MATCH REPORT: England 1 Italy 2
England's World Cup campaign began with defeat to Italy in Manaus as Mario Balotelli's second-half header proved decisive.
The former Manchester City striker netted early in the second period after Italy's Claudio Marchisio and Daniel Sturridge of England had traded goals in the space of two first-half minutes.
Roy Hodgson's side now face a must-win Group D showdown with Uruguay – beaten 3-1 by Costa Rica earlier – in Sao Paulo on Thursday.
There was certainly plenty of cause for future optimism for England deep in the Amazon rainforest, despite lingering concerns about the back four and frustration that the numerous chances created went unconverted.
This is only the second time England has opened a World Cup campaign with a defeat but back in 1986 they lost to Paraguay and still advanced from their group - even though the South Americans did not.
And for fans who endured England's insipid performances in South Africa four years ago, at least this team produced glimmers of verve and swagger that got them off their seats.
Hodgson made the decision to play Raheem Sterling, whose involvement had been the subject of much debate, behind main striker Sturridge, with Wayne Rooney wide on the left.
And the 19-year old almost immediately rewarded his manager's confidence, lashing an early strike inches wide while Liverpool team-mate Jordan Henderson forced a smart save from Salvatore Sirigu, a late replacement for the injured Gianluigi Buffon.
But this was always going to be a wide open encounter and Italy soaked up the pressure and hit back - Andrea Pirlo appealing for a ninth minute penalty after Glen Johnson had appeared to handle the ball.
Hodgson wanted his team to reach for the stars and fear no-one and both Sturridge and Sterling seemed to take him at his word, with a palpable sense of expectation every time they had the ball at feet.
But you need more than just pace and youthful endeavour to break down a well-drilled Italian defence and the frenetic early start soon fizzled out in the frazzling conditions.
Pirlo, despite his industry, was struggling to dictate play but then a moment of brilliance broke the deadlock as England's back four started to lose their shape.
From a training ground corner routine, he let the ball pass through his legs and a waiting and unmarked Marchisio took one touch before drilling a low shot that sailed through Rooney and Gary Cahill and past a flat-footed Joe Hart.
But within two minutes Hodgson's men were back level, Rooney charged down the left and pulled the trigger on a precision cross that Sturridge steered past Sirigu for his third goal in four England appearances.
Cue mad scenes in the stadium and on the touchline, with physio Gary Lewin suffering a dislocated ankle as the England bench were too enthusiastic with their celebrations.
However, Italy should have retaken the lead on the stroke of half-time, as England's defensive frailties, especially from set pieces, were again exposed.
Hart inexplicably rushed off his line and was lobbed by Balotelli, Phil Jagielka saving his keeper's blushes by heading off the line, only for Antonio Candreva to hit the post from the resulting corner.
But within five minutes of the restart, Italy were back ahead.
Balotelli has been telling everyone who wants to listen that he's going to make an impact at this World Cup and he duly delivered.
He expertly shrugged off his marker to nod Antonio Candreva's cross past Hart after Leighton Baines had been decisively outsmarted.
To their credit though England produced a more committed display than anything their fans witnessed during the last World Cup in South Africa, with no shortage of chances.
And Rooney - still without a World Cup finals goal - should have done better when he found himself in space, rolling his effort agonisingly wide in the 62nd minute.
Sterling's skillful step-overs were continuing to leave the Azzurri flailing but England lacked the final product to really test Italian keeper Sirigu - though you'll need to go back several big tournament games to find the last time they had as many attempts on goal.
However, Pirlo could have made the game even safer, rattling the crossbar with an injury time free kick that had Hart rooted and beaten.
