After watching that jaw-dropping game between Spain and the Netherlands, a lot of the England and Italy players would have immediately dreamt about putting in a performance similar to the one managed by the Dutch. And from a neutral's point of view, nothing would be better if that turns into reality come Saturday in the jungles of Manaus.
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The second big clash of the World Cup is scheduled for a 6 pm local time (3.30 am IST, 11 pm BST, 6 pm ET) start with live coverage on Sony Six HD and Sony Six in India. The match can also be watched via live streaming online in India HERE. Watch the match in the UK on ITV and BBC with the live streaming option HERE or HERE. US viewers can catch the action on ESPN and ABC while the optioin to live stream is HERE. Australia viewers can go HERE to watch the game online, while South Africa viewers can watch the match HERE.
Much has been made of the venue for this big Group D World Cup fixture, with the heat and humidity expected to play a big role, while there were also concerns over the state of the pitch.
But then, all England and Italy can do is work with what's given to them and hope that on the day they perform better than their opponents. A good result for either team on Saturday will be a huge boost in one of the Groups of Death at this FIFA World Cup 2014 and it will be interesting to see which side actually make a proper go of it.
"I feel we are ready, we're focused and can't wait to get going tomorrow," England captain Steven Gerrard said. "You can clearly see there is great togetherness. The serious stuff begins now, we have our last session and are looking forward to game
"I think we are a better team this tournament, a better squad, confidence is higher and we're moving in the right direction. I will say something in the dressing room, towards the end when we are ready to go out, and it will be: 'Let's not have any regrets.' All the preparation has been done.
"The squad that's been picked is very bold and brave. Let's believe we have all the energy and all the work in the legs and in the tank, so now let's relax and let it happen. The key is just to not come off the pitch with any regrets and, basically, do what it takes to get that result.
"I will be proud leading this group of players out against Italy. I trust them and I believe in my teammates, but I will be even prouder if we come home from this tournament with our heads held high knowing we have gone out on to the pitch and given everything we have got for the English public back home.
"And, looking at the lads and being in and around them, I get the impression they are ready to give everything they have got. It is here now. All the distances and the miles we have covered, the heat preparation, we have done all that. There are no excuses now. It is time to walk the walk."
Roy Hodgson has been a little bold with his 23-man squad selection, choosing several young players who made an impact in the English Premier League last season, and if the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who will miss this game through injury, Adam Lallana and Ross Barkley refuse to get overawed by the occasion and strut their stuff in front of billions, then England could spring a few surprises.
Having been grouped with Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica, England will know the importance of picking up early points. Italy, though, will be thinking along the same lines, and Cesare Prandelli will expect a fast start from his side, a team which put England under severe pressure in Euro 2012, before walking away with a penalty shootout victory.
"We will be up against an England side different from the one we beat on penalties in the Euro 2012 quarterfinals, with a wealth of attacking talent as well as an organized and creative midfield," Prandelli said.
"Their players have great personalities and psychological strength. But we have prepared for this game to win and are confident that we have all the ingredients required to come out on top in what should be a pulsating clash," Prandelli said.
"We have seen lots of goals in the opening few games and I believe this will be the tournament's trend. We are looking forward to treating the fans to a soccer feast after such a great reception they gave us here and in last year's Confederations Cup."
Team news: England: Oxlade-Chamberlain suffered a knee injury in a friendly recently and will not be risked, with the midfielder expected to be available for the other crunch clash of Group D – against Uruguay. Danny Welbeck has been struggling with a thigh problem in training, and if the Manchester United man cannot make it from the start, it might mean a start for the exciting Sterling or Barkley.
Italy: Skipper Gianluigi Buffon has been ruled out of the game after picking up an ankle injury in training. Prandelli will also have to do without the services of fullback Mattia De Sciglio, who has been ruled out with a calf injury. Giorgio Chiellini might move to left-back to make up for Di Sciglio's loss, with one of Leonardo Bonucci or Gabriel Paleta coming in at central defence.
Key men: England: Wayne Rooney has been under the spotlight for his indifferent form for England. But Hodgson has insisted he has all the faith in his premier forward, and Rooney might want to repay that faith with a performance for the ages.
Italy: Andrea Pirlo ran rings around England in the quarterfinal of Euro 2010, and if the creative maestro is allowed too much space again, then the English will be asking for trouble.
Expected lineups: England: Hart; Johnson, Jagielka, Cahill, Baines; Gerrard, Henderson; Lallana, Rooney, Sterling; Sturridge.
Italy: Sirigu; Abate, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; De Rossi, Pirlo, Verratti; Marchisio, Balotelli, Cassano.
Prediction: 2-2
