Phil Jagielka wary of Mario Balotelli threat

Phil Jagielka has said that England are aware of the threat posed by Italy striker Mario Balotelli, ahead of their opening match of the World Cup.

The former Manchester City striker is expected to feature against Roy Hodgson's men when the two sides meet in Manaus on Saturday.

Jagielka believes that Balotelli can be stopped if he is not given space to shoot.

"He is a character but he scores goals," Clubcall.com quotes Jagielka as saying.

"He has fantastic ability and a fantastic shot on him, particularly the way these [World Cup] balls move.

"We will be desperate to make sure he is not able to strike from distance. Hopefully we will make the right decisions and get the points."

England will also face Uruguay and Costa Rica in Group D.