Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope set to start in goal for England for first international at Wembley since coronavirus pandemic, and first Three Lions meeting with Wales since Euro 2016; Ryan Giggs' side without isolating Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey
Wednesday 7 October 2020 23:07, UK
Team news and stats ahead of England vs Wales in their international friendly at Wembley on Thursday (kick-off 8pm).
The two home nations will go head-to-head for the first time since England's dramatic last-gasp win at Euro 2016, which did little to dent the ambitions of a Wales side who would go on to reach the tournament's semi-finals.
Gareth Southgate's Three Lions side, ahead of their first game at Wembley since the coronavirus pandemic broke out in March, have been hit by a number of absentees from what was originally a 30-man squad, with Ben Chilwell, Tammy Abraham and Jadon Sancho all ruled out after attending Abraham's surprise birthday party on Sunday, the day before the trio were due to link up with their team-mates at St George's Park.
The game will act as a precursor for both side's Nations League double-headers over the international break. England face Belgium on Sunday and Denmark next Wednesday, while Wales visit Ireland and Bulgaria respectively on the same days. All four games will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
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In the absence of Chilwell, Abraham and Sancho, and with Raheem Sterling's withdrawal through injury, Reece James could be in line for an England debut after his first call-up to the full squad.
Aaron Ramsey will miss out for Wales as a result of coronavirus procedures following a positive test in the Juventus staff.
England manager Gareth Southgate: "We have got 10 players this time who were with us in Russia (for the 2018 World Cup).
"They've played well and got results. Some of the younger ones haven't done that yet with England. They don't have that credit in the bank.
"They've got to prove themselves and they need to remember that it is an honour to play for England."
Wales boss Ryan Giggs: "We've got great momentum going into the game and we want to keep that
momentum up. We realise it's a tough game and England have got some quality players.
"They could pick two or three teams and we know whatever team they put out, it's going to be a difficult match for us. But we're excited about the game and it will be a great occasion for our players."
