Jaden Sancho in action for England. Photo: Andy Wilkins / Prost International
England take on Czech Republic hoping to get a winning start to their European Championships qualifiers regime at Wembley Stadium on Friday.
The Three Lions return to competitive fixtures for the first time in 2019. The previous year saw the national team reach the Semi-Finals in Russia, losing to eventual runners-up Croatia after extra-time, and qualify for the finals of the Nations League.
Gareth Southgate’s side will be hoping to continue their fine form, in which they have lost only three times since the start of July, as they host the Czech Republic before travelling to Montenegro to complete their opening round of Euro 2020 qualifiers on Monday.
Team news
England boss Southgate has been forced into making a number of late changes to the original squad he selected, with five players being forced to withdraw through injury.
Manchester United’s striker Marcus Rashford is unlikely to feature after being absent from training on Thursday.
James Ward-Prowse and Callum Hudson-Odoi could push for a starting place after being called up due to the injury spree. Jadon Sancho could make his first competitive international start for the Three Lions.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, John Stones, Fabian Delph, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Luke Shaw all withdrew from Southgate’s original squad as a result of injury.
From the dug-out
Speaking ahead of the tie with the Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium, England boss Gareth Southgate said, despite the recent injury spree, he has no concern in handing fresh chances to a number of players.
“We knew from a couple of days ago Marcus wouldn’t be ready for tomorrow. It’s a great opportunity for the others, they’ve been exceptional in training. We’re really looking forward to seeing the team play.
“Throughout the age groups Sancho and Hudson-Odoi have been similar. Jadon has more big match experience but Callum has fitted in brilliantly. They are ready and can play no problem.” Southgate said.
England take on the Czech Republic on Friday night at Wembley before travelling to Montenegro to play on Monday evening.
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