England will play against Italy in a bid to ensure they book a slot to see them through to the next stage of the competition after consecutive draws and defeats in a pool that has seen them have two points in a tough group. Harry Maguire and Jude Bellingham have been recalled to the starting line up. England has attacking prowess with the likes of Harry Kane leading the attack. Italy have lazio’s Ciro Immobile upfront and other upcoming youngsters who have been playing as a team and this will be a tough match to call.
England were thrashed by Hungary after they put four goals past them. Hungary meet Germany in the other match. Indeed, after securing back-to-back promotions to rise from League C to League A, Hungary have proven a revelation in the Nations League’s top tier so far.
Having performed above expectations in what was widely considered the ‘Group of Death’ at Euro 2020 – when they gained two points from three games against Portugal, France and Germany, although this tally could have been higher had they not conceded late goals against the former and the latter – perhaps it should not come as so much of a surprise to see them leading Group A3 after four matches.
However, there is little doubt that Rossi is helping Magyarok punch considerably above their weight, with forthcoming opponent Joshua Kimmich admitting to reporters earlier this week, “I‘ve rarely played against a team that defends with such discipline.”
While defensive solidity has undoubtedly been the bedrock of Hungary’s success in recent times, their 4-0 demolition of England at Molineux in June showed their capabilities in possession, too, with Union Berlin’s Andras Schaffer providing a technically accomplished hub in their midfield to build attacks from.
Having led 1-0 and 2-1 at the Allianz Arena before leon Goretzka’s dramatic late equaliser helped his side progress to the knockout stages, Rossi and his players will take sizable belief from their meeting with Germany at Euro 2020 with them to Friday’s encounter in Leipzig.
Should Hungary do the unthinkable and cause another upset on the road, they will ensure that destiny remains in their own hands heading into Monday’s home match against Italy, although the importance of that match also depends on how the Azzurri fare against the Three Lions this week.
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