, Smalling, Jagielka, Gibbs, Jones, Delph, Walcott, Rooney, Henderson, Kane. Subs: Butland, Cahill, Walker, Carrick, Townsend, Mason, Bertrand, Barkley, Green.

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

Joe Hart as vocal as ever in the tunnel, he's motivator supreme for England. Tonight is Joe Hart's 50th cap by the way. Fine effort.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"When tournament football comes up, Italy turn up. They have that knack, when it looks like an old squad or not having too much in it.

"England are the opposite, have a fantastic qualifying campaign, score lots of goals and win lots of games then come to the big games and freeze. They need to change that mentality."

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer in Turin

"Lots of questions about the absence of Michael Carrick and the switching around of Roy Hodgson's England team tonight but he is trying to utlilise his squad and have a look at different players and formations. Likely to be criticised if it goes wrong but he will regard friendlies such as this one against Italy as a chance for experimentation away from the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

"Almost kick-off time and an awful lot of empty seats."

Reuters

Andrea Pirlo is not in the Italy squad tonight but as a Juventus man I imagine he'll be around. No doubt he'll have his notepad out to jot down some notes from Phil Jones' display in the quarterback role.

'This is Theo's chance'

PA

England manager Roy Hodgson talking to ITV:

"I hope to see that Harry Kane and Theo Walcott can reward the faith we have in then. Theo likes to play as a front player, and always has been asking to play there, this is a great chance. Everyone has been waiting for the moment Harry starts, that moment has arrived and he fully deserves it.

"Italy have a very strong bench, they have started with a few players to be tested out. We are both in the same situation. Italy will qualify, we will qualify. France is the most important thing."

England boss Roy Hodgson confirms that Harry Kane and Theo Walcott will start up front. This could be a very interesting England side to watch line up.

A winger up front, a forward in midfield and a centre-back in midfield. Total football.

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Backing for Barkley...

Joe Campbell: Hart; Clyne, Jones, Cahill, Gibbs; Henderson, Carrick, Barkley; Sterling, Kane, Rooney

Darren Reed: Foster, Clyne, Cahill, Jones, Gibbs, Henderson, Wilshere, Barkley, Walcott, OX, Kane

Arthur Goddard: Hart, Clyne, Cahill, Stones, Bertrand, Henderson, Wilshere, Barkley, Welbeck, Rooney, Kane

We are asking your England team for Euro 2016. Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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It seems that Theo Walcott is indeed going to start up front tonight, just the nine years after his England debut. Walcott is 26 now, and he's only scored in three games for England.

Not a good enough return?

Getty Images

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OJWB: Hart, Clyne, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines, Walcott, Henderson, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rooney, Kane

Dan Baugh: Hart | Clyne, Cahill, Smalling, Rose | Jones, Henderson, Carrick, Wilshere | Kane, Rooney

Ben Waugh: Without a doubt! Hart, Clyne, Cahill, Jones, Betrand, Carrick, Henderson, Chamberlain, Rooney, Sterling, Kane.

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Mark Noble's never going to play for England Robert. Get over it.

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Mark Noble? He's never had a call-up. That's one for another night...

Robert Thompson: Hart/Baines-Shawcross-Cahill-Clyne/Carrick-Noble-Henderson-Lallana/Welbeck-Rooney 4-4-2 Diamond. Kane et al to be impact subs

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England's top goalscorers

Opta

It's surely a question of when, not if, Wayne Rooney becomes England's record goalscorer. A superb achievement from the Manchester United man.

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A left-field suggestion, or a Southampton supporter?

Ian Simpson: Hart, Clyne, Cahill, Jones, Bertrand, Cork, Ward-Prowse, Lallana, Rooney, Jay Rodriguez, Kane

We are asking your England team for Euro 2016. Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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If you're not up to speed with Turin's sporting stadia, the Delle Alpi which saw England crash out of the World Cup 25 years ago (Twenty-five!) has since been demolished.

Tonight's game will be held at the Juventus Stadium, built to replace it in 2011. Juve moved to a smaller ground to get a better atmosphere. I can think of a few English teams who could benefit from a move like that.

Getty Images

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer in Turin

Phil McNulty

"Need a head for heights at Italy v England here in Turin. Superb view."

Can they win in Turin?

Reuters

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

bdh: Hart/Clyne/Stones/Jones/Shaw/Barkley/Delph/Sterling/Rooney/Sturridge/Kane

Sam: Hart // Clyne Cahill Jagielka Gibbs // Henderson Wilshere Delph // Sterling // Sturridge Rooney

David: Hart, Clyne, Smalling, Stones, Shaw, Sterling, Carrick, Wilshere, Townsend, Rooney, Kane.

We are asking your England team for Euro 2016. Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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'Jones a square peg in a round hole'

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Turin

"I am concerned about Phil Jagielka and Chris Smalling, while it remains to be seen if Phil Jones works in midfield. The team had a good balance and tempo on Friday against Lithuania but I am worried about the midfield tonight. The lack of passing and measured control. Can the three tonight pass and spring attacks?

"We know centre-half is a problem. Jones has struggled there for Manchester United so why chop and change him again? Why not play him in his favoured position? If everybody is fit, there is no chance he plays in midfield.

"Play players who play in their positions at their clubs. Bring Ryan Mason in, or drop Jordan Henderson back. Jones is a square peg in a round hole."

Carrick rested?

John Murray

BBC commentator in Turin

"Even though this squad is down to 20 in number, Roy Hodgson still has lots of options and systems he can use. It looks like behind-the-scenes deals have been done here. If this was competitive game, Hodgson would have wanted Michael Carrick in midfield to see how he would do alongside Jordan Henderson."

No sell out in Turin

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty in Turin

Getty Images

"There are suggestions that the Juventus Stadium - which has a capacity of more than 40,000 - will not be sold out for tonight's friendly meeting between Italy and England but the home fans can be guaranteed to create a noisy atmosphere. Southampton's Graziano Pelle is up front for Italy to provide a Premier League flavour to coach Antonio Conte's side."

Wayne's world

Getty Images

A goal against Italy this evening would see Wayne Rooney out on his own in terms of scoring in consecutive England matches since World War Two.

If your opinions count for anything, Nathaniel Clyne is nailed on to start for England at next summer's Euros. Glen Johnson's international days may well be over...

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John Dykes: Hart, Clyne Shawcross Cahill Baines, Delph Carrick, Sterling Rooney Lallana, Kane

Will Jackson: Hart, Clyne, Cahill, Stones, Baines, Henderson, Carrick, Welbeck, Rooney, Sterling, Kane

Matthew Burt: Hart, Clyne, Bertrand, Cahill, Smalling, Carrick, Henderson, Wilshere, Rooney, Welbeck, Sterling

We are asking your England team for Euro 2016. Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"Phil Jones played in midfield against Spain years ago and we won. Michael Carrick uses the ball ever so well but it is something for Jones to learn from.

"Carrick has the great footballing brain but I wonder about the back-four's distribution. Kieran Gibbs might be nervous as he has not played at this level for a long time and Nathaniel Clyne is still learning his trade."

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Yoni from Birmingham: GK Hart, DF Clyne, Smalling, Cahill, Gibbs, MF Carrick, Henderson, Rooney F Sterling, Kane, Welbeck

We are asking your England team for Euro 2016. Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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Elsewhere around Europe

Some other international friendlies taking place around the continent this evening, and the most tantalising one on offer is a repeat of the 2010 World Cup final between Netherlands and Spain. Of course, the sides met most recently at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Robin van Persie scored twice as Oranje hammered La Roja 5-1 in Salvador.

EPA

Ballon D'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo could boost his goalscoring record for Portugal when they take on Cape Verde. Winger Nani was born on the island which is located off the coast of Western Africa, before emigrating to Europe.

Elsewhere, neighbouring countries go head-to-head as Russia face Kazakhstan and Slovakia host Czech Republic. Plenty of history there.

The full list of fixtures from tonight can be found here

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Chris Pearson: England's XI for the Euros? 4-2-3-1 Hart / Clyne, Baines, Jones, Stones / Henderson, Carrick / Sterling, Rooney, Welbeck / Kane

We are asking your England team for Euro 2016. Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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Getty Images

England are 45 minutes away from kick-off in sunny Turin. What words of wisdom will Roy Hodgson have given his men this evening? What is aiming to learn from tonight's performance?

Is Nathaniel Clyne now the first-choice right-back? Can Theo Walcott earn a starting role? Is Phil Jones the sitting midfielder England have been missing?

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Rod in London: Hart, Clyne, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Carrick, Wilshere, Welbeck, Sturridge, Sterling

No Wayne Rooney?

We are asking your England team for Euro 2016. Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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Rooney keen on Kane

Even England captain Wayne Rooney is excited about seeing what Harry Kane can do at international level.

"I'm as excited as everyone else in the country about Harry. He's had an unbelievable season," said Rooney.

PA

Kane won his first cap as a second-half substitute for Rooney in the 4-0 win against Lithuania at Wembley on Friday, and scored 79 seconds after coming on.

"Going into the season, there were even questions about whether he would start for Tottenham," added Manchester United captain Rooney, who also scored against Lithuania.

"He was starting Europa League games but not the Premier League games - but he gave his manager Mauricio Pochettino no option but to play him and he's not looked back, scoring goals every week."

Karry on Kane

Tottenham striker Harry Kane makes his first England start tonight, lining up alongside captain Wayne Rooney. He has had acres and acres of newsprint written about him in the last few weeks, and another good performance this evening could send the hype machine into overdrive.

AP

The 21-year-old, who has scored 29 goals for Spurs this season, found the net just 79 seconds after coming on for his debut in Friday's 4-0 Euro 2016 qualifying win over Lithuania.

"Harry deserves his chance," said England coach Roy Hodgson.

"This is a chance for some of the squad players to show they are good enough."

Kane has scored eight goals in 10 appearances for England Under-21s and may play for Gareth Southgate's side in their European Championship in the Czech Republic this summer.

Pick your team at #bbcfootball

There's nothing quite like an ill-informed stab in the dark to get us all through international week.

England look all but certain to qualify for next summer's Euro 2016 finals in France, but what team do you expect Roy Hodgson to pick?

Presuming everybody's fit and available, tell us your team to start England's first game.

In true Blue Peter style, here's one we made earlier:

Sharemytactics

How will England line up in their Euro 2016 opener? Should they qualify, of course...

Daniel Sturridge, Harry Kane, Michael Carrick, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Theo Walcott and co will all fancy proving us wrong - but we want to know what you think. Your teams please, and reasons why you've made changes to our side.

Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Van Gaal: Not starting Kane and then playing Phil Jones in midfield, Roy really knows how to please the fans

Daniel Woodley: Incredibly defensive England side. Why just one winger? Poor team selection from Hodgson

freddy harper-davis: I think England will win 2-1 tonight with Kane and Cahill with the goals.

BBC Radio 5 live

You can follow every kick of this game in Turin on BBC Radio 5 live tonight. The build-up starts at 19:00 BST, with kick-off at 19:45. Commentators John Murray and Alan Green are joined by summariser Danny Mills. I am sure the former England full-back will have plenty to say about the current bunch.

Belt it out Buffon

Getty Images

Gianluigi Buffon is the world champion in national anthem singing. A master of the art. It's probably going to be the highlight of the entire evening so don't miss out. Watch a craftsman at work before he retires...

Gigi gogo

BBC

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon extends his appearance record to 147 for Italy this evening. What a list of players that is!

Buffon's 147 caps is just 11 fewer than the total accrued by Italy's outfield players put together tonight - and Giorgio Chiellini has 75 of those.

Team news

England's XI includes four players who started in the World Cup defeat by Italy in Brazil, with Joe Hart, Jordan Henderson, Phil Jagielka and Wayne Rooney surviving.

Manchester United defender Phil Jones looks like he will start as a defensive midfielder - a role he has played for his club - while Harry Kane makes his full international debut in attack. Theo Walcott makes his first England start since September 2013.

England XI: Hart, Clyne, Gibbs, Henderson, Smalling, Jagielka, Walcott, Jones, Kane, Rooney, Delph.

Don't get carried away

Getty Images

Harry Kane's England career could not have started better - with a debut goal after just 79 seconds. It doesn't necessarily mean a golden international future lies ahead though, with David Nugent, Andros Townsend, Francis Jeffers, Kieran Richardson and Shaun Wright-Phillips all having netted on their first appearance for their country.

I remember Gareth Southgate playing in midfield for England a few times. Is Phil Jones really suited to that role at this level? We shall (maybe) find out this evening...

Getty Images

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"A few fans are already milling around the superb Juventus Stadium - although plenty of visiting supporters are still in the city centre enjoying the sights and piazzas of Turin on a gloriously warm evening. There is just enough breeze to make it a perfect evening for Roy Hodgson's side to measure how far they have come since the disappointment of the World Cup in Brazil.

"England's line-up may have an experimental look but there will still be plenty for Hodgson and his staff to learn and observe against opponents who are never less that organised, battle-hardened and tough to beat."

Graz life

PA

There are only 17 international goals in the whole of the Italy squad for tonight's game. It's a largely experimental side with not so many familiar faces to the English fan. Apart from Southampton's Graziano Pelle of course.

World-class hair given its chance on the biggest stage.

All change for Italia

Reuters

Italy boss Antonio Conte named his starting XI on Monday, with only defender Giorgio Chiellini surviving from the team that beat England in their World Cup opener in June.

Southampton striker Graziano Pelle is included, with Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon starting at his club's home ground.

Italy are unbeaten since the World Cup, but needed an 84th-minute goal from Sampdoria's Eder to draw 2-2 with Bulgaria on Saturday.

Italy XI: Buffon; Ranocchia, Bonucci, Chiellini; Darmian, Parolo, Florenzi, Valdifiori, Soriano; Pelle, Eder

BreakingBREAKING TEAM NEWS

Phil Jones starts in midfield - wearing the number eight shirt no less! Jones will play in a midfield three with Fabian Delph and Jordan Henderson. Harry Kane starts, as we knew. Full team news to come.

England on the up?

England in Turin.

It's enough to set any fan of a certain age back to 1990, perhaps on the search for Chrissy Waddle's penalty.

PA

Turin was the scene of England's World Cup defeat to West Germany in the 1990 World Cup semi-final

Tonight it's Italy v England. Yes, it's only a friendly and carries nothing of the significance of a World Cup semi-final but we'll all just have to make the best of it won't we?

In a boost to sports editors around the land, Harry Kane is playing, and does he bring with him a sense of renewed optimism?

Are Roy Hodgson's side on the up? Can they be a force in next summer's Euro 2016 finals? Can I get through this intro without mentioning 'The Italian Job' at least once?

PA

The nearest Steve McManaman got to owning a Mini

Almost...