Here come England!

Declan Rice leads England out onto the pitch, what a moment for him.

And here are the national anthems. I said it on Saturday, and I’ll say it again, I always love this part.

We are just moments away from kick-off!

Strong police presence in Cardiff

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, at the Cardiff City Stadium:

There’s police presence outside the Cardiff City Stadium tonight, with South Wales Police on alert for ticketless Polish fans.

A big British Polish contingent here and from I’ve seen all in good spirits so far

‘It feels like Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen are playing for one place’

Craig Hope, Mail Sport, at Wembley Stadium

It feels like Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen are playing for one place in the squad. The former did very well against Brazil on Saturday but Bowen also impressed when he came on. It is the turn of the West Ham winger to shine tonight.

I think this call is 60-40 in Gordon’s favour at present, as much because of his defensive work – and England have a potential weakness at left back. But a goal for Bowen here might just swing things in his favour.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 26: Jarrod Bowen of England looks on prior to the international friendly match between England and Belgium at Wembley Stadium on March 26, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Big chance for Konsa

There was a time when England could have filled a full team with right-backs.

Well, now they are starting a centre-back in that position.

Due to all the injuries, Ezri Konsa’s versatility was used on Saturday as he came on against Brazil, and is being used today from the start.

It will stand him in good stead for selection, it’s always handy to have someone who can play in multiple positions.

Let’s see how he does then, eh?

England's Ezri Konsa takes a throw in during the international friendly soccer match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium in London, Saturday, March 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

‘Neither Cardiff nor Swansea represented in Rob Page’s side’

Tom Collomosse, Mail Sport, at the Cardiff City Stadium:

Four Leeds players, two from Tottenham, yet not a single one in the Wales starting XI from either of the country’s two biggest clubs.

With Aaron Ramsey on the bench, neither Cardiff nor Swansea are represented in Rob Page’s side for their most significant fixture since the 2022 World Cup.This says less about the big two in Wales than it does about the strength now available to Page.

First of many for Mainoo?

As Mail Sport predicted, Kobbie Mainoo gets his first start for England tonight.

After not originally being called up for the squad for this round of fixtures, it’s very impressive he has forced his way into the side.

His ceiling is undoubtedly extremely high, and tonight could be the first start in a long international career.

He certainly looks happy!

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 26: Kobbie Mainoo and teammates of England take to the pitch ahead of the warm up during the international friendly match between England and Belgium at Wembley Stadium on March 26, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Three Lions getting ready to go

Warm-ups have begun at Wembley.

It is sure to be a very important few hours for all of the players on that pitch right now, and even some that aren’t on it.

I wonder if any nerves are jangling?

How will Poland’s managerial merry-go-round affect them?

Tom Collomosse, Mail Sport, at the Cardiff City Stadium:

Poland are rapidly developing a reputation as the Watford of international football, with current boss Michal Probierz the fourth man in the hotseat since Jerzy Brzeczek departed in January 2021.

High spirits in the Wales camp

It doesn’t look like these lads are feeling the pressure.

If they can handle it like it looks like they will from these photos, it could be a great night for Wales.

Should Toney have a place on the plane?

As you can see, the question over if Ivan Toney should be in the Euro 2024 squad this summer is doing the rounds.

I want to know what you all think, should Toney be there in Germany come June?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: England's Ivan Toney warming up during the international friendly match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium on March 23, 2024 in London, England.(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

‘Interesting to see how Toney leads the line’

Sami Mokbel, Mail Sport, at Wembley Stadium:

The England starting XI is out and it’s as predicted by Mail Online last night and the Daily Mail this morning. That means full debuts for Ivan Toney, Kobbie Mainoo and Ezri Konsa.

What an opportunity for the trio to gatecrash the Euro 2024 squad. Particularly interesting to see how Toney leads the line. A good performance tonight and surely he’s on the plane.

‘This feels like a make-or-break night for Ivan Toney’s Euros hopes’

Oliver Holt, Mail Sport’s Chief Sports Writer, at Wembley Stadium:

This feels like a make-or-break night for Ivan Toney’s hopes of being included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024. The consensus is that only one of Toney and Ollie Watkins will go to Germany, effectively as Harry Kane’s understudy.

After Watkins struggled to make an impression in a flat team performance against Brazil, this is Toney’s big opportunity.

Injuries birth new opportunities

As Gareth Southgate has said, England have an ‘incredible number’ of players unavailable through injury.

The Three Lions are missing the likes of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker, who are all more than likely to be starters if fit in the summer.

Southgate is also without the talent of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, and Sam Johnstone, so more and more new players are getting their chances – as seen with the five changes tonight.

Kobbie Mainoo and Ivan Toney are getting their go tonight, but so is Ezri Konsa who also makes his full debut.

It’s a big chance for non-regulars to stake their place for a spot on the plane to Germany.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: Vinicius Junior of Brazil in action with Ezri Konsa of England during the international friendly match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium on March 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Toney’s big audition

This could turn out to be a massive night for Ivan Toney’s England career.

Toney missed out on the World Cup in Qatar, and not long after served an eight-month suspension for breaking betting rules.

The Brentford striker has only has one cap for the Three Lions to his name, which came a year ago against Ukraine, and this will be his first start in England colours.

There are many questions over who should play Harry Kane’s understudy at Euro 2023, with the fight seemingly between Ollie Watkins and Toney.

So, can he grab the opportunity with both hands tonight?

ENFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 25: Ivan Toney of England reacts during a training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on March 25, 2024 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Poland Team News – Lewandowski up top

We wouldn’t expect anything else, would we?

Robert Lewandowski, the main man for Poland, captains the side, as Jakub Kiwior, Arsenal defender, also starts for Poland.

This team will be looking to ignore the atmosphere tonight and break Wales’ hearts.

Wales Line-up – Moore STARTS

Some big team news for Wales, Kieffer Moore comes into the side replacing David Brooks.

Aaron Ramsey does make the squad, but is not fit enough to play from the start.

Robert Page was obviously happy with his team from Saturday, with Moore being the only change.

Belgium Starting XI – Captain Lukaku

Plenty of Premier League names to look out for in this side.

Domenico Tedesco has made seven changes to the side that drew 0-0 to Ireland, with Romelu Lukaku coming in to captain the side.

Can this team do damage to England?

England Team News – Mainoo STARTS

There it is, confirmation that both Kobbie Mainoo and Ivan Toney will make their first starts for England tonight.

Ezri Konsa, Lewis Dunk, and Jarrod Bowen, follow them into the line-up as Gareth Southgate makes five changes from the side that lost to Brazil on Saturday.

A big night in store!

Wales’ thumping semi-final victory

Let’s look at how Wales made it to the play-off finals then.

It was a fairly easy night in Cardiff on Saturday as Wales swept aside Finland 4-1.

David Brooks and Neco Williams put Wales two goals to the good before Teemu Pukki pulled one back for the visitors on the stroke of half-time.

However, it took just 90 seconds into the second period for Wales to restore their two-goal lead through Brennan Johnson.

Dan James then sealed a magical night for the Welsh off the bench.

Surely, that will give them huge confidence going into tonight, they are just one step away from Euro 2024.

CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 21: David Brooks of Wales celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Connor Roberts, Harry Wilson and team mates during the UEFA EURO 2024 Play-Offs Semi-final match between Wales and Finland at Cardiff City Stadium on March 21, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

The Three Lions’ bogey team

When I think of England facing Belgium, I don’t normally think of victory for the Three Lions.

Historically England have a very good record against Belgium, winning 16 of their 25 meetings, however, they have not fared so well in recent times losing three of the last four of them.

The one anomaly from the last four came in October 2020, as they came out 2-1 at Wembley. Although, those two goals are the only ones England have scored in their last four meetings with Belgium.

Not great stats I must say…

Belgium's Youri Tielemans celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Nations League League A, Group 2 match at King Power Stadion At Den Dreefts, Leuven, Belgium. PA Photo. Picture date: Sunday November 15, 2020. See PA story SOCCER England. Photo credit should read: DIRK WAEM/PA Wire via Belga. RESTRICTIONS: UK & Ireland Only. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
epa08736121 Marcus Rashford of England scores his team's first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Nations League match between England and Belgium in London, Britain, 11 October 2020. EPA/Michael Regan / POOL

England are in the building

So, we know Kobbie Mainoo and Ivan Toney are set to start tonight, but who else are we likely to see?

I suspect Gareth Southgate will put out a very strong 11, it’s their last chance to show what they’ve got before June!

No names on England kit in second half

England will arise from the tunnel after half-time with no names on the back of their shirts.

What is the reason for this? Well, it is for a great cause. Tonight’s match is devoted to Alzheimer’s Society because of the charity’s partnership with the Football Association.

This is the second occasion England have decided to do this and the reason behind the nameless shirts is to bring ‘attention to how people with dementia lose precious memories’ including forgetting their favourite football players’ names.

The shirts in question will be the new England away strip, which is being played in for the first time.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 26: Harry Kane speaks to Marc Guehi of England during the International Friendly match between England and Switzerland at Wembley Stadium on March 26, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Mainoo and Toney in line to start

I mentioned earlier that there would be some possible changes, and there are two that stand out.

It has been reported by Sami Mokbel, Mail Sport, that both Kobbie Mainoo and Ivan Toney are set to be given their chance from the start tonight.

18-year-old Mainoo made his international debut in the loss to Brazil with a short cameo from the bench, but now is a chance to see what he can do in a Three Lins shirt.

Toney did not come on against Brazil, but after Ollie Watkins failed to make an impression, he is set to be given a chance to stake his claim for a Euro 2024 spot.

It’s exciting times for England that with all the absentees at the moment, they can still bring in two players of real quality into the fold.

It’s a huge opportunity for both of them.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: Kobbie Mainoo of England during the international friendly match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium on March 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

What Wales and Poland are fighting for

While tonight is huge for both Wales and Poland, it could only be the start of a very tough run in the Euros this summer.

Whoever does get through tonight will not have it easy in Germany. The winner of tonight’s match will end up in group D, and these are the sides they are fighting to face:

  • France
  • Netherlands
  • Austria

Can Wales fill that spot?

NYON, SWITZERLAND - NOVEMBER 23: A detailed view of the UEFA EURO trophy ahead of the UEFA EURO 2024 Play-offs Draw at the UEFA Headquarters, The House of the European Football, on November 23,2023, in Nyon, Switzerland. (Photo by Kristian Skeie - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Declan Rice set to captain England for 50th Cap

Life really moves fast, doesn’t it?

It feels like just yesterday Declan Rice was given his first England call-up, snubbing Ireland in the process after making three caps in green (sorry to bring that up Ireland fans).

However, that is now five years in the past and Rice is set to step out onto the grass in England colours for the 50th time. To make things even more special, it has already been confirmed he will be captain in the absence of Harry Kane.

It’s fair to say the Arsenal midfielder is over the moon about it all, in the pre-match press conference, he said:

On my 50th cap, to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and friends, it is a great honour – I’m a bit speechless.

It is a pinch-me moment, it will be an honour. I was absolutely lost for words when [Gareth Southgate] said to me I was going to be captain.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 26: The captain's armband and a pennant are seen alongside the shirt of Declan Rice of England in the dressing room prior to the international friendly match between England and Belgium at Wembley Stadium on March 26, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

The stage is set in Cardiff

The moment ‘Land of My Fathers’ begins at the Cardiff City Stadium tonight; the Wales players will feel the unwavering support of their fans in a way that not many will have felt before.

After moving on from the likes of Gareth Bale and Joe Allen, the new generation of Wales players are looking to ensure their country reaches a third European Championships in a row.

Standing in their way, Poland, who with Robert Lewandowski leading the line can cause anybody problems.

I remember the atmosphere when Wales beat Ukraine in 2022 to seal their place at the Qatar World Cup later in the same year, and if tonight is anything like that, we are in for one hell of a match.

Get your seatbelts at the ready, it’s going to be a crazy ride.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Kieran McManus/Shutterstock (14400426b) A general view of the Cardiff City Stadium Wales v Poland, UEFA European Championship 2024 Qualifying, Play Offs, Final, Football, Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, UK - 26 Mar 2024
CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 26: A Wales fan poses for a photo outside the ground prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 Play-Offs Final match between Wales and Poland at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Jan Kruger - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Can England bounce back?

England’s build-up to the European Championships this summer did not get off to the best start on Saturday.

The Three Lions, who are arguably favourites for the competition in Germany, got a slap of reality when Endrick netted an 80th-minute winner for Brazil to end England’s 20-match Wembley unbeaten streak.

Well, tonight they return to the national stadium to face off against Belgium in their final match until June.

Facing the Red Devils has not always brought the fondest of memories for England in recent years, but this evening is a chance for Gareth Southgate’s injury-hit side to show that they are still a force to be reckoned with.

Last time out, I predicted lots of goals and we got one, so maybe I should keep my lips sealed tonight…

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Graham Wilson/Action Plus/Shutterstock (14398442di) England appeal for offside as Endrick of Brazil scores after 80 minutes (0-1); Wembley Stadium, London, England; International Football Friendly, England versus Brazil. England v Brazil, International Friendly, Football, Wembley Stadium, London, UK - 23 Mar 2024

Good evening!

Welcome, or croeso for our Welsh fans following along.

We have a huge night of international football in store for you, and it is the last one until Euro 2024 preparations come to a head in June.

Gareth Southgate is set to make some big changes as England seek to recover from Saturday’s loss to Brazil with victory over Belgium.

Meanwhile, Wales have a mammoth day in store as they face Poland in the Euro 2024 play-off finals tonight for a spot in Germany this summer.

With it being such a massive day for some of our home nations, we will keep you up to date with the ongoings in both London and Cardiff.

While international football outside of major competitions doesn’t always get a lot of love, days like these are simply great to cover.

I can’t wait any longer, so let’s get going!

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 26: General view inside the stadium prior to the international friendly match between England and Belgium at Wembley Stadium on March 26, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
A merchandise seller in Cardiff ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying play-off final between Wales and Poland. Picture date: Tuesday March 26, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Wales. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Key Updates

  • Poland Team News – Lewandowski up top
  • Wales Line-up – Moore STARTS
  • Belgium Starting XI – Captain Lukaku
  • England Team News – Mainoo STARTS
  • Good evening!

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