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England face Belgium at Wembley tonight as Gareth Southgate’s side look to get back to winning ways following defeat to Brazil on Saturday. The Three Lions lost their unbeaten run as a result of Endrick’s late winner, while the injury crisis face Southgate’s team has worsened as England continue their Euro 2024 preparations.
Southgate is dealing with an “incredible number” of absent players, with captain Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka joined on the sidelines by Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker, who pulled out of the England squad following the 1-0 defeat to Brazil.
But it has led to opportunities for others to impress Southgate, with tonight’s match England’s final fixture before the squad for the Euros is announced in May. Kobbie Mainoo could make his full England debut after winning his first cap off the bench at the weekend, while Ivan Toney is also set to be involved tonight.
Follow live updates from England vs Belgium in tonight’s live blog, while you can get the latest odds and tips on the match, here:
Half an hour until team news
We’re 30 minutes out from lineups! Just to remind you of the team news, England are dealing with a long list of injuries.
However, Cole Palmer is in contention to return to action after missing out on the weekend’s outing against Brazil, while Kobbie Mainoo could make his full England debut.
All will be revealed in half an hour…
Will Castle26 March 2024 18:15
England squad arrive at Wembley ahead of Belgium friendly
Looks like the England squad managed to get out onto the pitch before the rain arrived…
Jamie Braidwood26 March 2024 18:14
Rivaldo backs England to win Euro 2024
Brazil icon Rivaldo has tipped England to lift the European Championship this summer, going one better than they did three years prior.
Speaking to Betfair, Rivaldo said: “The England team is strong and there are great players throughout the squad. England have a great chance of winning the European Championships in Germany this summer.
“Many good players have worn the England shirt and yet they still haven’t won a major trophy since 1966. In that sense, they are similar to the situation Argentina were in before they won the World Cup in Qatar, they had many great players who deserved it which gave hope to fans and finally they won the title after many years.
“Under Gareth Southgate, England have given their fans hope, reached the final of Euro 2020, and are now ready to go one better and win a tournament. Everything is in place for them to have a great Euros this summer and a great World Cup in 2026.”
Will Castle26 March 2024 18:00
England pegged as favourites to win tonight… and to win the Euros
Even after Saturday’s underwhelming outing against Brazil, the bookmakers are still liking the look of England ahead of the Euros.
Here are the latest Betfair odds for tonight’s contest with Belgium, as well as an updated look at the favourites to lift silverware at Euro 2024.
Will Castle26 March 2024 17:30
Last time out against tonight’s opposition
England’s last outing against Belgium came in the Nations League nearly four years ago.
The Red Devils came out 2-0 victors, with goals from Youri Tielemans and Dries Mertens sealing the win in Leuven.
Tonight’s game will be the 25th meeting between the pair, and will be the first to be played out in front of fans since the 2018 World Cup – with their last two meetings being played behind closed doors due to restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Will Castle26 March 2024 17:00
A golden opportunity for Ivan Toney
With limited availability comes increased opportunity.
Gareth Southgate has confirmed that amid England’s injury crisis, Ivan Toney will ‘for sure’ be involved in tonight’s game against Belgium.
It acts as a massive chance for the Brentford frontman to leave an impression and prove why he should be on the plane bound for Germany come the summer.
Will Castle26 March 2024 16:40
Belgium entering a new generation under Domenico Tedesco
It’s safe to say that Belgium’s side has evolved since beating England at the 2018 World Cup. In fact, they’re almost unrecognisable.
With headline talents like Eden Hazard, Toby Alderwiereld and Dries Mertens no longer involved, a new generation of talent has emerged under head coach Domenico Tedesco.
It acts as a fresh challenge for Gareth Southgate, who can appreciate the job Tedesco has done in revamping a squad which, after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, was clearly beginning to stagnate.
“It’s obviously a new generation, if you like, bar (Romelu) Lukaku, (Jan) Vertonghen, I suppose (Timothy) Castagne to a degree,” Southgate told the PA news agency. “But from that team from 2018, a big evolution.
“I think Domenico (Tedesco) has done a very good job to this point through the qualifying campaign.”
Will Castle26 March 2024 16:20
England’s Euro 2024 squad: Who’s on the plane, who’s in contention and who has work to do?
Time is running out for England players to impress manager Gareth Southgate and win a place in his 23-player squad for Euro 2024.
England play Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia in Group C when they begin their quest to win the tournament in Germany this summer.
Southgate’s side topped their qualifying group without defeat and are one of the favourites to lift the trophy in Germany on 14 July, given their recent record in major tournaments and the outstanding form of attacking duo Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham this season.
But this is the last chance for players before he decides on his provisional squad on 21 May.
A closer look at which England players are heading to Germany for Euro 2024 and who might miss out on the final 23
Will Castle26 March 2024 16:00
Declan Rice ‘speechless’ at being granted honour of England captaincy
Declan Rice on captaining England for the first time:
“I am speechless to be honest with you; absolutely lost for words.
“When Gareth said to me last night I was going to be captain, I gave him a hug, shook his hand and said thank you very much.
“I owe him a lot since I first came into the team. He’s always made me feel at home, I’ve always felt so comfortable playing under him and I have really grown in confidence.
“So on my 50th cap to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and my friends, it is an absolute honour.
“I think you can see by my face that I am a bit speechless, to be honest with you.”
Will Castle26 March 2024 15:40
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