Today, international friendlies can often be tedious affairs that are not taken seriously by anyone.

After all, the result counts for little and even the slightest of knocks will invariably see a player withdraw their services from the squad. Supporters are also less interested than they once were, with plenty of empty seats on show at most matches.

However, it hasn't always been that way. Indeed, 81 years ago today England played host to Italy in an x-rated encounter that would latter be dubbed 'The Battle of Highbury'.

This was the Azzurri's first outing since they had defeated Czechoslovakia 2-1 in Rome after extra time to win the World Cup.

As non-members of FIFA, England were not permitted to enter the competition. However, the Three Lions were still regarded to be among the best teams on the planet at that time, which resulted in their meeting with the Italians being regarded as the 'real World Cup final' by many.

With that at stake, it was an incident-packed fixture that saw Italy's midfield general Luis Monti suffer a broken foot in just the second minute following a challenge with Ted Drake, who was one of seven Arsenal players in England's starting lineup - still a record to this day.

Substitutes had not been introduced at this point, so Monti attempted to play on, but he was eventually forced to limp off in the 15th minute, by which time his side - now down to 10 men - were trailing 3-0.

Eric Brooks saw a first-minute penalty saved by Italy goalkeeper Carlo Ceresoli, but he atoned by scoring twice soon after, while Drake added a third to put England in total command of proceedings.

Nevertheless, spurred on by the fact that they believed Drake had deliberately injured Monti and a promise from prime minister Benito Mussolini of financial reward, an Alfa Romeo and exemption from military service were they to win, the Italians were not going to give up without a fight - literally.

England's two-goal hero Brooks suffered a broken arm, Eddie Hapgood was struck down by a broken nose and Drake sustained a swollen jaw. As for inside right Ray Bowden, he picked up an ankle injury following of a two-footed lunge.

When some football eventually broke out during the second half, 10-man Italy hit back twice within the space of four minutes thanks to Inter Milan legend Giuseppe Meazza.

He also had a couple of chances to complete his hat-trick and draw the visitors level in the closing stages, but one of his shots cannoned to safety off the crossbar, while another was thwarted by England keeper Frank Moss as the hosts held on.

In the Daily Mail the next day, journalist Frank Carruthers wrote: "England beat Italy - but should these games be played? [Italy] are not greatly concerned with the ball."

England: Moss; Male, Britton, Barker, Hapgood; Copping, Matthews, Bowden, Brook, Bastin; Drake

Italy: Ceresoli; Monzeglio, Allemandi, Ferraris, Bertolini; Monti, Guaita, Serantoni, Ferrari, Orsi, Meazza