England host Australia in a sold-out pleasant at Wembley on Friday night.
Right here, the PA information company takes a take a look at 5 of the primary speaking factors forward of the worldwide encounter.
Some Ashes revenge for England?
There’s a lengthy sporting rivalry between these international locations and revenge could be candy after an epic Ashes summer season ended with the urn returning Down Beneath. Jonny Bairstow’s controversial stumping by Alex Carey notably caught within the craw throughout a dramatic 2-2 collection draw that noticed feelings run excessive. England have the prospect to actual a slither of revenge below the arch on Friday, when Gareth Southgate expects the sporting rivalry to “add an additional edge” to the event.
…or will there be a well-known second Socceroos win?
This would be the first time these nations have met at Wembley, with the one earlier two encounters on English soil performed on the Stadium of Gentle and Upton Park. Wayne Rooney made his debut within the latter pleasant in February 2003, however it was Australia that received 3-1 on the night time. It’s the solely time England have misplaced in seven conferences with the Socceroos and Graham Arnold’s facet, ranked twenty seventh on this planet, would love nothing greater than to repeat the feat on Friday.
An opportunity to experiment for Southgate
Final month’s pleasant in opposition to Scotland ended a run of 16 successive aggressive matches for England, overlaying final yr’s Nations League marketing campaign, the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 qualification. Southgate mentioned earlier than the sport that over-experimenting at Hampden Park could be “ridiculous” however nonetheless managed to attempt just a few issues as his facet ran out 3-1 victors. Lewis Dunk made his second worldwide begin – 5 years after his first – in central defence alongside Marc Guehi, whereas Aaron Ramsdale bought the nod in aim. Southgate shall be tempted to take a look at a number of areas of the squad once more this time, together with uncapped Levi Colwill at left-back, returning Jarrod Bowen in assault and Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield.
Can Watkins or Nketiah stake declare to be Kane deputy?
Harry Kane’s goalscoring feats are as spectacular as they’re nicely documented. Already the best scoring man in England’s historical past, he’ll match Sir Bobby Charlton’s 23-goal worldwide haul at Wembley if he scores in opposition to Australia. However Southgate might be tempted to attempt a special striker given their incapability to discover a dependable back-up to the Bayern Munich participant. Callum Wilson fulfilled the function in Qatar however is injured this time round, with in-form Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins receiving his first call-up since March 2022. Uncapped Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, England Beneath-21s’ all-time high scorer, is one other man seeking to push his declare to be Kane’s deputy forward of the Euros.
Israel-Palestine victims to be remembered
Wembley remembers the victims of the battle in Israel and Palestine.
— The FA (@FA) October 12, 2023
Black armbands shall be worn and a interval of silence noticed earlier than Friday’s pleasant to recollect the harmless victims of the battle in Israel and Palestine. The Soccer Affiliation has confirmed its plans to pay tribute, having come below stress to light up the Wembley arch within the colors of the Israeli flag following assaults by Hamas militants over the weekend which had been adopted by Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Flags, duplicate kits and different representations of nationality not linked to England or Australia won’t be permitted inside Wembley.
