Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is expected to start against Brazil later today during this international window in the first of two pre-Euro 2024 friendlies in a chance to impress ahead of this summer's European Championship finals.
With Harry Kane missing the Wembley friendly due to his ankle injury, England manager Gareth Southgate may look to his other striker options and has used Watkins to lead the attack in the latest team training sessions at St George's Park.
Watkins has scored 22 goals for Villa this season and is the highest scoring English player in the Premier League. He was picked for the friendly against Australia earlier this season - the only England match Kane has not played - and scored the winner against the Socceroos.
Southgate's other option is Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who is back in the England squad after his ban for breaching betting rules.
But all this was overshadowed by a row at St George's Cross, sparked by kit manufacturer Nike's decision to change the English national flag to the back of the new England shirt. More team news below...
Even the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has had his say, suggesting that Nike "shouldn't be tampering" with the St. George's Cross.
And Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer has also called on Nike to reconsider this. "I'm a big football fan, I go to games in England, men's and women's games, and the flag is used by everyone. It is a unifier. It doesn't need to be changed. We should just be proud of it," said Starmer. "So I think they just need to rethink this and change it back. I'm not even sure they can properly explain why they thought they needed to change it in the first place."
When will England play Brazil?
Today, Saturday March 23.
What time does England vs Brazil start?
Kick-off is at 7pm (GMT).
Where is the competition held?
The two sides meet at Wembley, the home of English football.
What channel is it on TV?
The match will be broadcast live on Channel 4, with coverage from 6pm.
The story continues
Alternatively, you can follow all the action via our live blog, with commentary and analysis from our team of reporters on the ground.
What's the latest news?
Kane is part of a long list of injuries for Southgate in his final friendlies of the season. Bukayo Saka withdrew due to injury
precaution earlier this week and his absence give Anthony Gordon the chance of an England debut after his excellent season at Newcastle.
Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, who are expected to start matches in Germany this summer, are in midfield and are likely to line up alongside Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
At the back, Southgate will be able to pair Harry Maguire and John Stones in his starting line-up for the second time this season. The centre-backs were at the heart of Southgate's great successes, but only started the win over Italy this season due to injury.
Southgate's injury concerns also extended at left-back, with Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier injured, but he has Ben Chilwell back and available to play in his favored position.
His injured players who could challenge for a starting spot alongside Kane, Saka and Shaw include Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish.
"We have a long list of about 40 players and a third are not available for tomorrow's match, which is without a doubt the most we have ever had," said Southgate, who is also preparing for Tuesday's match against Belgium.
With Kane injured, Southgate must decide on a captain for the evening with Kyle Walker in the frame for the armband.
John Stones, meanwhile, has revealed he would like to play in midfield for England but has not yet discussed a position change at Southgate.
Southgate has problems in the center of his midfield with Kalvin Phillips seriously out of form and left out of his squad for England's friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, while Jordan Henderson has been ruled out of today's match due to injury.
Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo received his first senior call-up this week, but Stones has revealed he would jump at the chance to team up with Rice.
Stones, who has played in midfield for Manchester City but has always been deployed as a defender by Southgate, said: "I would 100 percent love to do it. [play in midfield for England]. What I do with my club.
"We didn't talk about anything. But I think Gareth knows how he wants to play, he knows everyone's attributes, my attributes, and obviously watches the games a lot. So if he has any ideas about that, I would obviously be happy to do that, to try to help the team in any way possible. Maybe it's something we can talk about in the future, I'm not so sure yet."
Stones has been in excellent form for England and City and is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.
Asked whether he feels he is playing the best football of his career so far, the 29-year-old Stones said: "Over the last three or four seasons I feel I have had good consistency in my game over a longer period of time .
"I know there have been injuries, but I think maybe I've shown that consistency that I can continue to produce at a high level for a longer period of time. I enjoy my football, that's the most important thing. If you enjoy something, stop thinking too much and let your football speak for itself. You express yourself and I do all those things.
The English team will face Brazil and Belgium
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Forward: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
England vs Brazil in one match
The last time these two sides met in a competitive match was in the 2002 World Cup quarter-final, with Brazil winning 2-1 thanks to Ronaldinho's infamous free-kick.
Predictions
England should have enough quality to deal with a new Brazil team, which is in difficult form.
England wins: 2-0
Match odds
The odds are correct as of March 22 Check this one out Betting offers and free bets on the 2024 European Championship
