ENGLAND are all set to participate in two thrilling friendlies as they prepare for the highly-anticipated Euro 2024 this summer – and first up is a battle with Brazil.
The Three Lions stormed to qualification by finishing top of Group C without losing a single game.
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And it is a campaign that Harry Kane will never forget as his strike against bitter rivals Italy saw him become England’s all-time record goalscorer.
But the English skipper’s chances of adding to his tally are in jeopardy after Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Kane twisted his ankle during Bayern Munich’s 5-2 win over Darmstadt.
This would also see Gareth Southgate being forced to wait a little longer before seeing his preferred starting eleven ahead of the upcoming Euros.
However, given Brazil‘s recent form – losing their last three consecutive games – the England gaffer should feel that he has enough to get through this test without Kane.
There is also the possibility that three players could receive their Three Lions debuts.
Uncapped trio Anthony Gordon, Jarrad Branthwaite and Ezri Konsa have all been included in Southgate’s squad.
It also remains to be seen who will line up alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield, while spots at left-back and centre-half are also up for grabs.
Phil Foden is expected to battle it out with Marcus Rashford, Jarrod Bowen and Cole Palmer for the final spot in the forward line next to Kane and Bukayo Saka.
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And Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney have both been included in the squad – with it yet unclear who will be Kane’s deputy at the Euros.
Here is all you need to know ahead of the clash.
What is their form like?
England have won eight of their 10 games since being knocked out of the World Cup by France in 2022.
Their only dropped points came in Euro qualifying as they drew 1-1 with both Ukraine and North Macedonia.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s three losses on the bounce have come against Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina.
They have also scored just one goal in that run, conceding five.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Gareth Southgate recalled Ivan Toney and Joe Gomez along with handing call-ups to two shock names.
But on-loan West Ham midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been dropped from the squad. Harry Kane has still been included despite twisting his ankle in his last Bayern Munich outing.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).
Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), James Maddison (Tottenham), Declan Rice (Arsenal).
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
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Brazil squad
Manchester United star Casemiro is out of the Brazil squad due to an injury
Arsenal stars Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have also missed out but their defensive teammate Gabriel Magalhaes has made the team.
Goalkeepers: Bento (Athletico-PR), Leo Jardim (Vasco da Gama), Rafael (Sao Paulo).
Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Yan Couto (Girona), Ayrton Lucas (Flamengo), Wendell (Porto) Beraldo (Paris St Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Fabricio Bruno (Flamengo), Murilo (Palmeiras).
Midfielders: Andre (Fluminense), Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United), Pablo Maia (Sao Paulo).
Forwards: Endrick (Palmeiras), Pepe (Porto), Galeno (Porto), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Girona) and Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid). (Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Tom Hogue).
Who will be the star men?
England – Jude Bellingham
Bellingham will take his sensational form for Real Madrid into this mouthwatering clash with Brazil.
He has 20 goals in 31 appearances for Los Blancos this season, but just two in 27 England caps.
He will be looking to add to that tally on Saturday night against the five-time world champions.
Brazil – Vinicius Junior
Brazil’s biggest threat comes from Bellingham’s Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Junior.
He has been scintillating in recent weeks, scoring SIX goals in his last four matches.
Now he will be hoping to improve his record for Brazil – which stands at three goals and four assists in 26 games.
What have the managers said?
Speaking about not picking Phillips, Southgate said: “At the moment, I couldn’t be confident on the performances Kalvin’s had in the last few weeks that he could go into the field and do the job we know that he’s capable of,” said the England boss.
“That’s perhaps the lowest it can get for him in terms of the last few months. Now he can just go for it and be himself.
“He knows exactly what we think of him. A good version of him is an important player for us. We don’t have many players of that profile.”
And discussing Henderson’s, he added: “The influence that he can have on a game still – he’s clearly not a 24-year-old Hendo. But to win football matches, you need a lot of different characteristics.
“He’s desperate to remain part of this and, for us, at this moment in time he can still play a valuable role.”
Meanwhile, Brazil boss Dorival Junior said: “From a preliminary list of 50 names, 13 had already been ruled out by injury at their clubs.
“Unfortunately, we also lost Casemiro. Pepe, from Porto, a forward by origin and now a midfielder, has been called up.”
SunSport prediction
England have not lost a home match since June 2022 when they were beaten by Hungary.
They have enough quality to deal with Brazil and could edge this one in an entertaining clash.
England 2-1 Brazil.
When is England vs Brazil?
- England’s mouthwatering match against Brazil will take place on Saturday, March 23.
- It is scheduled to kick off at 7pm GMT.
- Wembley is the allocated arena for this thrilling game and it can host approximately 90,000 passionate fans.
- Nothing could separate the sides when they last met way back in a 2017 friendly.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- England vs Brazil will be broadcast LIVE on Channel 4 in the UK.
- Coverage is expected to get underway at 6pm – one hour before kick-off.
- Fans can also stream the action through the All4 app.
- Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match through our live blog.
Can I watch it for FREE?
Yes you can!
England’s match against Brazil can be watched for FREE in the UK as long as you hold a valid TV license.
What are the odds?
- England 10/11
- Draw 5/2
- Brazil 23/10
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication
