‘England have regained fear factor’

England have regained the fear factor following a run of "aggressive" wins since the FIFA World Cup last year, skipper Wayne Rooney has said.

Roy Hodgson's side left Brazil on a low after becoming the first England side since 1958 to exit at the first stage of a World Cup, returning home with their lowest ever points tally. 

Having had  things turned around since then, they will face Italy this evening looking for an eighth straight win, having adopted a more aggressive approach to their games.

"The players are so quick and when we lose the ball, we want to be aggressive and win it back quickly," Rooney said. "I am sure you have heard the manager talk about those little 'furies' — that when we lose the ball, we have to win it back as quickly as possible. 

This evening's match in Italy will be key test for Hodgson's men, little over nine months since the Azzurri triumphed 2-1 in their World Cup group opener deep in Manaus.

"Obviously it will be a different game again on Tuesday," Rooney said. 

"Italy will be very good on the ball and there will be times when they are able to play out so we have to make sure we pick our moments right and not get picked off.  — PA