Italy 1-2 England: England player ratings
JACK BUTLAND (off 45): Conceded early but not his fault. England's youngest keeper was solid and dependable. Has a future at this level. 7.
KYLE WALKER: A Hodgson favourite but exposed early on and needed to temper his attacking instincts as Italy threatened mischief. 6.
LEIGHTON BAINES (off 77): Ashley Cole's stand-in didn't do anything wrong. But no great spark either. 6.
MICHAEL CARRICK: Went about his business in his usual quiet effective manner. Will have better days. But will have them, which is the point. 8.
GARY CAHILL: Unlucky to miss Euro 2012 and another Hodgson has faith in. Decent game but no more. 7.
PHIL JAGIELKA (off 60): Took his goal well but found it difficult against Italy's tricky forwards. 7.
ADAM JOHNSON: Couple of decent runs looked like unhinging Italy's defence. Didn't offer Walker enough protection though. 7.
FRANK LAMPARD (off 68): Aiming to defy the ageing process to reach the World Cup at 36. Nearly scored with a first-half free-kick. 7.
ANDY CARROLL (off 45): Couple of half chances for Hodgson's battering ram front-man. Needs to get club future sorted. 6.
TOM CLEVERLEY: Played in an advanced role, just behind the main striker. Has some improving to do. 6.
ASHLEY YOUNG (off 60): On the wrong end of some rough treatment before the break. One half-chance but no more. 6.
JOHN RUDDY (on 46): Two brilliant saves following his half-time introduction confirmed this was a good night for the Norwich man. 8.
JERMAIN DEFOE (on 46): Darted around in his normal industrious manner, and then came up with the winner. 8.
JOLEON LESCOTT (on 60): Goal ruled out, hit the post and defended well too. 7.
JAMES MILNER (on 60): Early impact after being introduced out wide. Took a kick in the face for his pains. 7.
JAKE LIVERMORE (on 68): Quiet debut but that was no bad thing. 7.
RYAN BERTRAND (on 77): Picking up experience all the time and another who has an international future. 6.