Live Blogging the World Cup: England 1-2 Italy

6:58: Yeah, I know I said I wasn't going to, but here I am! National anthems done, we're about to get underway!

7:00: Let's go!

7:03: I thought it was a goal, and so did the BBC! Sterling (Steeling if the commentary is anything to believe) with an absolute rocket!

7:06: This is too quick for me! Who had that other shot? Johnson? Henderson? Gerrard! (thanks zk123!) I can't keep up!

7:09: I'm 10 minutes late, but predictions?

7:11: The lack of Buffon in goal looks to have inspired England to shoot from...anywhere at all. Still, they're looking tight, so I'd say keep it up!

7:21: Sorry, I got a bit caught up. Sterling with a strong cross across goal sees Welbeck looking...cross. Obstruction? Probably not.

7:22: Balotelli hasn't been a huge threat yet, but the night is young - that can (obviously) change in an instant!

7:23: Leighton Baines has less hair every time I see him. His barber must be making a killing! Two corners for England, but nothing comes of it.

7:25: On a side note, Sergio Ramos seems to be enjoying his day off after yesterdays shocker against the Netherlands.

7:26: Sterling spotted in the BBC studio just prior to kick off.

7:29: Glen Johnson has been alright! I still think we'll miss Walker, but things are looking good so far!

7:31: de Rossi's challenge almost ended in Rooney planting him with a DDT.

7:33: Just saw a comment on the Reddit live match thread that cracked me up - I'll get to that...but...Italy are one up...

7:37: STURRIDGE!

7:39: Gary Lewin off with a broken ankle after the England celebration? Ouch.

7:44: Alright, I've finally came down after that Sturridge goal. Man! What has happened since?

7:46: Jesus, get back to your line Joe Hart! Thank you Based Jagielka!

7:47: Ohhhhhhh, half time! I need the break - I'll be back soon!

8:02: Oh Thierry, you and your handballs! Let's get back on with it - as much as I love Alan Shearer's brilliantly white shirt, I'm ready for the second half!

8:03: Boring Milner strikes again! We're back on!

8:07: Baines' corner comes to nothing :cryfam:

8:08: You know I said about the Balotelli thing? Change at any moment? Well...there's still time to come back right?

8:10: Sturridge is on form, this is an exciting attack we've got forming. Regardless of what happens, I'm still confident about the rest of the tournament.

8:11: Oh yeah, penalty shout for Welbeck too.

8:12: Ohhh! Wayne Rooney comes close - this isn't going to let off at all. Great show of heart from England!

8:15: Another penalty shout! Gerrard this time, I wouldn't have minded him stepping up to the spot.

8:19: Does anyone remember those old Persil (I think) adverts with Stevie G? Those were great.

8:20: Ross Barkley makes his way onto the pitch - I've got a lot of time for this lad, I can see him making a difference.

8:21: Rooney comes close! Oh, how close was that?!

8:23: Please Based God. If you're still listening, please let Sterling be okay. Lallana coming on?

8:25: I wish I could grow a beard like Pirlo.

8:29: I've no proof, buuuuuut, this apparently this just happened...

8:32: Wilshere and Immobile on - who's going to make the difference?

8:35: Baines with a corker of a free kick. Rooney's corner after? The less said about that, the better.

8:38: Sturridge for Lallana, 10 minutes to go. Italy lead 2-1 by the way, just in case I hadn't made that clear.

8:41: Danny Murphy is trending on Twitter.

8:43: England free kick on the edge of the box. Gerrard steps up and...it's over! Five to go.

8:44: Pirlo with a smooth escape on the edge of the pitch, though nothing comes of it in the end.

8:46: Barkley makes a run - it all looks so good - until Rooney snatches it and blasts it over. Aside from the assist, it hasn't been a great game for him.

8:49: Five minutes added time, the dream is still alive. Get your vindaloo ready - football is coming home!

8:52: Pirlo hits the bar! What a strike, that was very fortunate!

8:54: Oh. It's all over. That was an anticlimax. Cahill stops Immobile and that's the end of that. I'm going to make some Corn Flakes and have cry, I'll see you again soon.