Tuesday 31 March 2015 11:29, UK
Never mind England’s European Qualifiers form – their trip to Italy on Tuesday will be a true test of their progress, says Paul Merson.
Roy Hodgson’s side have bounced back from their World Cup disappointment with a seven-game winning streak, including five victories in European Qualifiers, which have put them on course for a place at France 2016.
A 4-0 win over Lithuania on Friday night moved England six-points clear of Slovenia and Switzerland at the top of Group E – but Merson says the friendly in Turin will truly demonstrate how well Hodgson’s side are playing.
"You can’t read too much into the Lithuania game because they were such a poor side," said the Sky Sports pundit.
"These types of friendlies are games where you should go and make an impression at the very least.
"It was only last year that we lost to Italy in the World Cup, so for me this is a real benchmark for how much England have actually improved and to see where we are against the bigger teams."
For me Italy is a real benchmark for how much England have actually improved.
Hard game
England have been hit with a string of withdrawals ahead of their friendly with Antonio Conte’s side.
Five first-team players had to pull out of the squad to face Lithuania and a further four will miss Tuesday’s friendly.
Merson, however, hopes Hodgson fields the best team he possibly can to maintain their current momentum.
"I think he should field this strongest side, but it’ll be a hard game," he said.
"I don’t think England were particularly bad at the World Cup, they just had some bad results but without playing terrible. They’ve done everything that’s been asked of them since the World Cup."
Kane needs rest
Tottenham striker Harry Kane could be set for his first-ever England start on Tuesday, after scoring less than 80 seconds after coming on as a substitute against Lithuania.
There has been a lot of speculation over whether the forward will travel to the U21 European Championships with England this summer and Merson says it may be best if the Spurs star takes a rest.
"It’s a difficult one. When you’re playing well and scoring goals you just want to keep on playing," he said.
"But I think he could probably do with a break, if I’m being honest."
