England host Uruguay at Wembley Stadium today for a high-profile international friendly. With the 2026 World Cup just months away, both managers are using this FIFA window to finalize their rosters and test tactical depth.
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 probable 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.
Harry Kane celebrates after scoring a goal for England. (Getty Images)
Predicted lineup to face Uruguay: Jordan Pickford; Valentino Livramento, Fikayo Tomori, Harry Maguire, Lewis Hall; Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton; Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford; Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Uruguay’s probable 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.
Predicted lineup to face England: Sergio Rochet or Fernando Muslera; Guillermo Varela, Ronald Araujo, Mathias Olivera, Joaquin Piquerez; Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte, Giorgian de Arrascaeta; Agustín Canobbio, Darwin Nuñez, Maximiliano Araujo.
