Paul Gascoigne backs England to beat Italy

England legend Paul Gascoigne has tipped the Three Lions to beat Italy in Sunday’s Euro 2012 quarter-final in Kiev after they topped Group D thanks to victory over the Ukraine on Tuesday. Wayne Rooney’s 48th-minute header put the co-hosts out and ensured England’s progression to the last eight, teeing up a first knockout stage encounter with the Azzurri. In 22 previous matches between the two nations, Italy have won nine times to England’s seven. England’s last victory over the four-time world champions came in a 2-0 friendly at Le Tournoi in 1997. Speaking on the sidelines of his ‘Evening with Paul Gascoigne’ event at Towers Rotana, Gascoigne, 45, said: “To win tournaments like this you’ve got to beat the best teams. If we had come second we would have played Spain, but instead we have Italy. Both are strong teams, but the way England played against Ukraine, I think we’ve got a good chance of beating Italy.“The team played fantastic and I think [Roy] Hodgson has to start with [almost] the same team again. If he needs to make changes he can do it in the game. The Italians are a strong team and they defend well. But playing against the Italians, England will have to field two up front.” Gascoigne, who is remembered most fondly for his England performances at Italia 90 and Euro 96, added: “Joe Hart made some great saves, Steven Gerrard was good as well. Ashley Cole ran his heart out and John Terry did well to save them and win them the group. It’s hard to pick a man of the match. “The only one who didn’t impress was James Milner. He hasn’t been performing really well of late and I don’t think he should start the next game.” Gascoigne then leaned towards Spain when asked if England could win the tournament: “It’s going to be tough because we’ve got the Italians, who are good. I know France got beat [against Sweden], but that’s only helped [us]. The Spanish are really good. When you see them play they really do play. England is possibly a one-man team. I just hope the Germans don’t win.” from gulfnews.com