Four memorable clashes between England and Italy held at Wembley

Gareth Southgate’s side can ensure qualification for Euro 2024 with victory against Italy at Wembley on Tuesday.

Italy won Euro 2020 after beating England in the final last time out at Wembley (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Archive)

England’s qualification path to Euro 2024 continues on Tuesday night when they host Italy at Wembley.

A win against the Azzurri will ensure Gareth Southgate’s side qualify for next year’s tournament in Germany.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some memorable encounters between both sides at Wembley.

European Championship final – 2021

The last meeting between both sides under the arch came in 2021 when England’s dreams for a major trophy ended after being beaten in a penalty shootout.

Southgate’s side got off to a flying start through Luke Shaw’s early strike, but Leonardo Bonucci levelled for Italy as the match went into extra time before ending with spot-kicks.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford saved penalties from Andrea Belotti and Jorginho, but Marcus Rashford hit a post before Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma as Italy earned a 3-2 shootout victory and lifted the European Championship.

World Cup qualifiers – 1997

Aiming to qualify for their first World Cup since Italia 1990, England were drawn in a group alongside Italy as they aimed to secure a spot in the 1998 edition in France.

Cesare Maldini oversaw the Italian side playing at Wembley in 1997 and Gianfranco Zola’s 19th-minute strike was enough for the visitors to pick up three points.

England eventually went on to win the qualifying group with an historic draw against the Azzurri in Rome later in the year.

World Cup qualifying disappointment – 1977

Similarly to the 1998 tournament, England’s qualification for the 1978 World Cup saw them drawn in a group with Italy.

After losing their first fixture 2-0 in Rome, England welcomed the Azzurri to Wembley 12 months later in November 1977.

Playing under manager Ron Greenwood, Kevin Keegan opened the scoring for the hosts before Trevor Brooking doubled the lead to seal a 2-0 victory.

Despite their win, England did not qualify for the 1978 tournament in Argentina as Italy earned a 3-0 win against Luxembourg to top the qualifying group on goal difference.

Bobby Moore’s final outing – 1973

England’s World Cup-winning captain made his final international appearance against Italy in 1973.

It rounded off a stellar England career for Moore, who led his side to World Cup glory in 1966 and captained the team on 90 occasions.

However, his 108th and final England cap ended in defeat in the friendly clash against the Azzurri, who won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Fabio Capello – a future England manager between 2007 and 2012.

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