The Sturridge goal and celebration with Rooney

However Italy's unpredictable striker Balotelli went on the head what proved to be the winner on 50 minutes. There was still plenty of time for England to try for a second equalizer, and they brought on all three of their young guns in Barkley, Wilshere and Lallana playing in their first World Cup final stages. However these pacey players with an eye for goal perform best for their Premiership clubs in an open game and counter-attacking. Italy are masters at defending a one-goal lead and closing out a game. After an early chance for Barkley, it fell to old hands Rooney (twice) and Gerrard to have the best opportunities in the closing stages but none of their efforts tested the goalkeeper.

Rooney did not have a great game and missed a really good chance, but it is hard to leave him out. Yet I would like to see at least one of the substitutes started in next game when it is more open. The old saying applies: If you cannot win draw, if you cannot draw, lose by just one goal. It is not yet a sudden death situation for England (unlike Spain who face a 6 goal deficit v rivals Chile and must win all games now), but we need at least 1 win and 1 draw from the next two games and hope that Italy win both their games. England always keep fans on edge of their seats. Come on England!

By ColinSpeakman

International Educator, Economist, goal of helping to increase understanding of China by the West

(Opinions of the writer in this blog don't represent those of China Daily.)