England XI vs Belgium: Starting lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for friendly today

Injuries have forced Gareth Southgate to shuffle his pack

Kobbie Mainoo, Ezri Konsa and Ivan Toney make their first England starts in tonight’s friendly with Belgium.

The Wembley fixture is the last game before Gareth Southgate is due to name his squad for this summer’s European Championship, but the Three Lions boss has seen plans to test his strongest XI scuppered by a huge injury list.

On Sunday night, Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and Sam Johnstone all left the camp, following the withdrawals of Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane earlier in the international break.

Jack Grealish, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and Kieran Trippier were all already sidelined, while Jordan Henderson is only fit enough for the bench.

“I have to say, with everything that’s happened the original idea or plan for week is a bit different,” Southgate admitted. “We’re probably finding out about more players but that’s also really helpful.

“To see all of those players against high level opposition will help us to make better decisions moving forward.”

Action Images via Reuters

It means there are chances for Toney and Mainoo to impress, while Jarrod Bowen starts on the wing and Konsa gets the nod at right-back.

Chelsea star Cole Palmer is on the bench after missing Saturday’s defeat to Brazil with a minor problem, while Jude Bellingham is fit to start despite suffering with cramp in that game.

Declan Rice captains the side as he wins his 50th cap, while Jarrad Branthwaite will hope to make his debut off the bench.

Starting XI: Pickford, Konsa, Stones, Dunk, Chilwell, Rice, Mainoo, Bellingham, Bowen, Toney, Foden

Subs: Gallagher, Watkins, Gordon, Gomez, Ramsdale, Henderson, Branthwaite, Lewis, Rashford, Maddison, Trafford, Palmer

Time and date: 7.45pm GMT on Tuesday 26 March 2024

Venue: Wembley

TV channel and live stream: Channel Four

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