Match Preview
England are set to go head to head with Wales in the first of their two friendly matches scheduled for this international break. The Three Lions are slated to take on Belgium on Sunday in another potentially exciting contest but will first aim to get the better of their neighbours.
While the form of the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists has solid, dissonance is slowly creeping into their base with a host of players dominating headlines for all the wrong reasons. After Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood were sent home for breaking COVID-19 protocols during last month's double face-off with Iceland and Denmark, Tammy Abraham, Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho have now emerged as the newest bunch to be caught in the web of indiscipline. As a result, the players are expected to sit out the upcoming games against Wales and Belgium.
Needless to say, the off-field controversies associated with the England men's national teams should not distract one from the fact that they still remain a force to reckon with as far as European football is concerned. Of the last 10 appearances made by Southgate's side, they have managed seven wins, a draw and just two defeats.
Coming up against Wales on the back of scoring 18 goals without conceding any in their last five games, the forner's head coach Ryan Giggs has a lot to think about when picking his team for this classic encounter. In fairness, the former Manchester United winger has done an impressive job since taking over and could very much boost his credibility with another win over the Three Lions.
Since losing 2-1 to Hungary in June last year, the Dragons have staged an eight game unbeaten run - six of which have been draws with the remaining two being draws. They approach Thursday's encounter on the back of successive 1-0 wins over both Finland and Bulgaria back in September.
With a crucial UEFA Nations League test against Ireland also beckoning, a win over the England team should serve as the ultimate morale booster.
Form
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England in the last 10 games: W7 2D 1L
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Wales in the last 10 games: W6 2D L2.
Head to head: England vs Wales
England and Wales have met each other 102 times in total. The former have managed 67 wins, 21 draws and 14 defeats. The first encounter between the two sides ensued in 1879. The most recent meeting between them was during England's 2-1 victory in France at UEFA EURO 2016.
Predicted starting XI
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England starting XI:Nick Pope; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Mings, Saka; Rice, J.Henderson; Barnes, Grealish, Rashford; Calvert-Lewin
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Wales possible starting lineup: Hennessey; N.Williams, Mepham, Ampadu, Davies; Smith, Morrell; Brooks, J.Williams, James; Moore.
Broadcast information for England vs Wales
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
