Carson will reach 27 caps, level with Jamie Carragher and Gareth Barry, at Arnhem's Gelredome where Stuart Pearce's youngsters have the chance to knock the Azzurri out of the European Championships.

Czech Republic forced a goalless draw in England's opener and Liverpool goalkeeper Carson is determined to keep Pierluigi Casiraghi's team out as well.

"The Czechs came and they set out their stall early, were well-organised and you've got to give credit to them as they did what they set out to do," said Carson, who spent last season on loan at Charlton.

"Defensively I was happy with a clean sheet - if I can get two more in the group I think that will be us in the semi-finals so hopefully I can keep Italy out."

James Milner has one cap less than Carson, while skipper Nigel Reo-Coker has 20 caps.

David Prutton (25) and Jermaine Pennant (24) are other highly-capped players at under-21 level, while out of the current senior squad Jermain Defoe has 23 caps.