England vs Brazil: What time is today’s match and what TV channel is it on?
England host Brazil today in the first of two pre-Euro 2024 friendlies during this international window.
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from Gareth Southgate’s squad for the games against Brazil today and Belgium on Tuesday, meaning he will miss the last two England games before Southgate announces his squad for Euro 2024 in May.
Harry Kane could miss both of England’s friendlies as manager Southgate battles with what he believes is his worst-ever injury crisis.
England captain is definitely out of today’s friendly against Brazil with the ankle injury he suffered playing for Bayern Munich,
But all of this has been overshadowed by a St George’s Cross row sparked by kit manufacturer Nike’s decision to alter the English national flag on the back of the new England shirt.
Even the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has had his say, suggesting Nike “should not mess” with the St George’s Cross.
And Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has also called on Nike to reconsider. “I’m a big football fan, I go to England games, men and women’s games, and the flag is used by everybody. It is a unifier. It doesn’t need to be changed. We just need to be proud of it,” Starmer said. “So, I think they should just reconsider 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 do England play Brazil?
Today, Saturday, March 23.
What time does England vs Brazil start?
Kick-off is at 7pm (GMT).
Where is the match being held?
The two sides will meet at Wembley, the home of English football.
What channel is it on TV?
The match will be shown live on Channel 4, with coverage beginning at 6pm.
Alternatively, you can follow all the action via our live blog, with commentary and analysis from our team of reporters at the ground.
What is the latest news?
John Stones has revealed that he would love to play in midfield for England, but has not discussed a change of position with manager Gareth Southgate.
Southgate has problems in the centre of his midfield with Kalvin Phillips badly out of form and omitted from his squad for England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, while Jordan Henderson has been ruled out of today’s game through injury.
Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo received his first senior call-up this week, but Stones has revealed that he would jump at the chance to partner Declan Rice.
Stones, who has played in midfield for Manchester City but always been deployed as a defender by Southgate, said: “100 per cent I’d love to do it [play in midfield for England]. What I do with my club.
“We’ve not spoken about anything. But I think Gareth knows how he wants to play, he knows everyone’s attributes, my attributes, and obviously watches the games quite a lot. So if he’s got any thoughts of that, I’d obviously love to do it, to try to help the team in any way possible. Maybe it’s something that we might speak about in the future, I’m not too sure.”
Stones has been in superb form for England and City, and is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.
Asked if he feels he is playing the best football of his career so far, 29-year-old Stones replied: “For the past three or four seasons, I feel I’ve got a good consistency to my game over an extended period.
“I know there’s been injuries, but I think I’ve maybe shown that consistency that I can keep producing at a high level for an extended period of time. I’m enjoying my football, which is the most important thing. When you enjoy something, you stop thinking too much and let your football do the talking. You express yourself and I’m doing all those things.”
England squad to 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)
Forwards: 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 head-to-head
The last time these two sides met in a competitive match was the 2002 World Cup quarter-final, with Brazil winning 2-1 courtesy of Ronaldinho’s infamous free-kick.
Predictions
England should have enough quality to deal with a new-look Brazil team, who are on a difficult run of form.
England to win: 2-0
Match odds
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England to win: 19/20
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Brazil to win: 16/5
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Draw: 21/8
Odds correct as of March 22
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