England v Italy team news: Raheem Sterling STARTS in Manaus ahead of Adam Lallana

The Liverpool youngster forces his way into the starting XI despite a lack of game time

The England manager, Roy Hodgson, sounded a note of caution on whether to throw the likes of Raheem Sterling (left) into the fray too early (Getty Images)

Roy Hodgson is gambling on Raheem Sterling, with the Liverpool youngster in the England starting XI ahead of Adam Lallana for the game against Italy.

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Hodgson has been talking up Sterling throughout the build-up to the World Cup, commenting on how impressive the 19-year-old has been in training. Unfortunately for the Three Lions he featured little in the warm-up games after being sent-off shortly after his introduction into the game against Ecuador and then being suspended for the game against Honduras.

Despite the lack of game time, the England manager hasn't been put off starting him against Italy and the Liverpool player will make just his third start for the Three Lions.

Lallana is the one to make way, with Danny Welbeck starting on the left. Wayne Rooney will play behind Daniel Sturridge while Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard will occupy the deeper midfield roles.

England team to face Italy (4-2-3-1): Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard (c), Henderson; Rooney, Sterling, Welbeck; Sturridge

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