ENGLAND are back in action this month as Gareth Southgate prepares to confirm his squad for two friendly matches.
As Euro 2024 creeps closer, Southgate will want to have his best XI set for the tournament and building momentum.
England reached the final of Euro 2021, losing 3-2 on penalties to Italy after a 1-1 draw, and will be hoping to go one better this time.
There are now just four matches remaining – two this month and two in early June – before the group stage kicks off against Serbia on June 16.
Who will England play against?
Five-time World Cup winners Brazil visit Wembley on Saturday, March 23, and England will then host Belgium on Tuesday, March 26 – also at the home of the Three Lions.
When is the squad announcement?
Gareth Southgate will name his 23-man squad for the friendlies at 2pm GMT on Thursday, March 14.
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Where can I watch?
Fans who want to watch live can buy tickets to England vs Belgium, although the Brazil match is already sold out.
Both games will be live on Channel 4 as well as available to be streamed on All 4, with highlights shown later in the evenings.
The action of both matches can also be followed through SunSport’s live blogs.
Who is unavailable to be picked?
Southgate’s selection headache at right-back could be eased with Trent Alexander-Arnold being an injury doubt, Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier currently sidelined and Chelsea captain Reece James also absent through injury.
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While nearing returns, Man City winger Jack Grealish and Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope are still injury doubts as the friendly matches look to be approaching too soon for the pair to be fully fit.
Who is most likely to be picked?
Bayern striker and England captain Harry Kane, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Ajax’s new signing Jordan Henderson look set to remain as instant inclusions in Southgate’s sqaud.
Cole Palmer is likely to remain in the squad, after making his England debut against Malta on November 17 and continuing his stellar form for Chelsea since.
Brentford forward Ivan Toney has an outside chance to be recalled to the England squad after serving his suspension for betting offences, scoring four goals since his return to football.
A suprise inclusion could also be named in the squad, as this international break is the last opportunity for Southgate to give any fringe players an opportunity to impress.
Young talent Kobbie Mainoo has been touted to receive a call up, while former international Ross Barkley has been impressive for Luton Town this season and could be under consideration.
England’s record vs opponents
England have not beaten Brazil since February 2013 when Frank Lampad scored the winning goal at Wembley.
The South Americans hold 11 wins in head-to-head fixtures as England have won on four occasions over all fixtures between the pair.
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In recent history, Belgium have beaten England in three of the last five meetings between the two nations.
However, the Three Lions boast more victories against Belgium overall, having 16 wins compared to four for the Red Devils.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
