A friendly in name only, England welcome neighbours Wales to Wembley to renew hostilities in a match-up that boasts nearly 150 years of history.
Match News and Current Form
England return to the national stadium for the first time since March without their 2024/25 player of the year, as Jude Bellingham was left out of the squad despite returning to fitness for Real Madrid. He joins Phil Foden and Jack Grealish in being left out by boss Thomas Tuchel, who insists he has “no problem” with any of those three marquee players. The Three Lions have fared well under Tuchel’s leadership (W5, L1), keeping a clean sheet in each win, but the only blot on that record came in a home friendly that saw England beaten 3-1 by Senegal.
Aside from his desire to get one over on their neighbours, Wales boss Craig Bellamy will hope this clash against a top-ten ranked opponent serves as the perfect warm-up for their clash with Belgium next week, which looks set to be pivotal in their bid to qualify for next year’s World Cup. Taking positive momentum back to Cardiff will be high on the agenda, but the Dragons haven’t fared so well on their travels of late, as their 1-0 win in Kazakhstan in September was just their second away win in nine attempts (D5, L2).
Head-to-Head History
This fixture dates all the way back to January 1879, with England boasting overwhelming superiority (W69, D21, L14). The Three Lions have won all seven H2Hs in the 21st century, keeping six clean sheets therein.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Just one of England’s last eight games saw both teams score.
England have won their last three games at Wembley by a 10-0 aggregate scoreline.
Wales have failed to score in four of their last five friendlies (W1, D2, L2).
Wales have scored before half-time in five of their last seven matches.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
On target in England's last game against Serbia, Marcus Rashford will hope to carry his sparkling club form on to the international stage having netted twice in the Three Lions’ H2H victory at the 2022 World Cup (3-0). Harry Wilson will be Wales’ main threat having directly contributed to eight goals in his last nine caps (G6, A2), with each of his three away strikes in that sequence coming before half-time.
England’s main injury absences are captain and all-time top scorer Harry Kane as well as Cole Palmer. Wales are missing Dan James due to an ankle injury, while captain Aaron Ramsey will also miss out with a niggle.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
With Wales’ eyes firmly trained on their game against Belgium, backing another England win with a clean sheet seems the logical route to take.
Author: Ryan Fisher