England were denied a second successive friendly victory by a late Italy penalty awarded by the video assistant referee (VAR) at Wembley.
Gareth Southgate's side were good value for a lead given to them by Jamie Vardy's powerful 26th-minute finish, fired past keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma after Jesse Lingard's quickly taken free-kick caught the visitors out.
England were fortunate to escape some defensive lapses, especially when Ciro Immobile headed over in the first half - but looked to be closing out a confidence-boosting win until a late intervention from VAR.
Referee Deniz Aytekin consulted VAR after Burnley defender James Tarkowski tangled with Federico Chiesa, and decided the England debutant had stepped on the Italian's foot, allowing Lorenzo Insigne to beat Jack Butland with just three minutes left.
England's players complained long and hard about the award of the spot-kick - but VAR looked to have got this one right, much to Southgate's frustration.
Southgate unhappy with VAR penalty decision
Player ratings - who impressed in race for Russia?
Football Daily podcast: 'As long as I'm on the plane, that's all that matters'
Southgate has reasons to be cheerful
Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate handed England debuts to James Tarkowski and Lewis Cook
England will feel an understandable sense of disappointed and frustration that Italy's late penalty denied them a win they deserved and the chance to record back-to-back victories in these two friendlies - their last before naming a provisional World Cup squad on 14 May.
However, Southgate can take plenty away from two fixtures against countries who are in reduced circumstances and will not figure at the World Cup, but who always present a serious challenge.
England looked lively and creative in attack, although these two games were evidence of how much they will rely on Harry Kane. Southgate will be desperate the Tottenham man recovers fully and on schedule from his knee injury.
They looked progressive and pleasing on the eye going forward, albeit in need of Kane's killer instinct, and have the weapons pose a threat this summer in Russia.
England are, however, still very much a work in progress.
There were still uncertain moments at the back, especially when John Stones conceded possession early on, but fortunately Ciro Immobile had a nightmare evening.
It was a shame Burnley defender Tarkowski conceded the penalty late on because he had made an assured debut and had not looked out of place. His look of despair as referee Deniz Aytekin awarded the spot-kick was understandable.
A frustrating outcome for England - but enough for Southgate to build on.
Superb Sterling feels the love
Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling called on England's fans to show the team some love before the match - and he was warmly embraced by the Wembley crowd after this excellent performance.
Sterling has often been England's whipping boy in the past but he has carried his outstanding club form on to the international stage in the double-header against the Netherlands and Italy.
In the first half, his strong running unsettled the Italy defence as he emerged as England's main attacking threat.
Sterling stayed on his feet after being fouled twice to create a chance for Vardy and he was brought down again for the free-kick Lingard took so quickly to set the Leicester City striker up for his goal.
Southgate is looking for players with adaptability for his World Cup squad and Sterling, confidence sky high after a superb season under Pep Guardiola's guidance at Etihad Stadium, now fits the bill.
He missed a second-half opportunity but his link with Lingard showed rich promise and he also produced a moment of great skill to play in Ashley Young for a chance after the break.
On this form, he will be a crucial component of England's World Cup plans.
0 Comments