- Date: Saturday March 23 – 19:00 GMT
- Location: Wembley Stadium, London
- Teams: Wales vs Finland
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England’s Euro 2024 preparation ramps up with Brazil test
Wembley Stadium will host an eagerly anticipated showdown between England and Brazil. This clash marks a significant moment as Gareth Southgate’s English squad gears up for Euro 2024, while Brazil, led by new head coach Dorival Junior, aims to reverse a string of disappointing results.
The upcoming match at Wembley promises to be a spectacle, with both teams eager to showcase their skills and strategies. The history between these footballing powerhouses adds an extra dimension to the excitement, as England and Brazil have a storied rivalry filled with memorable moments.
With the bright lights of Wembley shining down, football fans can anticipate a thrilling encounter as the Three Lions and the Seleção square off in what is sure to be a captivating friendly battle.
England
England approach Euro 2024 with a realistic chance to get their hands on some silverware. Three years have passed since their heartbreak in the Euro 2020 final, and this championship represents a crucial opportunity for boss Gareth Southgate to secure international glory for the Three Lions faithful. Overall, it has been a successful period for England, who boast a squad which has quality and depth. A semi-final at the 2018 World Cup was followed by the run to the final of Euro 2020.
The team faced a number of challenges in 2022, with an exit from the World Cup in the quarter-finals and relegation from the top tier of the Nations League. However, they showed great promise in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, topping their group with impressive wins over Italy.
In preparation for Euro 2024, England faces a series of friendlies, including tough matches against Belgium and Brazil. Despite their setbacks, the team is riding a 10-match unbeaten streak since their World Cup 2022 exit, which has buoyed hopes among supporters.
With the European Championship looming and a chance to reclaim their status in the Nations League, Southgate and his players are determined to deliver success and bring joy to England’s passionate football community.
England include four uncapped players, Manchester United’s midfield Kobbie Mainoo, Jarrad Branthwaite, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa. Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Jack Grealish, Luke Shaw, Kalvin Phillips and Ben White – who did not want to be considered for selection – are all missing from the squad.
Harry Kane suffered an injury scare while playing for his club, Bayern Munich, and missed training on Wednesday, with Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Jordan Henderson also sitting out. Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney are in line to replace Kane should the skipper not be declared fit.
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Brazil
Brazil’s transition from the Tite era has been rocky, with a string of disappointing results under Fernando Diniz’s leadership. Their recent three-game losing streak in World Cup qualifiers and struggles in the CONMEBOL section have raised concerns, leaving them in a precarious position in the standings.
With Dorival Junior now at the helm, Brazil seeks a fresh start and hopes to turn their fortunes around. The upcoming friendly matches against England and Spain present a crucial opportunity for the Selecao to regain confidence and form ahead of the 2024 Copa America.
Although historically Brazil has had the upper hand against England, recent encounters have been less decisive. Nevertheless, the team will look to their positive head-to-head record for inspiration as they strive for a strong performance on the pitch.
As the Copa America approaches, Brazil cannot afford further setbacks. The tournament will pose a significant challenge, with tough opponents like Colombia and Paraguay in the group stage. Brazil must navigate these challenges successfully to reaffirm their status as a footballing powerhouse in South America.
Ultimately, the upcoming fixtures against England and Spain will serve as important tests for Brazil to assess their current standing and make necessary adjustments. The team’s performance in these matches will be crucial in restoring national morale and securing their path to the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil have suffered a number of injury blows, with Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ederson, Marquinhos and Casemiro pulling out of the squad with injuries..
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker also out of contention due to a thigh injury and three uncapped goalkeepers, Leo Jardim, Bento and Rafael, are in contention to keep goal at Wembley.
Brazil have 11 uncapped players in their squad,including Wolves’ Joao Gomes and Girona winger Savio.
Prediction
Despite their injury crisis and going through something of a transitional phase, Brazil will still travel to Wembley with plenty of quality. However, England are ranked third in the world for a reason. They have the players to cause any team in the world problems and will be confident of seeing Brazil off. Home win.
Wembley Stadium, London
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