Gianfranco Zola will be particularly interested when England take on Sweden in tonight's UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-finals and not just because two of his brightest talents could be taking part.
The manager is back in his native Italy but has been closely following the fortunes of West Ham United duo James Tomkins and Mark Noble throughout the major summer tournament. Both could figure against the host nation on Friday, with Noble seemingly certain to captain the side, and Zola has plenty of praise for how they have performed.
"I know they are doing very well," he told whufc.com. "It is great for England and for us as a club. I am pleased that they have been playing. Unfortunately they are not showing the games live in Italy, they are only showing the Italian games, but from what I have seen I am very pleased they are doing well. It is a great experience to represent your country at a final tournament."
The Sweden match in Gothenburg will kick off at 5pm London time and will be followed by Italy's duel with Germany in Helsinborg. Zola admitted he would have a close eye on that contest as well given his close relationship with the Azzurrini, having worked with coach Pierluigi Casiraghi prior to joining West Ham. "I speak to him every day," said Zola. "He is a good friend and it is good Italy are doing well as well. I have a strong connection to that team and know all the players."
That affinity with Italy naturally raises the question of what would the manager think were there to be an England v Italy final in Malmo on Monday night. "I will have mixed emotions," he said. "It would be a tricky one for me. I don't know - maybe I will hope that James Tomkins and Mark Noble score one goal each and maybe Italy score three. I don't think they will be happy with that though! Seriously, it is great that they are doing so well."
The manager was already disappointed to see the Italy senior squad exit the FIFA Confederations Cup at the group stage earlier this week, with Jonathan Spector helping the United States through at the world champions' expense - and they now have the final to contemplate on Sunday against Brazil. "I saw that of course," said Zola. "I know Jonathan has done well for the United States. Unfortunately for Italy he has played very well but it is great for West Ham."