2013 European U21 Championship! - Page 3

England 0-1 Italy

• England arrived in Israel on Sunday having enjoyed a pre-tournament camp in Belek, Turkey.

• Midfielder Ince said those few days acted as good preparation for the conditions in Israel, adding that "we've as good a chance as anyone of winning".

• Manager Pearce has a fully fit squad to choose from with only Wilfried Zaha not taking part in full training on Monday morning at the squad's base in Caesarea.

• Having helped Crystal Palace FC into the Premier League via last week's play-off final, the winger – who is joining Manchester United FC this summer – completed his own training session but is not a major doubt for Wednesday's opener against Italy.

• The players watched the England senior team draw 2-2 against Brazil in their hotel on Sunday night, though goalkeeper Butland said a few of the team went to bed early and missed the late goals.

• Italy won 5-0 against AS Varese's youth side on Friday at Milanello. Alessandro Florenzi, Mattia Destro, Paloschi, Fausto Rossi and Lorenzo Insigne scored the goals and Devis Mangia's squad travelled to Tel Aviv the following day.

• On Sunday, midfielder Luca Marrone (thigh) started to train with the Azzurrini, and while attacking midfielder Insigne picked up a little knock to the knee, he said on Monday that "the problem is getting better, I will see today and tomorrow, then I will decide on my availability with the coach".

• Empoli FC duo Riccardo Saponara and Vasco Regini joined the squad on Monday, after their club's Serie B play-off defeat by AS Livorno Calcio.