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England midfielder Declan Rice says recent criticism he has received from pundits including Roy Keane and Graeme Souness is "harsh".

West Ham captain are in a relegation fight in the Premier League, while there has been speculation over Rice's future.

Keane and Souness have both suggested he is lacking key midfield attributes - namely contributing goals and assists.

"It's one of those where you take it with a pinch of salt," said Rice.

"[Keane's] said some glowing things about me in the past and sometimes some things I can improve as well.

"You try not to let it affect you that much. I can take criticism on the chin quite well. If it is that way I can see where I can improve."

Gary Rose
BBC Sport reporter

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Jude Bellingham's rapid rise in recent years has seen him become an important player for both Borussia Dortmund and England and a wanted man for some of football's biggest clubs.

The summer looks set to be an interesting one for the midfielder, with a host of Europe's top clubs reportedly ready to battle for the £110m-rated player., external

Just 19, Bellingham was one of England's standout performers at last year's World Cup and as he prepares to pull on the Three Lions shirt again, BBC Sport charts his path from humble youngster at Birmingham to one of the most sought after talents in world football.

Read more here.

Former England captain Steven Gerrard on Channel 4: "It was heartbreaking in terms of how we [England] went out of the competition [2022 World Cup] but I think there were lots of positives to take.

"There is an abundance of talent. This stadium is built for football and atmosphere and if you're a proper player then you need to come here and perform."

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One thousand, two hundred and 19 days since his last match in charge of his country, Michael O'Neill begins his second spell as Northern Ireland manager tonight.

It would be a huge upset if he were not to start with a win, as Northern Ireland travel to the country currently bottom of Fifa's world rankings, in 211th place - San Marino.

O'Neill's aim is to repeat the trick from his first spell in charge and guide NI to the Euros, having taken them to the last 16 in 2016.

We will be providing updates from San Marino v Northern Ireland - you can follow dedicated live coverage of that game here.

England

England midfielder Jude Bellingham speaking to Channel 4: "It's been a quick turnaround. There's been a bit of reflection from the World Cup.

"The lads are confident and looking forward to playing in an amazing fixture."

[Playing alongside Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice] "I'm really looking forward to it. Two quality players. The good thing about all of us is we have different attributes so we need to show that and hopefully create some chances.

"Every midfield battle helps to sway the tide of the game. It's important we get on the front foot and try to take control."

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England suffered the embarrassment of relegation from their Uefa Nations League group after slumping to defeat against Italy in Milan back in September.

Giacomo Raspadori's stunning 68th-minute strike broke the deadlock in the San Siro as a game that lacked any spark finally came to life after the break.

Read the report.

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Roberto Mancini believes this fixture has become "a bit of a clasico" over recent years.

The two nations are set for their fourth meeting in two years following the Euros final and home and away fixtures in last season's Nations League group stage.

Mancini also rejected the idea of trouble at the game, saying "it's always been the away fans that have come here and caused problems".

"We saw that in the Champions League," he said.

"If people come here and behave then I don't think we have to think of anything like that."

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Gareth Southgate has won 49 of his 81 games in charge of England (D18, L14) and could become only the third manager to win 50 games after Sir Alf Ramsey and Walter Winterbottom.

Ramsey reached the total in 79 games, while Winterbottom took 82 games.

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Italy are looking to restore national pride as they begin the defence of their Euro 2020 crown.

Roberto Mancini's appointment as manager in 2018 looked to have heralded a new era for the Azzurri - with his side embarking on a world record 37-game unbeaten run.

However, from the joy of European Championship glory came the crushing failure to qualify for a second successive World Cup finals.

So where next for Italy as they start their European Championship campaign?

Who could come to the fore during Mancini's latest rebuilding job, and what are the challenges he faces to make the four-time World Cup winners a force to be reckoned with again?

Read more here.

Alex Howell
Football reporter at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium

The England players came out onto the pitch a short time ago to have a look at it. Fans are starting to make their way into the ground too.

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Neil Muirhead: I've nothing against him [Kalvin Phillips], he's obviously a good player but isn't that ridiculous after so few minutes

Dental Mental: Southgate picking players on form clearly.

Chris Adams: I’m a big fan of what Southgate’s achieved with England, but this Phillips selection does seem bizarre. Yes, he’s never let Southgate down, but you can’t start a player who’s barely played. Though, tbf, playing for England v Italy is a lower standard than playing for City in CL.

Rob Green
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

Italy didn't qualify for the World Cup so, which Italy are we going to see? Is it the European champions or the team that got shunned out of World Cup qualifying by North Macedonia.

Roberto Mancini has been vocal about the lack of depth in the squad.

You get the feeling that both teams would have liked this game to come later in the group.

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Harry Kane will have "added motivation" against Italy as he bids to break Wayne Rooney's goalscoring record, says Gareth Southgate.

Kane has scored 53 goals for England, equal with men's record holder Rooney.

In England's last match - the World Cup quarter-final defeat to France - Kane missed a late penalty.

"We have seen in his performances for his club he has put it behind him," said Southgate.

"I know he will have will have added motivation tomorrow night to come back and show everyone what he is about again in an England shirt."

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Italy will wear a special message on their shirts for Gianluca Vialli, a member of Roberto Mancini's coaching staff, who died at the age of 58 in January following a battle with cancer.

"[It will be] very emotional," said Italy manager Mancini.

"It's the first time we have played a game since Luca's passing. We were very fortunate enough to have him as a teammate and a player.

"He is immortal and people like that will always be near to us."

BBC Radio 5 Live

Emma Saunders (not me, the other one) presents build-up to tonight's game over on BBC Radio 5 Live from 19:00 GMT.

There's live commentary of the match in Naples with John Murray and Rob Green.

Rob Green
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

It's a brilliant challenge for England in a brilliant stadium that has a gladiatorial feel.

They need to be on it. This is the toughest game in the group but they should qualify and should do it comfortably.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer in Naples

Italy are playing here in Naples for the first time in a decade and there has been plenty of fanfare accompanying the Euro 2024 qualifier with England.

When Italy coach Roberto Mancini met the media here on Wednesday night, the occasion was marked by presentations from the city’s mayor Gaetano Manfredo with Napoli’s club president Aurelio De Laurentiis also in attendance.

And the stadium announcer is doing his best with every announcement delivered at eardrum rattling volume.

The first Euro 2024 qualifier has already come to a conclusion, with Kazakhstan against Slovenia kicking of 15.00 GMT in Astana.

Maksim Samorodov scored the opening goal of qualifying to put the hosts ahead, however second half strikes from David Brekalo and Zan Vipotnik earned the Slovenians all three points.

It's a result which will be of particular interest to Northern Ireland, who are also in Group H.

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All eyes will be on Harry Kane in Naples as he chases the England all-time men's scoring record.

Here's how he currently sits in the standings:

• Wayne Rooney - 53 goals
• Harry Kane - 53 goals
• Sir Bobby Charlton - 49 goals
• Gary Lineker - 48 goals
• Jimmy Greaves - 44 goals

Rob Green
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kalvin Phillips has had issues. Pep Guardiola said he had weight and fitness problems after returning from the World Cup.

Gareth Southgate knows what he wants in midfield and he's got Jude Bellingham to be mobile and get up and down.