ITALY V ENGLAND 23RD SEPTEMBER 2022
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ISSUE 174 ITALY V ENGLAND 23RD SEPTEMBER 2022
...the free England fanzine
produced and distributed by
the Football Supporters’
Association (FSA) as part of
our Fans’ Embassy service
PAGE 3
W
ELCOME to Milan for those lucky enough to be successful
Italy v England England’s penultimate will be happy with the very
San Siro, Milan Nations League fixture reasonable price of £9.50 a ticket.
Friday, 23rd September 2022 and the Three Lions first visit
to the San Siro. It will also be England fans will be positioned
Kick–off 20.45, local time
England’s last game away from behind one of the goals with the
England will probably home turf until their World Cup whole upper tier allocated to us, bar
play in WHITE
opener against Iran in Qatar. a small triangular section closed off
for safety reasons, so please adhere
In case you hadn’t already noticed to that closure.
Useful Numbers the match coincides with Milan
Fashion Week, causing fans problems The match will kick off at 20.45
Fans’ Embassy Helpline: securing hotel rooms at sensible local time, however, we do advise
+44 7956 12 13 14 rates. Most of the Fashion Week you arrive early to ensure you have
England Supporters Club (FA): activity occurs in the centre of town ample time to get into the iconic
+44 7790 371 105 with catwalk parades both inside but worn San Siro. The game offers
British Embassy: and out. We are sure the majority of an opportunity for us to avenge our
+39 02 723001 England fans will blend seamlessly final defeat in the summer of 2021.
Emergencies: in with the glitterati attending the As always at an England away game
Police: 113 Fashion Week. the FSA Fan’s Embassy is here to
Fire: 115 offer any information, advice and
Ambulance: 118 We have received an allocation of assistance you might require during
4,361 tickets which exceeds the your trip.
5% allocation required by UEFA.
The English FA received over 6,000 It’s a free and confidential service,
applications from travel club and if you need any help, we can be
members. As always a number of contacted around the clock on
Contact Free Lions members will be disappointed, but +44 7956 121314.
Email: freelions@thefsa.org.uk
COVER STORY
Gifts & Postcards to:
Harry Kane’s goal against Germany means he is now on 50 for
Free Lions, c/o the FSA the Three Lions and stands alone in second place on England
1, Ashmore Terrace
men’s senior team’s list of all-time record goal scorers. He also
Stockton Road
Sunderland scored our only goal in the 4 nations league fixtures in June;
SR2 7DE therefore we thought it was fitting he took the centre stage in our
last away fixture before the world cup.
IT WASN’T ME THANK YOU
The Free Lions fanzine is produced by the relying on its contents. None of the financial As ever, this fanzine has been a team effort.
Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), the support we have received to produce
national membership-based organisation for Free Lions impacts on what we put in it. This edition was edited by Matt Willis,
fans. We have tried to ensure the accuracy of Consequently, none of our supporters can be and thanks are due to Phil Rowley; Clive
all the information provided in this fanzine, held in any way responsible for the contents Hetherington, Joe Hetherington; Richard
but can accept no responsibility for any loss, of, nor the views expressed in, this fanzine. Weekes, Tony Conniford; Paul Foley; Ashley
injury or inconvenience suffered by anyone Cover image courtesy of the FA. Brown and Peter Daykin.
Website: www.thefsa.org.uk
Email: freelions@thefsa.org.uk
FSF helpline: +44 7956 121314
PRODUCES FREE LIONS @WeAreFreeLions
facebook.com/FreeLions
MANCINI AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH CLIVE HETHERINGTON?
BY CLIVE HETHERINGTON CONTACT CLIVE VIA FREELIONS@THEFSA.ORG.UK
PAGE 4
PAGE 5
Leonardo Bonucci was sent off ITALY – THE KEY THREE by Joe Hetherington
three minutes from half-time and
midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini
scored a late consolation – before GIANLUIGI LORENZO GIANLUCA
beating Belgium by the same DONNARUMMA PELLEGRINI SCAMACCA
scoreline in the third-place The towering keeper The Roma He may only be
play-off, with middle man Nicolo is a player all too skipper is 23 and seeking
Barella and forward Domenico familiar to England becoming his first senior
Berardi’s (pictured) fans due to his pivotal an increasingly international goal
penalty putting them role in Italy’s Euro 2020 final victory. influential figure: during Italy’s after seven caps, but West Ham’s
in control. Donnarumma saved both Jadon tricky Nations League schedule this £30million-plus summer signing
Sancho’s and Bukayo Saka’s spot- summer, he scored a goal apiece from Sassuolo is attracting headlines.
But frustrating kicks in the penalty shootout as against Germany and Hungary. The beanpole striker is tipped for a
I
F England have had their After a draws – 1-1 Italy became European champions Injury robbed him of a place in big future and it is surely significant
troubles in recent times, they disappointing at home to for the first time since 1968. Having Italy’s squad for Euro 2020, but that he is already wearing Italy’s No
made his international debut at the versatile midfielder, 26, is now 9 shirt. Sassuolo, who signed the
are certainly not alone. 1-1 draw at home Switzerland and 0-0
17, Donnarumma was tasked with one of Mancini’s key players as Roma academy product from PSV
to Bulgaria and away to Northern
the seemingly impossible job of he reshapes his squad. Pellegrini, Eindhoven in January 2017, loaned
When Gareth Southgate’s men goalless stalemate in Ireland – forced Italy
replacing Gianluigi Buffon. Now 23, who began with home-city club him to Cremonese, Dutch side PEC
come up against Roberto Mancini’s Switzerland, they returned to a qualifying play-off
he won player of the tournament at Roma before joining Sassuolo and Zwolle, Ascoli and Genoa. In his final
Italy here at the San Siro in Group A3 to winning ways with a 5-0 semi-final with North Macedonia
Euro 2020 and is already closing in then returning to the capital when season in Italy, a long-awaited first
of the Nations League, they will face thrashing of visitors Lithuania. in Palermo. on his 50th cap. He left AC Milan for goal for Sassuolo arrived – he scored
a buy-back clause was activated
a side equally besieged by doubters. Paris Saint-Germain last year on a in 2017, has five goals in 24 twice away to Genoa – and ended
That, though, proved to be the It was there that the unthinkable free transfer. appearances for his country. the campaign with 16.
Whatever their Nations League end of a 37-game world-record occurred in the worst possible
fate, the Three Lions can, at least, unbeaten run in internationals manner – defeat in stoppage time
look forward to a piece of the stretching back almost three years to the only goal of the game. Three days later, Italy launched Wilfried Gnonto (pictured), only He admits considering quitting after
action at the World Cup this winter. to October 2018, five months into Having won 3-2 in a friendly in their Nations League schedule with 18, became Italy’s youngest-ever the failure to qualify for the World
Mancini’s reign. Turkey, Italy were then soundly a 1-1 draw against Germany in scorer and Alessandro Bastoni Cup – and even in the aftermath of
But for the second successive beaten 3-0 by Argentina in the Bologna, where Pellegrini gave added a second goal. their Euro 2020 triumph.
tournament, four-times winners As hosts for the finals of the last Finalissima – the clash between Mancini’s side a fleeting lead.
Italy will be missing from the Nations League, Italy were 2-1 the champions of Europe and Barella and Pellegrini By the time a much- But the Premier League title-
game’s greatest stage. semi-final losers to Spain at the the Copa America holders – at were the scorers changed Italy winning former Manchester City
San Siro – experienced defender Wembley on the first day of June. in a 2-1 win over had mustered a boss remains remarkably bullish
The mood was all so different last Hungary in Cesena response, they were and insists his ultimate goal is still
summer when the Azzurri basked before the goalless already 5-0 down. to win the World Cup – with Italy.
CLIVE’S VERDICT Italy 2, England 1
in the glory of their Euro 2020 final draw with England
Wembley win at England’s expense. at Molineux. While their travails
Both sides chopped and changed so impression from June’s goalless doubtless owe a lot
A warning signal, however, was much during this summer’s Nations draw at Molineux was that the But, as if to underline to the transitional
Italy’s stuttering form on the League matches that they are likely Azzurri are developing more of an the uncertainty now stage they are going
resumption of their World Cup to look very different again. England identity in transforming their squad. lingering around the Italian through as Mancini bloods
qualifying campaign – and it was boss Gareth Southgate and Italy For that reason, coupled with home set-up, they suffered another younger players, the past year
to be no false alarm. counterpart Roberto Mancini have advantage, I think Italy will shade resounding defeat when Germany has been tough for such a proud
a wealth of young talent, but the this encounter. won 5-2 in Monchengladbach. football nation.
Website: www.thefsa.org.uk
Receive urgent info: Email: freelions@thefsa.org.uk
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WELCOME TO MILAN
ANSWERS
SCOUSE PHIL’S FREE LIONS ON PAGE
ITALY MUSIC QUIZ 13 YOUR FREE LIONS GUIDE
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choice than the classic pizza and
pasta staples. However those in
the central part of town will be
busy due to the Fashion Week, with
...WHERE all the questions, some possibly closed for private
answers, or indeed both, have functions.
something to do with Italy.
But rest assured, if you are willing
1 Which Scottish singer of
Italian descent has had 3 No 1
albums in the UK including the 2022
Question 4: Nino Rota Question 6: Gwen Stefani
to look around you’ll be sure to
find somewhere to sample the
local beer, wine and food.
album, ‘Last Night In The Bittersweet’?
2 A famous advert, for which
make of ice cream, was set to
5 Both parents of pokerfaced
American singer Stefani
Joanne Angelina Germanotta
8 Italian fashion designer
Donatella Versace designed the
wedding dress for which recently
Milan has a couple of football
teams of note, you may have
heard of them, AC and Inter
M
the tune of the 1898 Italian hailed from Italy, but how is she freed American singer for her ILAN is the capital The historic areas of the city are Milan both of whom have a rich
operatic song ‘O Sole Mio’? better known? wedding in June to Sam Asghari? of Lombardy and the predominately focused around a footballing history and share the
second most populated small central area, beyond this the San Siro Stadium.
3 Which band, who performed
at the Commonwealth Games
opening ceremony, had a track
6 Gwen Stefani also has Italian
ancestry. Name the band, who
have had numerous hits such as
9 What is the title of Robbie
Williams’s first No 1 single,
which is also the title of his 1998
Italian city after Rome,
claiming around 1.4 million
residents. Clearly famous for its
city becomes a rather sprawling
urban metropolis, housing Milan’s
diverse community.
Each club has its own branded
changing room in the ground, Italy
called ‘Venice Drowning’ on their ‘Don’t Speak’, ‘Spiderwebs’ and album that contains the track, connections to fashion and the will use one, whilst England will be
1990 album ‘Liberty’? ‘Just A Girl’, of which is she the ‘Rome Munich Rome’? arts it is also the home of Italy’s Milan has a host of restaurants relegated to the rather smaller, and
lead singer? stock exchange and a number and bars stretching out across the plainer away dressing room.
4 Italian composer Nino Rota
composed the iconic musical
score for which 2-part, multi Oscar 7 What is the correct name for
the London band formed in
10 In 1998 at one of his
‘Pavarotti and Friends’
concerts, which band did the
of large industries. whole city, offering much more
TICKET COLLECTION POINT (TCP)
winning film of the 70s, directed by Balham in 1999, Bologna Brakes, famous Italian opera singer duet
Francis Ford Coppola? Naples Brakes or Turin Brakes? with on their song ‘Viva Forever’?
I
T’LL come as no surprise to for your group, this helps the FA Thursday 22nd September
you to find out it’s 100% staff locate yours more easily. Location: San Siro Ticket Booth/
FSA FANS’ EMBASSY collection for ESTC members Ticket Office
here in Milan, which means that The ticket collection here in Milan Opening Times: TBC
A
REGULAR feature of all will be on hand in Milan to offer any We will be operating on the every individual must collect is slightly different to usual and (Likely to be 1pm until 8pm)
England away games for advice, information, and assistance afternoon of Thursday 22nd their own ticket in person. will have two separate locations,
the last twenty years or that you might need to make your September, and then on match one at the stadium on Matchday Friday 23rd September
so, we’re now looking forward trip go smoothly. day (Friday 23rd September) Remember to take up-to-date Minus One (Thursday) and one in Location: Excelsior Hotel (Piazza
to operating our last Fans’ from around 10am through to photo ID with you, and it will the city centre on matchday. It Duci D’Aosta 9, Milan, 20124)
Embassy before the World Cup Subject to securing official about 4pm. speed up the process if you can should be noted that there will be Opening Times: TBC
later this year. permission from local authorities remember the name of the lead no ticket collection point at the (likely to be 9am until 8:45pm)
in Milan, the Fans’ Embassy will We will of course be contactable member who purchased the tickets stadium on matchday!
The Football Supporters’ be based outside the front of the around the clock via the helpline on
Association’s Fans’ Embassy service Central Station, in central Milan. +44 7956 121314. At the time of print, opening times were to be confirmed. The FA will of course communicate
these with you and our Fans’ Embassy volunteers will be on the ground to help you in Milan.
Website: www.thefsa.org.uk
Receive urgent info: Email: freelions@thefsa.org.uk
Sign up to Free Lions’ FREE SMS text service FSF helpline: +44 7956 121314
PRODUCES FREE LIONS Text “UPDATES” to +44 7956 121314 PRODUCES FREE LIONS @WeAreFreeLions
facebook.com/FreeLions
MILAN
y
FSA Fans’ Embassy:
FA Ticket Central Station
FSA Collection:
Fans’ Embassy:
Excelsior Hotel
Central Station
Stadium
WELCOME TO MILAN
YOUR FREE LIONS GUIDE
PAGE 10
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THE STADIUM GROUND RULES
T
HE capacity for the
game is 75,817, with the
England allocation being
4,361, this makes it the biggest
stadium in Italy almost 10,000
bigger than the Stadio Olimpico
in Rome.
The last time Italy played here
was against Spain in October
2021 for a Nations League semi-
final where a disappointing and
mostly disappointed 33,524 fans
watched Italy lose 2-1. Let’s hope
more Italians turn up to create an
atmosphere this time.
K
ICK off is scheduled for for the second check and security collection to see if they’ve had
The view from the Three Lions top 2045 local time with search. We have been informed any luck.
tier seats is mostly unobstructed, gates open two hours that phone charger packs will not
although if you do end up near before. England fans will be be allowed in the stadium and will Concessions and toilets for England
the front there is a tall perspex directed to an entrance on Via be confiscated, Free Lions has little fans will be available in towers 8
GETTING TO THE GROUND partition separating you from the Federic Tesio, there’s an initial confidence these will be returned and 11, only low alcohol beer will
home fans. ticket check as you enter the to you so we suggest you leave be available inside the stadium.
first compound. them at the hotel. Other than that
T
HE San Siro is located in the will enter a large compound which It’s a long way up, it’s very steep it’s the standard banned list, so We are expecting a hold back until
western suburbs of Milan, leads up to the stadium gates. and feels like you are right on top In Italy you must have photo ID to leave your guns, knives and pyros home sections are empty, Italian
although public transport of the pitch. Finally, although it is enter the ground, and this ID must at home! police estimate that to be 30
links are good. By far the easiest If you do decide to get a taxi, and rail seating, the steps in the aisles match the name printed on your minutes although our suspicion is
mode of transport for England they’re not cheap in Milan, try to are uneven and there are no rails, ticket, if this is not the case it is Following the security check you it could well be longer. Toilets and
fans is the metro, the M5 (purple make sure they drop you near the so be careful. likely that you will be refused entry. are on the outer concourse of the concessions will remain open.
line) to be precise. San Siro Stadio metro, otherwise stadium and need to head to gate
you could face a long walk Both passports and driving licenses 10 to scan your ticket, following Flags will be allowed in the
There are two San Siro metro stops, around the perimeter of the will be accepted as proof, but they that head to tower 9 to make your stadium, albeit there is no clear
make sure you disembark at San Siro ground to the England entrance. must be originals and not copies. way up to the stand. procedure to hang early, when we
Stadio, on exiting the metro take a England fans membership cards last spoke with San Siro staff we
short walk away from the stadium Finally, San Siro is served by will NOT be accepted. At the time of going to press the were told the gates maybe open
along the main road, taking the first both buses and trams, buses 49 slow ramped climb up the tower is three hours before, but definitely
right Via Federico Tesio. and 80 both stop at San Siro Once you have entered the the only way into the stand, albeit two. Flags can be hung from the
Stadio metro stop, whilst the compound you will make your way the FA were trying to find a way seat rails and at the back of the
You should see the England fans tram will leave you with a walk to the stadium where we expect for less ambulant supporters to get stand but not on the Perspex at
entrance just in front. England fans around the stadium perimeter. to see 8 lanes that will be used some assistance. Check at ticket the front.
Website: www.thefsa.org.uk
Receive urgent info: Email: freelions@thefsa.org.uk
Sign up to Free Lions’ FREE SMS text service FSF helpline: +44 7956 121314
PRODUCES FREE LIONS Text “UPDATES” to +44 7956 121314 PRODUCES FREE LIONS @WeAreFreeLions
facebook.com/FreeLions
WELCOME TO MILAN
YOUR FREE LIONS GUIDE
PAGE 12
PAGE 13
GETTING AROUND THINGS TO SEE AND DO EATING & DRINKING
M
ILAN has good public
transport system with
interlinked buses, trams
and metro. Uber and taxis are
available and reasonable for
short trips but can get expensive
as you may have found if
jumping in one at the airport.
The metro is the best and most
efficient way of moving around the
W Y
city, tickets can be bought in metro ITH the Fashion Alongside the Doumo is the high OU are probably bored If you fancy more than a Moretti, offers much more, for starters
stations and there’s a variety of Week in full swing end shopping, and the surrounding of us mentioning Fashion the city does boast a few craft they interestingly have Coteletto,
ticket options available, the ones of the city will be busy streets show off much of historic Week but it will have an breweries, one of the pioneers from a dish very similar to the German
most interest to us are likely to be and bustling with the rich Milan and “Fashion Week” impact on our visit, as for starters the mid-90s is Birrificio Lambrate, Weinerschnitzel, with chips of course.
a single journey ticket for 2 Euros, and beautiful, so easy for the dependant are well worth a wander. bars and restaurants will be busy. offering both a pub and restaurant.
this will last 90 mins from when England faithful to seamlessly Stews and soups, breads and cakes,
first used, so remember to stamp mingle into the crowds. The Leonardo Da Vinci spent a chunk Prices vary tremendously but if Irish pubs I hear you say? Of you can easily find something
it on the bus or tram otherwise it Fashion Week does mean that of time in Milan and his influence you look around, keep off the course, there are. Here’s just a different to eat for every meal.
won’t be valid. some streets may be closed, the can still be seen. Milan used to tourist trail then you can still find few of those on offer, Mulligans,
fashion shows happen inside have a fairly thorough canal system a reasonably priced, pizza, beer or a short walk up from Garibaldi Alternatively, if its McDonald’s
Milan also offers a one day ticket and out. which Da Vinci helped design, carafe of local wine. station. O’Connells and Pogue you are after there are a number
for 7 Euros, or a 3 day one for 12 these days only Naviglio Grande Mahone’s to the south of the city. dotted around town including one at
Euros, both of these work on 24 It you fancy joining a supermodel, and Naviglio Pavese remain and A Milan night out starts with Doumo and another just across from
hour periods from when first used, rockstar, or these days, influencer both areas offer an array of canal Aperitivo, meeting up in a bar for a There’s even a traditional English the main entrance to central station.
again don’t forget to stamp! in the front row then I’m afraid side bars and restaurants. Da drink or two and some light snacks, football pub, whatever that might
your chances are slim. Tickets for Vinci’s Last Supper Mural (it’s not so don’t be surprised to see these be. With the city as spread out as it If you fancy joining the locals in an
It’s advisable to have a ticket that the prime events are reserved for a fresco) is in Milan at the Santa offered or arrive at your table. is its difficult to pinpoint one main aperitivo you could always try the
covers your return from the San Siro the industry folks and people who Maria delle Grazie, tickets can be area where Three Lions supporters classic Italian cocktail, A negroni or
to avoid any additional queuing. can afford to buy the creations on bought in advance. Across town to the south is the will gather. the now globally renowned Aperol
display. However other events are Navigli area (pictured), a common Spritz. Alternatively stick with
accessible to the public if you are If you fancy a bit of peace and place for the Milanese to start, Although pasta and pizza are the readily available and familiar
keen to show off the badge. quiet then a stroll in Sempione and even finish their night out. widely available Milanese cuisine Peroni Nastro Azzuro and Moretti.
Park is probably top choice
Milan’s historic centre is the heart of of Milan’s open spaces. It also Suarez 9. Luton Town 10. Dele Alli
the city, centred around the Doumo, happens to be alongside Milan
Spice Girls
Chloe Kelly 6. Coventry City 7. Bobby Charlton 8. Luis
7. Turin Brakes 8. Britney Spears 9. ‘Millennium’10.
a magnificent gothic cathedral Castle and a number of the
Quiz
Stadium and Leigh Sports Village 5. Ellie Toone and
Godfather Parts I and II 5. Lady Gaga 6. No Doubt
dating back to the 14th Century. leading city museums so could 1. Lewis Capaldi 2. Cornetto 3. Duran Duran 4. The
Arsenal v Crystal Palace 4. Manchester City Academy
As well as heading inside you can keep you busy for a few hours, if Music Quiz (Page 6)
1. AC Milan 2. George Weah 3. Gabriel Martinelli for
also head up onto the roof to take you are trying to kill some time Football Quiz (Page 16)
in the view of the square below. before retiring to the pub.
Answers
Website: www.thefsa.org.uk
Receive urgent info: Email: freelions@thefsa.org.uk
Sign up to Free Lions’ FREE SMS text service FSF helpline: +44 7956 121314
PRODUCES FREE LIONS Text “UPDATES” to +44 7956 121314 PRODUCES FREE LIONS @WeAreFreeLions
facebook.com/FreeLions
THE LACK OF GOALS IS A WORRY AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH CLIVE HETHERINGTON?
BY CLIVE HETHERINGTON
PAGE 14
CONTACT CLIVE VIA FREELIONS@THEFSA.ORG.UK
PAGE 15
matches – here in the San Siro have some good players in forward of a major miss in lifting the ball OBITUARY: COLIN GRAINGER
against Italy and when Germany positions – Foden, Mount, Sterling, over at the far post when it looked
visit Wembley on Monday, is Grealish – but that one, main easier to score.
finding a way to restore the belief position, the Harry Kane position,
and confidence that were smashed God help us if he gets injured. That’s Former Chelsea man Graeme Le
to smithereens by the Hungarians. where we’re struggling. Saux said: “It was a basic miss.
Harry Kane scores that. He gets
Putting the ball in the net would “You look at the back-up. Tammy into a position where he trusts
help in that particular goal. It is Abraham played all right, his himself and scores. Sterling looked
now six hours since England last touch and link-up play were good. a bit hesitant and on his heels.”
scored from open play – centre- He’s scored goals and he’s possibly
T
back Tyrone Mings’ stoppage-time the one waiting in the wings.But There is no doubt that, in his HEY called him ‘The Singing
W
HILE the Lionesses The 4-0 humiliation left fans in a effort in the 3-0 friendly win over we have concerns about whether defence, Southgate faced a Winger’ and he had the
roared at this state of shock. For the first time Ivory Coast at Wembley in March. we can create and finish chances, dilemma over how to approach distinction of appearing on
summer’s Euros, since 2014 under Roy Hodgson’s especially when Harry Kane is not the Nations League. Four games the same bill as The Beatles.
Gareth Southgate’s boys management, England have gone The problem was emphasised in on the pitch. in quick succession, 11 days to be
capitulated in the Nations four matches without a win. the home humbling by Hungary, precise, so soon after the end of a Colin Grainger, who died in June at
League with barely a whimper. who at times looked capable of “Harry would have scored from demanding domestic season, meant 89, also performed on the football
And for the first time since he scoring at will, even before central the Mason Mount chance. He tired legs and a need for rotation. stage for England, making a
England’s women, under the took charge in 2016, there were defender John Stones was sent would have whipped it low and memorable debut for his country by
leadership of Dutch coach Sarina calls from some supporters for off with England 3-0 down, and hard into the corner of the net. Southgate also felt he had to take scoring twice – the first goal with his
Wiegman, captured the Football Southgate to go after such a in the goalless draw with Italy at That’s why the centre-forwards get the opportunity to look at younger first touch after only four minutes –
Association’s first major trophy catastrophic setback and miserable Molineux three days earlier. the big bucks, isn’t it! players – but the Hungary debacle in a 4-2 Wembley win against Brazil
since Alf Ramsey’s men conquered run of form. was unquestionably an experience in May 1956. He played on the left,
the world in 1966, as Wembley Chelsea midfielder Mason “Mason didn’t keep his shot low they could have done without. the opposite flank to the great Sir
again played host to an historic The FA have rightly invested much Mount’s alarming lack of for starters. He had a big area to Stanley Matthews, whose cross he
occasion in the national psyche. faith and trust in Southgate, composure when he hit the bar hit and just had to sweep it into It is never easy to strike the right headed in for his second goal just
before half-time.
England’s most successful manager against the Italians from the most the far corner, but he went high balance when so many factors
Now, however, Southgate’s rock- – in the men’s game – since the inviting position, crystalised the and probably too hard. That’s have to be weighed up, but there
Despite that fast start with
bottom England face the distinct man who became Sir Alf. dearth of quality in England’s play. probably a player who is lacking a appeared to be too much reshuffling
England, the speedy Grainger won
possibility of being relegated from bit confidence, having not scored a in selection and formation.
only seven caps in under a year
League A of the Nations League A World Cup semi-final four Captain Kane has scored 50 goals goal in an England shirt for ages.”
as an international, scoring once
after failing to win any of their years ago and a Euro 2020 final for England and is only three short Characteristically, Southgate more in a 3-1 victory away to West
opening four games – losing two appearance last summer are of equalling former skipper Wayne Owen added: “I wouldn’t say it was accepted full responsibility for Germany in the same month as his
of them – and scoring only once in proof of England’s progress under Rooney’s record. And one-time a positive performance – it was so- England’s failings and admitted he Brazil bonanza.
the process, through a late, Harry Southgate. For these reasons, talk England striker Michael Owen, so. We played okay, created chances was given a harsh reminder of the
Kane penalty leveller in the 1-1 of changing manager before this sixth on the all-time list with 40, and conceded a few chances. A dangers of being too gung-ho in Born in South Yorkshire, Grainger
draw away to Germany. winter’s World Cup makes no sense. expressed concern over how reliant draw was probably a fair result.” an attacking sense. If England were began at Wrexham and went
on Kane for goals the Three Lions inclined to be play that way, there to play for Sheffield United,
Hungary, having beaten England Any worries about England’s have become. Sterling, now a team-mate of was still no real end-product. Sunderland, Leeds, Port Vale,
1-0 in Budapest at the start of the Nations League status are now Mount’s with both club and Doncaster and Macclesfield. His
campaign, came to Molineux to scarcely relevant. What matters Speaking on Channel Four after the country following his £47.5million It seems we can expect to see a more career as a crooner ran in tandem
inflict the Three Lions’ heaviest in the next two games – which Italy game, Owen said: “The lack move to Stamford Bridge from cautious England before they board with his playing days, although
home defeat since 1928. are, after all, World Cup warm-up of goals? I think it’s a worry. We Manchester City, was also guilty the plane for Qatar in November. overall football came first.
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ITALY SQUAD WORDSEARCH
P
Goalkeepers: RINT deadlines again mean we’ve had to use squad
Gianluigi DONNARUMMA Paris Saint-Germain members from Italy’s June Nations League games,
Pierluigi GOLLINI Fiorentina but that doesn’t stop the fun: while away some time
Alessio CRAGNO Monza
by finding the surnames of the Italy squad hidden in the
Defenders: Wordsearch grid.
Alessandro BASTONI Inter Milan
Giovanni DI LORENZO Napoli
Luiz FELIPE Real Betis N U F C I G E T N A T S I R C
Federico DIMARCO Inter Milan G O L L I N I C S O T N C A R
Francesco ACERBI Inter Milan
Giorgio SCALVINI Atalanta N I N I V L A C S K I U P D A
Gianluca MANCINI Roma O B I W B M I I L C C R E O G
Davide CALABRIA AC Milan
N R Q K A L H S N O A A S N N
Midfielders: T E E C R N Z A X R L S S N O
Davide FRATTESI Sassuolo
Nicolò BARELLA Inter Milan O C C R T Q M U I R A P I A L
Salvatore ESPOSITO SPAL B A R E L L A I L E B A N R O
Manuel LOCATELLI Juventus
Matteo PESSINA Monza R E S P O S I T O R R D A U C
Leonardo SPINAZZOLA Roma U W D I M A R C O A I O L M A
Bryan CRISTANTE Roma
Matteo POLITANO Napoli N P O L I T A N O E A R V M T
O Z N E R O L I D H A I Z A E
Attackers:
Gianluca SCAMACCA West Ham United A G P F R A T T E S I X R U L
Giacomo RASPADORI Napoli S P I N A Z Z O L A R I P O L
Gianluca CAPRARI Monza
WILFRIED GNONTO Leeds United V G H T A S M B A S T O N I I
SCOUSE PHIL’S FREE LIONS FOOTBALL QUIZ
ANSWERS
ON PAGE 13
1 Who are the current Serie A
champions? 6 Which Championship side had
to postpone a number of home
his first club, Nacional?
2 Which former Ballon D’or winner
and World Player of the Year is
games at the start of the season due
to the poor state of the pitch, partly
caused by hosting the Rugby 7s in
9 Which is the only League club
situated in Bedfordshire?
the current President of Liberia? this year’s Commonwealth Games?
10 I was born in Milton
Keynes in 1996 and played
3 Who scored the 1st goal in
this season’s Premier League? 7 Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane
are number one and two on
the list of England’s all-time
74 games for my home town club.
I joined a Premier League club
in 2015, winning the PFA Young
4 Apart from Wembley, name the 2
non football league grounds used
at the 2022 Womens’ Euro Finals.
highest scorers, but who is next on
the list?
Player of the Year award two
years running. I won all of my 36
caps whilst playing there, before
5 ...and name England’s scorers
in the 2-1 final win v Germany.
8 Which former Premier League
player and Champions League
winner has recently re-signed for
transferring to another Premier
League club in January 2022.
Who am I?
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