‘Not too many surprises’ – Gareth Southgate on facing Italy again in Euro 2024 qualification as draw is made

Gareth Southgate reflected on a challenging Euro 2024 qualification draw for England, who are set for two more tussles with reigning champions Italy. The Three Lions head coach was present at Sunday’s draw in Frankfurt, which saw Southgate’s team drawn alongside the Azzurri, Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta in Group C.

Ad England have a poor recent record against Roberto Mancini’s men, and have not defeated Italy in a competitive match since November 1977. FootballEuro 2024 qualifying draw: England to face Italy and Ukraine5 HOURS AGO They were also beaten on penalties in last year’s European Championship final at Wembley, and failed to score in either of their two Nations League fixtures, losing 1-0 at the San Siro, a result which consigned Southgate’s men to relegation from League A.

“There are not too many surprises. They’ve changed the team a lot for all of those different matches,” Southgate told Sky Sports.

“We know the quality that they have, we know the depth that they have and England’s record against Italy generally is not very good so we’ve got to improve that.” The records Haaland has already broken — and those he is primed to smash Man Utd scout Sassuolo midfielder, Ronaldo lined up by Inter Miami — Paper Round Spurs return to winning ways on emotional night at Brighton Aside from Italy, England will renew their acquaintance with Ukraine, after the two nations came head-to-head in their European Championship quarter-final held in Rome last year. While Southgate’s side were comfortable 4-0 winners on the night, Ukraine were within one match of qualifying for this year’s World Cup and were unfortunate to lose 1-0 against Wales in their play-off final.