(PA)
England are back in action this evening as they welcome Hungary to Wembley Stadium for a World Cup qualifying fixture.
Gareth Southgate’s team sit atop Group I on 19 points as they close in on a spot at next winter’s world championship in Qatar, having dispatched Andorra 5-0 in their most recent outing on Saturday night. Jack Grealish and Ben Chilwell scored their first international goals in that game, while Bukayo Saka, Tammy Abraham and James Ward-Prowse also netted. Despite fine performances from a number of his players in Andorra, Southgate said this week: “We will definitely make changes [for Hungary]. We have got a very strong squad and part of the reason we made the changes we did the other night is there were some specific profiles of players we thought could help us win the game. Also, we want the squad to feel involved and it is important they know they are valued, that they can contribute.”
Tonight’s visitors Hungary occupy fourth place in the qualifying group with 10 points, having been beaten 1-0 by Albania at the weekend. Their reverse fixture against England in September saw the Three Lions emerge victorious by a 4-0 scoreline, and Southgate will be keen to see his side produce a similar result here. Follow live updates from England vs Hungary below.
Gareth Southgate jokes England’s strength gives him ‘headache’ picking team
England manager Gareth Southgate joked he commits a crime with every team selection given the strength in depth of a squad edging closer to World Cup qualification.
Michael Jones12 October 2021 18:30
England vs Hungary – Line up
Here is England’s starting XI. Gareth Southgate makes nine changes to the team that faced Andorra on Saturday night. Jordan Pickford returns in goal with Tyrone Mings chosen to partner John Stones in central defence. Phil Foden keeps his place in midfield and Harry Kane returns to take the captain’s armband and lead the line.
England XI: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Mings, Shaw, Mount, Rice, Foden, Sterling, Kane, Grealish
Michael Jones12 October 2021 18:23
England vs Hungary
Gareth Southgate’s team sit atop Group I on 19 points as they close in on a spot at next winter’s world championship in Qatar, having dispatched Andorra 5-0 in their most recent outing on Saturday night. Jack Grealish and Ben Chilwell scored their first international goals in that game, while Bukayo Saka, Tammy Abraham and James Ward-Prowse also netted.
Tonight’s visitors Hungary occupy fourth place in the qualifying group with 10 points, having been beaten 1-0 by Albania at the weekend. Their reverse fixture against England in September saw the Three Lions emerge victorious by a 4-0 scoreline, and Southgate will be keen to see his side produce a similar result here.
Alex Pattle12 October 2021 18:20