England Faces Wales in Friendly Amid Euro Qualifiers

LONDON, England — The England national football team will take advantage of a break in the European Qualifiers to play an international friendly against Wales at Wembley Stadium. The match is scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2023.

Coached by Thomas Tuchel, England will be without key players like Jude Bellingham and Reece James. Bellingham, who recently recovered from an injury, was eager to participate but was ultimately rested. James, from Chelsea, has been sidelined due to injury and will be replaced by Nico O'Reilly, the young defender from Manchester City.

Next week, England is set to compete against Latvia in another round of the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions will also keep an eye on the Serbia vs. Albania match, as a victory against Latvia would secure them the top spot in Group K and a spot in the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Wales sees this friendly as crucial preparation for their upcoming qualifier against Belgium on October 13. Coach Craig Bellamy‘s side is currently tied with Belgium at 10 points in Group J, trailing North Macedonia, which leads with 11.

The last clash between England and Wales occurred during the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where England triumphed 3-0, with Marcus Rashford scoring two goals and Phil Foden contributing one.

Viewers in Argentina can watch the friendly between England and Wales on ESPN.