The classic contest between England and Wales is set to light up Wembley Stadium this Thursday, when England host their first friendly since the summer. Both sides are gearing up for vital World Cup qualifying fixtures.
England Team News
England manager Thomas Tuchel is contending with a slew of notable absentees. Jude Bellingham, last season’s England Player of the Year, misses out due to his limited minutes at Real Madrid after shoulder surgery. The midfielder has managed just a single start this campaign and has yet to complete a full game in Spain.
Also missing are Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish, with Tuchel highlighting his desire to reward those involved in September’s resounding 5-0 win over Serbia: “We decided very quickly that we want to reward everyone and bring the same group back into camp.”
Meanwhile, star striker Harry Kane is a significant doubt, having skipped Wednesday’s training after hurting his ankle in Bayern Munich’s recent victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. Should Kane be sidelined, Ollie Watkins is set to lead England’s attack.
On a brighter note, Bukayo Saka returns from a hamstring injury, and John Stones is available once again after his own spell on the sidelines, though Trent Alexander-Arnold remains ruled out due to his continued hamstring issues. Youngster Nico O’Reilly makes the step up for his first senior call after Reece James picked up an injury over the weekend.
England Predicted Lineup
Predicted England starting XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Burn, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Saka, Gordon; Watkins
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 7:45pm BST on Thursday, 9th October.
How to Watch England vs Wales?
For fans across the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live via ITV1.
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