England vs. Italy, 2014 World Cup group stage: Preview, start time, TV schedule and more
The Three Lions face Gli Azzurri in the group stage opener for both teams. Here’s how to watch on TV and online.
Richard Heathcote
Wayne Rooney will likely be important for the Three Lions, but there's excitement surrounding several young players, including Ross Barkley, Jack Wilshere and Raheem Sterling, and what kind of impact they can have for England. There were reports that Steven Gerrard was carrying a groin injury, but head coach Roy Hodgson has squashed those reports, saying the Liverpool midfielder is healthy.
England vs. Italy
Italy are looking to continue their consistent level of play that has seen them reach the final of two of the last four major tournaments they’ve participated in. The Azzurri are confident, loaded with talent and a legitimate contender to claim the World Cup a month from now.
Perhaps the biggest news surrounding the match is the state of the pitch at Arena Amazônia. Photos of the playing surface have been floating around social media for the last 24 hours, including workers spraying brown sections of grass with green paint. This has lead the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro), to call the pitch unsuitable for play.
Match Date/Time: 7 p.m. local, 6 p.m. ET
Venue: Arena Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
TV: ESPN (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes / Univision (U.S. - Spanish), BBC One (U.K.), CBC (Canada), RAI Uno (Italy)
United States announcers: Ian Darke, Steve McManaman
Online: WatchESPN (U.S.), BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
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