World Cup 2014 - 5 Things We Learned From The Opening Weekend

4. Sterling Dazzles As England Fall Short

Two years ago England limped out of Euro 2012 with a toothless display against Italy, clinging on to a 0-0 draw before being dispatched on penalties. The manner of that tournament performance subsequently lowered expectations ahead of this summer's World Cup as England arrived in Brazil with a more youthful, inexperienced squad. On Saturday night the two nations met again in their Group D opener and whilst the result was ultimately the same, England fans can take comfort from an encouraging performance that was full of attacking promise. Hodgson is renowned for playing a safe, cautious style of football but he must be praised for resisting the urge to set England up to defend and instead handed the no. 10 jersey to Raheem Sterling. From the first minute Sterling terrorised the Italian defence and was instrumental in the build up play to England's equalising goal. It will be interesting to see how Hodgson approaches what now looks to be a must win game against Uruguay, Rooney looked uncomfortable out on the left wing but it is difficult to see how he the Man Utd striker can justify a place in either the no.10 role or as the lead striker with both Sterling and Sturridge excelling. Key Moment: With England trailing 2-1, Baines slid a ball through to Rooney who could only drag his shot wide from inside the Italian box. The striker's World Cup drought continues.