World Cup

[monks data]

Attendance: 39,800

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 14, 2014 at 11pm UK

England
1-2
Italy

Sturridge (37')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Marchisio (35'), Balotelli (50')

Team News: Raheem Sterling starts for England, Gianluigi Buffon out of Italy squad

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 14 June 2014

England name Liverpool midfielder Raheem Sterling in their starting XI for this evening's World Cup Group D opener against Italy in Manaus.

England have named Liverpool midfielder Raheem Sterling in their starting XI for this evening's World Cup Group D opener against Italy in Manaus.

England's players prior to the football match between England and Italy at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014 © Getty Images

The 19-year-old starts in the centre behind Daniel Sturridge, as Roy Hodgson's side line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Wayne Rooney is named on the left-hand side of attacking midfield, with Danny Welbeck, passed fit after overcoming an ankle injury, on the right.

Meanwhile, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is absent as he recovers from a recent knee injury.

Member of Italy's national football team pose for team photo during a Group D football match between England and Italy at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 14, 2014 © Getty Images

Italy goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon is not in the squad after suffering an ankle injury in training on Friday, with Salvatore Sirigu of Paris Saint-Germain stepping in to take his place between the sticks.

Veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo is named as captain for tonight's clash against the Three Lions.

England: Hart, Johnson, Jagielka, Cahill, Baines, Gerrard, Henderson, Welbeck, Sterling, Rooney, Sturridge

Italy: Sirigu, Chiellini, Darmian, Candreva, Marchisio, Balotelli, Barzagli, De Rossi, Paletta, Pirlo, Verratti