Come on you blue boys, give us a win today at home! Pitch covered in snow and orange lines for pitch markings. Hopefully the conditions will be (the old cliche) 'a great leveller'.
Given the string of woeful underperformances of the delightfully English combination of oiks and primadonnas that we seem to field these days, am I alone in being English but cheering on the Italians... ??
Probably not SD, all feelings aside I'm sure all of us are pleased at how well the Italians have come on since they joined the tournament and they are improving year on year. As Keith Wood said last week they are everyone's 2nd favourite team. They've shocked us in the past, hopefully it's England's turn today!
Given the conditions on the pitch, (two thirds still covered in snow) in this day and age where it's all about the visual spectacle I wish they'd use a luminous orange ball.
20 mins gone, 0-0. Italy will take heart from such a strong opening, England shading it on possession stats but no good if you don't turn that into points.
A tough conversion missed, 5-6. And again as I type a loose pass sees Benvenuti go in under the posts! Unbelievable! Can they do it? Would love to see the England dressing room camera at half time. Forza Italia!