Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci claims England are the country that have impressed him the most so far at Euro 2020.
England, who are in Group D, opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia at Wembley on Sunday.
Bonucci was speaking on Tuesday afternoon, prior to the first games in this tournament for France, Germany and Portugal, but nevertheless admitted England had caught the eye.
The 34-year-old said: ‘Besides the teams that still need to play – who will of course impress us because they are all top countries – England have really stood out to me.
‘For the approach they showed, the way they were willing to work hard for one another and the fact they sought three points, England are the team that have impressed me most so far.’
Bonucci had presumably temporarily removed Italy from the equation as he gave that particular answer at a press conference to preview his side’s second Group A match against Switzerland in Rome on Wednesday.
Italy were also on form as they opened the tournament by sweeping Turkey aside 3-0 last Friday.
It was a ninth win in succession for Roberto Mancini’s side, all of which have been achieved with clean sheets.
Bonucci said: ‘This is the greatest team spirit I have encountered. At no time have there been any issues in the squad.
‘It is a very tight group and it is little wonder then that we are getting results.’
Bonucci was also asked about whether the Italian players would take the knee to highlight racial inequality and discrimination ahead of the game, as the Swiss did prior to their 1-1 draw against Wales.
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