Is England v Belgium on TV? Kick-off time, channel, team news and predictions
England’s second friendly fixtures ahead of the Euros 2024
England will face Belgium at Wembley tonight in the second friendly match during this international window.
It comes after England’s narrow loss to Brazil at the weekend. It marked England’s first loss since the World Cup loss to France. Tonight’s game is one of their final three fixtures before the start of the summer tournament, where they’ll face Iceland and Bosnia and Herzegovina before their opener against Serbia on 16 June.
This game presents Gareth Southgate with another chance to evaluate some of the members of his potential summer squad, with a few notable absences and players such as Kobbie Mainoo, Conor Gallagher and Jarrod Bowen playing for a spot in the side.
For Belgium, it allows manager Domenico Tedesco to build a new-look team before they open their Euro 2024 campaign against Slovakia on 17 June.
When is England v Belgium?
England v Belgium is due to kick off at 7.45 pm tonight, Tuesday 26 March at Wembley Stadium.
How can I watch England v Belgium?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Channel 4, with coverage from the broadcaster from 7pm GMT. A livestream will be available via the Channel 4 app or website.
Team news
England continues to grapple with an ongoing injury predicament. Absences of key players like Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka persist, compounded by the recent withdrawals of Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker from the squad post the Brazil match. While Cole Palmer has recuperated from a previous injury that sidelined him during the Brazil fixture, Jordan Henderson’s unavailability adds to the woes.
In light of these circumstances, Kobbie Mainoo is poised to mark his first starting England appearance, having earned his debut cap during the Brazil encounter by impressing in a late substitution. The 18-year-old Manchester United midfielder’s promising performance offers him the opportunity to extend his breakthrough season.
Gareth Southgate has affirmed Ivan Toney’s inclusion in the lineup, with Declan Rice assuming the captain’s armband for his 50th cap. Additionally, Jude Bellingham’s fitness has been confirmed following his cramp-induced substitution in the Brazil match.
On the Belgium side, the notable absences of Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois loom large, with De Bruyne withdrawn and Courtois still sidelined due to a knee injury. Jeremy Doku, Romelu Lukaku, and Amadou Onana are vying for starting roles after initially being rested against the Republic of Ireland.
Predicted line-ups
England XI: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Branthwaite, Gomez; Mainoo, Rice, Maddison; Bowen, Toney, Rashford
Belgium XI: Sels; Castagne, De Winter, Faes, Deman; Vranckx, Onana, Tielemans; Bakayoko, Lukaku, Trossard
Prediction
Both sides are hit with injuries but we suspect England will be able to secure a victory – possibly only a narrow one. 1-0 England win
