Coral’s combined starting XI of current England and Italy call-ups
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Coral football writers produce a starting XI of stars from both England (11/5 to win) and Italy (11/10 favourites), ahead of their high-profile friendly clash in Turin on Tuesday, March 31st.
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart (England)
In-form Hart edges out legendary stopper Gianluigi Buffon in net for our starting XI, due to his impressive performances in recent games, in particular against Barcelona in the Champions League. England are 24/5 chances for a victory to nil.
Right back: Nathaniel Clyne (England)
Clyne is yet another to thrive at Southampton over the last couple of seasons, and his stand-out displays have earned him his first few Three Lions caps. The 23-year-old will be looking to make the international right back birth his own for the foreseeable future.
Centre back: Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)
Juventus’ Bonucci has been a near ever-present for his club this term in all competitions, as he has helped them to a big lead at the top of Serie A, as well as reach the Champions League quarters.
Centre back: Giorgio Chiellini (Italy)
Pisa-born Chiellini is anything but a leaning tower. He has been a pillar at the back for both club and country for over a decade now, and will be crucial to stopping England’s attack.
Left back: Matteo Darmian (Italy)
Torino’s versatile star Darmian has had a fine season in a number of positions, but has mainly featured as an attacking wing back. He has four goals and three assists in all competitions this term. He is 16/1 to score anytime here.
Defensive midfield: Michael Carrick (England)
Carrick may have spent spells on the sidelines this season, but has lost just one of the matches he has started, and has been a vital part of Manchester United’s recent revival.
Centre midfield: Jordan Henderson (England)
Another England midfielder that has starred this term is Liverpool’s stand-in skipper Henderson, who has thrived in the absence of Steven Gerrard. Could he be a potential Three Lions captain one day too?
Centre midfield: Marco Verratti (Italy)
PSG have been highly impressive this season in the Champions League, as they have beaten the likes of Barcelona, and recently knocked out Chelsea to reach the quarters. Young Verratti, dubbed the ‘next Andrea Pirlo’, has been a big part of their progress.
Attacking midfield: Antonio Candreva (Italy)
Lazio playmaker Candreva is perhaps the in-form player for Italy, as he has helped his club out with an amazing 12 assists and scored six goals this term. England defenders will need to be wary of his pace and tenacity.
Striker: Wayne Rooney (England)
Man Utd and Three Lions captain Rooney has been used mainly as a midfielder this term for his club, but has been in good form and still managed goals, and looks set to start up front against Italy. After getting his 47th strike for his country against Lithuania, back him to net again at 6/4.
Striker: Harry Kane (England)
As joint-top scorer in the Premier League, 21-year-old Kane has a bright future ahead of him and England are lucky to be able to call on him, seeing as his incredible form came as such a surprise. The rising star netted after just 79 seconds into his senior Three Lions debut against Lithuania, and is a tempting 6/1 shout to strike last once more.
