“Why would Argentina not rely on Messi or Portugal not rely on Cristiano Ronaldo? This is totally normal… In the absence of Harry Kane, we don’t have the same threat,” Tuchel told ITV when asked about the team’s perceived over-reliance on the striker.

England left a poor impression following a 1–1 draw against Uruguay and a surprising 1–0 defeat to Japan. The team’s lack of offensive intensity and a focal point in attack was evident, as its only goal across both matches came via defender Ben White off a corner kick.

Argentina and Portugal prove they can win without Messi and Ronaldo

While Tuchel’s assessment of a team’s dependence on a superstar holds weight, both Argentina and Portugal have demonstrated the ability to secure results without their legendary icons on the pitch. Roberto Martinez’s men proved this during the March FIFA window, securing a 2–0 victory over the USMNT, even though they were later held to a scoreless draw against Mexico.

Argentina have also shown they can thrive without their captain in even higher-stakes environments. Lionel Scaloni’s men managed a 1–0 win over Uruguay without Messi and famously thrashed Brazil 4–1 in March 2025 during the World Cup Qualifiers, proving the depth of the world champions’ squad.

Harry Kane’s monstrous season

Kane’s absence is even more striking when looking at the incredible numbers he has put up so far this season. Across 40 matches in all competitions for Bayern Munich, the English striker has a staggering 48 goals, making him by far the top scorer for both his club and the Bundesliga.

The impact Kane has on any team is immense, and his absence is equally significant. “Bayern Munich in the absence of Harry Kane does not have the same threat. No team in the world has the same threat,” Tuchel concluded in his analysis of the forward’s importance.

A pair of World Cup-minded sides close out the FIFA Matchday with plenty on the line as England looks to rebound from a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Uruguay and build momentum heading into the global stage.

Standing in their way is Japan, fresh off a gritty win over Scotland that showcased both resilience and attacking discipline. England will push for a sharper finish in front of goal, while Japan aims to prove its recent success translates against elite European opposition.

When will the England vs Japan match be played?

England play against Japan in a 2026 friendly game this Tuesday, March 31, with the match kicking off at 2:45 PM (ET).

England vs Japan: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch England vs Japan in the USA

This International Friendly clash between England and Japan will be available for viewers in the USA on ViX.

The first half was a tactical stalemate with few clear-cut scoring opportunities. England dominated possession for nearly the entire 45 minutes, but they were unable to penetrate a remarkably disciplined and solid Uruguayan defense.

In the second half, Thomas Tuchel made several tactical adjustments to break the deadlock, and his changes eventually paid off. Following a pinpoint corner from Cole Palmer, defender Ben White found himself unmarked in the box and tapped the ball home to give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead.

However, just as England appeared set to celebrate a narrow victory, disaster struck for the goalscorer. Ben White went from hero to villain, committing a foul on Federico Viñas inside the box in the dying moments. Uruguay‘s captain, Federico Valverde, stepped up to the spot and clinically dispatched the penalty to rescue a draw for La Celeste.

England enter this match in peak form, boasting a seven-game winning streak after a perfect 8-0-0 record in World Cup qualifying. However, manager Thomas Tuchel has opted for an experimental approach for tonight’s game, as he will give fringe players a chance to impress the coaching staff against South American opposition.

Uruguay, led by Marcelo Bielsa, arrive at Wembley having secured the 4th spot in CONMEBOL qualifying. They are looking to bounce back from a heavy 5-1 friendly loss to the USMNT in November.

England’s confirmed lineup

Tuchel has split his 35-man camp into two groups, resting 11 established stars—including Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice—specifically for the upcoming match against Japan on March 31. Furthermore, Eberechi Eze (calf) and Jarell Quansah (thigh) were forced to withdraw, replaced by Harvey Barnes and Ben White.

Confirmed lineup to face Uruguay: James Trafford; Valentino Livramento, Harry Maguire, Fikayo Tomori, Djed Spence; Jordan Henderson, James Garner; Phil Foden, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford; Dominic Solanke.

Uruguay’s confirmed lineup

On the Uruguayan side, Bielsa will be without Rodrigo Bentancur due to injury, as well as Nahitan Nandez, who tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, Lucas Torreira will not be present, as he was not called up for this international window.

Confirmed lineup to face England: Fernando Muslera; Guillermo Varela, Ronald Araujo, Mathías Olivera, Joaquin Piquerez; Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte, Giorgian De Arrascaeta; Agustin Canobbio, Rodrigo Aguirre, Maximiliano Araujo.

[Watch England vs Uruguay online in the US on Fubo]

One of the marquee international friendly of this FIFA Matchday window features historical soccer teams such as Uruguay and England, two rivals who are already qualified for the next 2026 World Cup.

Uruguay, led by Federico Valverde, come in with questions after a 5-1 loss to the United States and are looking to reset, while England—powered by Harry Kane—aim to keep building momentum and strengthen their case as a serious contender in a highly anticipated showdown.

When will the England vs Uruguay match be played?

England face Uruguay in a 2026 friendly game this Friday, March 27, with the match kicking off at 3:45 PM (ET).

England vs Uruguay: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:45 PM
CT: 2:45 PM
MT: 1:45 PM
PT: 12:45 PM

How to watch England vs Uruguay in the USA

This Friendly clash between England and Uruguay will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, FS1, ViX.

[Watch Albania vs England online in the US on Fubo]

With Group K already wrapped up after the previous round—England locking down the top spot and Albania clinching second to secure a playoff berth—the final matchup carries more of a tune-up vibe than a high-stakes showdown.

Still, with England eyeing a strong run toward the World Cup and Albania gearing up for its playoff push, both sides can use this stage as valuable preparation for the bigger challenges waiting ahead.

When will the Albania vs England match be played?

Albania play against England this Sunday, November 16, for Matchday 10 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 12:00 PM (ET).

Albania vs England: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:00 PM
CT: 11:00 AM
MT: 10:00 AM
PT: 9:00 AM

How to watch Albania vs England in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Albania and England will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: ViX.

Though Bellingham has been battling injuries for a while in the season, he was fully healthy to play for his national team against Serbia at Wembley Stadium. However, the coaching staff opted to go a different route.

As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, England national team coach Thomas Tuchel has decided to keep Morgan Rogers in the lineup, with the Aston Villa midfielder set to play in the No. 10 role.

England’s team to host Serbia

England takes on Serbia at home in London for the second-to-last game of the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Aside from Rogers’ inclusion in the starting lineup, the rest of the team holds few surprises, with most of The Three Lions’ household names set to be on the pitch from kick-off.

England comes out with a 4-2-3-1 design. Jordan Pickford will be in net. Reese James will be at right-back, with John Stones and Ezri Konsa as centrebacks, and Nico O’Reilly in the left side of the defense. At midfield, Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice will split the duties. Ahead of them, a three-headed monster with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rogers, and Marcus Rashford takes over. The cherry on top is none other than striker Harry Kane. Phil Foden will join Jude Bellingham on the bench.

Serbia’s lineup

As for the Serbian side, they will be tasked with a monstrous order to try and take down the English side in front of their fans. Serbia must win, and hope for Albania not to do likewise, in order to get ahold of the final ticket to the playoff round for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. The following will be playing for Serbia.

Serbia will come out on a 4-5-1 look. Predrag Rajkovic will start in goal for Serbia. Four defenders will be tasked with keeping England’s attacking threats in check: Aleksa Terzic, Strahinja Pavlovic, Nikola Milenkovic, and Ognjen Mimovic. In midfield, Filip Kostic, Sasa Lukic, Nemanja Gudelj, Ivan Ilic, and Andrija Zivkovic will look to control possession, while Dusan Vlahovic will lead the line as the lone striker. In Juventus’ star lies Serbia’s joker card, and their hopes of making the World Cup.

[Watch England vs Serbia online in the US on Fubo]

England enter the final two Matchdays of World Cup qualifying in complete control, having already secured top spot in their group and a direct ticket to the tournament thanks to a dominant campaign.

Their opponents, Serbia, find themselves in a far more precarious position after a costly defeat to Albania that left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. To keep their World Cup dream alive, Serbia need nothing less than a win against one of Europe’s most in-form teams.

When will the England vs Serbia match be played?

England play against Serbia this Thursday, November 13, for Matchday 9 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 2:45 PM (ET).

England vs Serbia: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch England vs Serbia in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between England and Serbia will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: FOX Soccer Plus, ViX.

[Watch England U17 vs Venezuela U17 online in the US on Fubo]

The U17 tournament kicks off with the highly anticipated debut of England’s U17 squad, a team loaded with talent developed over years of producing players who now shine in Europe’s top leagues.

While expectations are high, the young Lions will need to show their quality on the field from the start, as they face a challenging opener against Venezuela’s U17 team—a squad representing a nation whose soccer has steadily risen over the past two decades and is counting on this generation to push them to new heights.

When will the England U17 vs Venezuela U17 match be played?

England U17 take on Venezuela U17 on Tuesday, November 4, for the Matchday 1 of the 2025 U17 World Cup group stage. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 10:15 AM (ET).

England U17 vs Venezuela U17: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:15 AM
CT: 9:15 AM
MT: 8:15 AM
PT: 7:15 AM

How to watch England U17 vs Venezuela U17 in the USA

Don’t miss this exciting 2025 U17 World Cup match between England U17 and Venezuela U17 in the USA. Watch the match on Fubo. Other options: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, FOX One, Telemundo and Fox Sports 2.

[Watch Latvia vs England online in the US on Fubo]

England’s path to the next World Cup looks firmly under control, with just one more victory needed to clinch first place in their qualifying group. With three matches left on the schedule, Harry Kane and his squad are focused on sealing the deal on Matchday 8 against Latvia.

The Baltics has struggled to make an impact throughout the campaign. While Latvia still holds a slim hope of contending for second place, their primary objective will be to deliver a strong showing against one of Europe’s top contenders.

When will the Latvia vs England match be played?

Latvia will take on England this Tuesday, October 14, for Matchday 8 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 2:45 PM (ET).

Latvia vs England: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Latvia vs England in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Latvia and England will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: FS2, DirecTV Stream, ViX.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Kane will not be available to face Wales after the striker suffered an ankle injury while playing for Bayern Munich in their 3–0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. However, the former Tottenham star will be on the bench in today’s game.

“Harry will miss the game. He got a kick in his last game and it is too risky he gets another kick. We gave him the chance that everything calms down and we are hopeful he will be ready for Latvia,” Tuchel told reporters during a press conference.

With Kane sidelined, Tuchel also revealed who could take over the captain’s armband in his absence. “The captain will be one of Jordan Henderson, John Stones or Declan Rice,” he added.

What’s next for England?

Europe remains the only confederation without a team officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup, as UEFA’s qualifying process is still underway and will be decided in the coming months. England have not yet secured their spot, but they’re just one win away from doing so.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel’s decision to rest Harry Kane against Wales is intended to keep the striker healthy for England’s upcoming qualifier against Latvia, which will be played away on Tuesday, October 14.

The Three Lions have been perfect so far in Group K, winning all five of their matches. A victory over Latvia would mathematically seal their place at the 2026 World Cup. England will then wrap up their qualifying campaign in November, with two final fixtures — against Serbia at home on November 13 and away to Albania on November 16.