World Cup

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Attendance: 39,800

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 14, 2014 at 11pm UK

England
1-2
Italy

Sturridge (37')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Marchisio (35'), Balotelli (50')

Roy Hodgson: England on "back foot" for last 16

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 15 June 2014

England boss Roy Hodgson admits that the Three Lions are on the "back foot" to qualify for the second round of the World Cup after losing to Italy.

Roy Hodgson has admitted that England are on the "back foot" in their bid to make the last 16 of the World Cup after losing their Group D opener to Italy this morning.

Goals from Claudio Marchisio and Mario Balotelli, either side of a Daniel Sturridge equaliser, consigned the Three Lions to a 2-1 defeat in Manaus in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Costa Rica's 3-1 win over Uruguay means that England may need to beat both of those sides if they are to qualify for the latter stages, but Hodgson is optimistic about achieving that feat.

"The fact is that if you lose the first game you probably have to win the next two," he told reporters at full time.

"The teams you play against have to win as well, but there is no way you can drift into the second round.

"Italy have the best start, as have Costa Rica, and we and Uruguay are on the back foot. We now play Uruguay and Costa Rica, so at least our fate is in our hands."

Hodgson's side face Uruguay on Thursday night.