Martin Keown has urged England's defenders to show Italy striker Mario Balotelli who is boss when the two sides meet in the World Cup in Manaus on Saturday.

The former Arsenal defender believes that it is crucial for the likes of Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka to not fear Balotelli if England are to make a positive start to their Group D campaign.

"Our defenders can handle him but there is a certain way to play against Balotelli - you really have to show him who's boss early on," Keown told members of the media.

"You can't switch off for a moment because he doesn't have to do anything and he's still a threat - it doesn't bother him.

"If Italy want to win the game, they have to play Balotelli and it's up to our central defenders to cope with him."

Italy's head coach Cesare Prandelli has insisted that Balotelli's spot in the side is not guaranteed due to competition from his fellow forwards in the squad.