England Clash with Wales in Must-Watch Friendly: Team Lineups, Bold Predictions and Match Preview

Prior to resuming their individual 2026 World Cup qualification journeys, neighboring nations England and Wales will clash in a friendly match this Thursday evening.

These two Home Nations are meeting for the first time since the 2022 World Cup, where the Three Lions dominated with a commanding 3–0 triumph in Qatar, eliminating Rob Page's team during the group phase.

Under Craig Bellamy's leadership, Wales have an opportunity to secure their spot in next summer's competition, with a crucial qualifier awaiting Thursday's away team when they welcome Belgium the following week. They currently sit tied at ten points with the Red Devils, one point behind surprising group frontrunners North Macedonia.

Nevertheless, Bellamy will be eager to witness Wales' first triumph over England since 1984, as the Dragons have endured seven straight losses in this matchup. Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions arrive following a potentially transformative 5–0 victory against Serbia.

Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of the encounter.

What Time Does England vs. Wales Kick-Off?

England vs. Wales Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch England vs. Wales on TV and Live Stream

England Team News

Tuchel has chosen consistency regarding squad selection, naming an almost identical group of players for England's October matches compared to their September qualifiers.

Bukayo Saka has replaced injured colleague Noni Madueke, while Cole Palmer continues to be unavailable due to a groin problem. Manchester City prospect Nico O'Reilly has filled Reece James's position after the Chelsea skipper withdrew through injury.

Jude Bellingham finds no place despite recovering from shoulder surgery, while Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Adam Wharton have also been excluded.

Harry Kane will be absent from the fixture after becoming a late injury concern for England, Tuchel announced. Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins is expected to replace him.

England Predicted Lineup vs. Wales

England predicted lineup vs. Wales (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Spence, Konsa, Burn, Lewis-Skelly; Anderson, Rice; Bowen, Rogers, Gordon; Watkins.

Wales Team News

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke revealed that Wales winger Daniel James sustained an ankle injury that will sideline him for several weeks. James consequently pulled out of Bellamy's squad.

Aaron Ramsey, currently playing in Mexico, has also withdrawn after sustaining an injury. As replacements, the Wales manager has summoned Cardiff City pair Isaak Davies and Rubin Colwill.

Five Cardiff players now feature in the squad, while Harry Brooks, Brennan Johnson, David Brooks and Joe Rodon are among the Premier League players who have been selected.

Wales Predicted Lineup vs. England

Wales predicted lineup vs. England (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Williams, Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Ampadu, James; Johnson, Wilson, Thomas; Brooks.

England vs. Wales Score Prediction

England have historically controlled all encounters with their neighbors, and the timing of this fixture just days before a critical World Cup qualifier for Wales suggests the Three Lions are positioned to maintain their dominance.

The passionate Bellamy has acknowledged the quality difference between both nations, and the Wales manager will undoubtedly have significant focus on Belgium's upcoming visit, despite his desire to triumph over their confident opponents.

England were exceptional in Belgrade last month, with the Tuchel era delivering its inaugural major success. There's an indication they'll continue developing this month and secure a convincing victory here.

Prediction: England 3–1 Wales