Five-time world champions Brazil return to Wembley Stadium on Saturday for a clash with England that should be one of the most intriguing friendly matches of the international break. Both sides are preparing for a summer in which expectations will be high, with the Three Lions among the favorites to win Euro 2024 and their opponents always hoping to be at the end of a Copa América.
Both sides are battling a number of injuries in this critical window to fine-tune their options, but there will still be plenty of stars in north London. Here's how you can watch the match and what you need to know:
See information
- Date: Saturday March 23 | Time: 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time
- Location: Wembley Stadium – London
- TELEVISION: Red Fox
- Odd: England -110; Tie: +240; Brazil +250
Arguments
England: As is often the case with the Three Lions, the build-up to a major tournament has turned into a farce: a political dispute has broken out over Nike's “fun update” of the St George's cross, changed from the traditional red to the incorporation purple and blue, on the collar of the new home shirt. The kit maker says it has taken inspiration from the training kits worn by the 1966 World Cup winners and the FA has made it clear there are no plans to change the kit despite criticism from the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
On the field, England will have to do without captain Harry Kane, two-time player of the year Bukayo Saka and Trent Alexander-Arnold, as well as a host of fringe players including Jordan Henderson and Cole Palmer. The absence of Saka and Palmer could give Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon a first start, but much of the intrigue will come in the centre-forward position. Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney could well be fighting for a place in the Euro 2024 squad as Kane's backup, whoever starts on Saturday may well conclude that the place is theirs to lose.
Brazil: It has been a difficult year for the most successful international team in world football. He selection They have gone through two interim managers after Tite, while they waited for the man they wanted, the short-term impact on results mitigated by the promise that Carlo Ancelotti would arrive before long. The Italian has extended his contract with Real Madrid, meaning Dorival Junior, 61, will be tasked with returning Brazil to a path that would end with a first World Cup in 24 years. For now, the focus will be on the 10th Copa América in the summer and ending any lingering doubts that they might not be in the World Cup in 2026: Brazil currently occupies the last automatic spot in the training table for the South American qualifiers. .
There is still power and Brazilian star style in Real Madrid's duo of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, but injuries have hit Dorival hard. Neymar, Ederson, Alisson, Marquinhos, Eder Militao, Casemiro or Arsenal trio Gabriels are missing, and that is far from a complete list. The debutant coach will also call on many inexperienced players, with 11 potential debutants in his squad and a further seven players with five caps or fewer.
Prediction
England's experience could pay off, giving Southgate just the result he needs ahead of the Euros. CHOOSE: England 2, Brazil 0