Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott expects a battle against clubmate Mario Balotelli.

Lescott's main task will be to muzzle ­Balotelli for England's quarterfinal against Italy.

It is something Lescott has done on many occasions at City's Carrington training ground, but the 29-year-old is expecting a rougher ride in Kiev tonight.

"In training, yes, I probably come out on top," said Lescott. "But you don't win any prizes in training, so you never know.

"Obviously, we've had a few good battles at Man City, but now it's about being professional and going about our business. It's the same goal, but with different teams. It's a serious matter.

"A lot is going to be made out of me and Mario because we both play together at Man City, but it's going to be a bigger occasion than me versus Mario.

"It's England versus Italy in the quarter-final of a major ­tournament and it will need a combined effort from the team to be successful."