Gareth Southgate said on Friday it is an “embarrassment” that his England side faced Italy in front of a small crowd at Molineux this weekend as punishment for fan violence in the Euro 2020 final.
England were banned from the stadium for two matches after ticketless supporters fought their way at Wembley to watch their defeat to Italy on penalties last year.
As a result of the disorder, only 3,000 fans will be in attendance to watch the rematch against Italy in the Nations League on Saturday.
The crowd will largely be made up of children under the age of 14 because, under UEFA rules, they are allowed free entry to fixtures played behind closed doors.
“If it is a shame, it is for England as a country,” said the England manager.
UEFA Nations League: Gareth Southgate counting on England fans for behaving against Germany
“A lot of the people I didn’t know for sure were football fans. We talked about it a lot, we talked about it after the final and when the punishment was first handed out.
“What I would say is the vast majority of our fans who traveled to Germany (for this week’s 1-1 draw) behaved wonderfully.
“A big thanks to them because maybe people were thinking something different but there was a huge majority that were credit.”
England are halfway through a series of Four Nations League group fixtures at the end of the draining season.
They were beaten 1-0 in Hungary before a 1-1 draw in Germany on Tuesday, thanks to a late penalty from Harry Kane.
Southgate said all his players were fit but indicated there was a possibility of change against Roberto Mancini’s side.
Italy manager, whose side failed to qualify for World Cup said he was disappointed that the team would not be able to play in front of a full home in Wolverhampton.
“We would love to play with the supporters,” he said. “Football without supporters is not football and does not bode well for such an important sport. I agree with him (Southgate).”
He said: “It is very difficult for me, after a year without supporters (because of the coronavirus), without supporters again, it is very difficult. It is better because football is more beautiful with supporters.
“It’s going to be a very different sport as we play behind the scenes here and there.”
Italy have drawn with Germany and are top of Group A3 this month after beating Hungary.
It will be the first time England and Italy have met in the Euro 2020 final since Azzurri came out on top, but Mancini doesn’t believe Southgate’s side is out for revenge.
“I don’t think it’s about revenge. Maybe in the future, but not now,” he said.
“It’s a different match in the Nations League. It’s important for them to try something new for the World Cup and England will probably replace a lot of players.
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