England return to action for the first time since the 2022 World Cup, in which they lost to eventual finalists France. On Thursday, March 23, the Three Lions visit Italy at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in the first round of the 2024 Euro qualifiers.
It will be a rematch of the last European Championship final, in which the Azzurra upset the English team at Wembley on penalties. That, in addition to the fact that these are two soccer powerhouses, makes it a must-watch for the soccer community.
It also means the beginning of a crucial process for both nation’s future, with Italy hoping to get back into a World Cup andEngland aiming to improve. Southgate, however,will miss Marcus Rashford for this clash.
Why is Marcus Rashford not playing for England vs. Italy
Marcus Rashford is not playing for England against Italy because he pulled out of the squad due to injury. The Manchester United striker suffered a knock during his team’s FA Cup win over Fulham and will rest during the international break.
It’s certainly a huge blow for England, since he’s one of the most in-form strikers in the world right now. Since returning from Qatar, Rashford has recorded an impressive 19 goals. However, Southgate’s team will have to manage to beat Italy without him.
Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.
