England host Brazil at Wembley Stadium in an international friendly as part of their UEFA Euro 2024 preparations.
This friendly is the first of two fixtures for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions to secure a spot in the UEFA Euro 2024 squad.
Brazil meanwhile are preparing for this summer’s Copa America with manager, Dorival Junior continuing his squad assessment.
Team News
Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from England’s squad due to injury and returned to Arsenal for treatment.
Kobbie Mainoo, Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon are set for their England debuts after they received their first senior call-ups.
Ezri Konsa is chasing his first senior appearance after featuring in November’s squad as an unused player.
Harry Kane (ankle) is ruled out as is Jordan Henderson and Cole Palmer (both unspecified).
Brazil have no fresh injury concerns to report with Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes and Richarlison amongst familiar names from the Premier League set to be in contention for a starting spot.
Ederson, Casemiro (both muscle), Marquinhos (calf) Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli (both foot) are ruled out after having withdrawn from the squad.
When is Kick-Off?
England host Brazil at Wembley Stadium, London, on Saturday 22 March at 7pm GMT, live on Channel 4 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- England have lost one of their last nine international friendlies against Brazil (W3, D5, L1).
- Brazil have won one of their nine previous friendlies away to England (W1, D6, L2).
- England have kept one clean sheet in their last seven friendlies against Brazil.
- Harry Kane has scored six goals in his last four starts at home for England in all competitions (W4), during which the Three Lions kept three clean sheets.
- Brazil have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine matches in all competitions (W3, D1, L5).
Prediction
Having gone unbeaten in 2023, England just need to continue building their momentum whilst experimenting in case key players were to be unavailable come Euros, because this squad will need to be adaptable and versatile if say Kane was to get injured for example.
I though would like to see them show more consistency and end product after two sluggish results in November against Malta then North Macedonia, where they weren’t exactly impressive in their creativity to break down resilient defensive opposition.
Brazil meanwhile are missing several regulars due to a mixture of injuries and form but this is a chance for others to step up and stake their claim for a spot in Brazil’s Copa America squad, although their inconsistent defence will need to improve if they want a result here.
I however do feel that this game will be pretty experimental for Brazil given their squad issues whilst England have the momentum and consistent squad quality, which could well be the difference if they can come out and deliver a much sharper performance.
Prediction: England 2-1 Brazil
Result: England 1-0 Brazil
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