World Cup 2014: Mario Balotelli announces his engagement to model Fanny Neguesha days before Italy's match against England

The striker revealed his good news on Monday night

Mario Balotelli (left) and his fiancée Fanny Neguesha (thisisfannyneguesha Twitter)

Italy striker Mario Balotelli has taken time away from preparing to face England in their World Cup opener on Saturday to propose to his girlfriend Fanny Neguesha.

The former Manchester City forward confirmed on his social networking site last night that he will marry his Belgian girlfriend.

"She said yes.. The most important yes in my life. That was the place of my question! I Love you and happy birthday too! Je t'aime my WIFE"

In just four days time, the Italians face England in the Manaus jungle, and will hope that the the impending marriage softens the controversial forward, who currently plays for AC Milan but has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.

Balotelli's fiancée added on her own instagram account: "Tonight, I said the most important yes of my life. That was the best present for my birthday! I love you first and unique husband."

The pair have been dating for a year, although they briefly split late last year before rekindling their romance.

The 23-year-old faces a battle to start in the match against Roy Hodgson's side on Saturday, after his rival for the No 9 shirt Ciro Immobile scored a hat-trick in Italy's 5-3 victory over Fluminense on Sunday night in their final warm-up game before the World Cup.