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England vs Australia – International friendly: TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction

There will be no Stuart Broad vs David Warner duel in this iteration of the Ashes as England and Australia do battle on the football pitch on Friday night.

The historic sporting rivals have rarely matched up in the footballing realm, with this encounter just the third time the Three Lions and Socceroos have met this century. England prevailed 2-1 in their most recent encounter seven years ago, although Australia did taste success back in 2003 when Francis Jeffers scored his only England goal in a losing effort.

Nevertheless, the upcoming friendly will give Gareth Southgate the opportunity to offer his fringe squad players a run out ahead of next Tuesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy.

Here’s 90min’s preview of England’s upcoming friendly against Australia at Wembley.

England vs Australia H2H Results

Current Form (Last Five Games)

Country

TV channel/live stream

United Kingdom

Channel 3

United States

Fox Soccer Plus, fuboTV

Canada

DAZN

Bukayo SakaBukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad / Alex Pantling/GettyImages

Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the squad after picking up a hamstring injury last week, but Southgate hasn’t called up a replacement with Raheem Sterling again absent from this month’s squad. Favoured left-backs Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell are also missing due to injuries.

The England boss will likely shuffle his pack on Friday with several key players set to earn rests for Italy’s visit the following Tuesday. There could be a first cap for Eddie Nketiah, even if he doesn’t start against Australia.

England predicted lineup vs Australia (4-3-3): Johnstone; Alexander-Arnold, Dunk, Guehi, Colwill; Phillips, Henderson, Maddison; Bowen, Watkins, Grealish.

Mat RyanMat Ryan

Mat Ryan is Australia’s captain / Ron Jenkins/GettyImages

Middlesbrough’s Riley McGree has been ruled out of international action this month with a foot injury and Aiden O’Neill has replaced him in the Socceroos squad.

Players competing in leagues across the globe make up Australia’s current squad, with five plying their trade in the Championship this season. Cameron Burgess, Thomas Glover, Massimo Luongo, Sam Silvera and Harry Souttar are names that will be familiar to enjoyers of the EFL’s second tier.

Former Arsenal and Brighton shot-stopper Mathew Ryan is still going strong and will likely start between the sticks on Friday.

Australia predicted lineup vs England (4-4-2): Ryan; Degenek, Souttar, Burgess, Rowles; Boyle, Baccus, Irvine, Silvera; Metcalfe, Duke.

Australia enjoyed a more than respectable World Cup in Qatar, but their results since have been mixed at best. They certainly don’t have the talent to match England, but their tenacity and resilience will give Friday’s hosts plenty to think about.

However, even if Southgate deviates heavily from his strongest XI, England should have enough to bypass the Socceroos on home soil. Many will be hoping to impress the boss at Wembley with Italy coming to town a few days later.

Prediction: England 3-0 Australia

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90Mins

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