Key events
The teams are out! England in that aforementioned red, Uruguay in their sky blue. Time for the anthems. God Save the King we all know about; the Uruguayan one really gets the juices flowing, though. And while we’re on the subject of Jonathan Wilson, which we kind of were, he tells a wonderful anecdote about that anthem during today’s edition of Football Weekly Extra. Just before the 45-minute mark should get you there; enjoy, enjoy. We’ll be off in a couple of seconds.
Uruguay are not heading into this match in the finest of fettle. Jonathan Wilson reports on that 5-1 shellacking by the USA and some Luis Suárez-infused rancour.
Thomas Tuchel speaks to ITV, who ask: are we heading into the unknown? “Yeah, a little bit! … it’s good … we had a good training week and we are ready to go … [players need to] buy into it, buy into the ideas, put the effort in … intensity in your effort … support each other … these are the main headlines … I always want the perfect match … but I am long enough a coach to know things can become difficult because we face a strong opponent … some players are new, they have heard my voice for the first time, the ideas for the first time … stick together.”
This is a proper summit meeting between two of the World Cup’s most successful nations. Uruguay being twice as successful as their hosts. And that’s before factoring in population size. But let’s not pull at threads: everyone’s done well, so let’s celebrate those greatest triumphs. (Too early for World Cup fever? Nah, it’s never too early.)
England will be playing in their new away shirt tonight. It’s red, which “marks a historic shift in England’s visual identity”, it says here, and before anyone mentions the 1966 final, that’s because they’re pairing it this time with navy shorts. “This bold combination signals a future-facing England, willing to challenge convention while remaining rooted in tradition,” continues the marketing blurb, which just about gets away with wanting it both ways. And while we’re on the subject of new clobber, here’s Justin Kavanagh: “For those who fear another sleep-inducing friendly, the sight of the England team warming up in their pajamas is not encouraging.” Hmm, it does look a bit like Nike have gone into partnership with JoJo Maman Bébé, doesn’t it. Veering dangerously close to sleep-suit territory. Get ready for some countertoddling.
Harry Maguire, back at the centre of England’s defence, speaks to ITV. “It’s a great feeling to play at this beautiful stadium … it’s been a long time since I’ve done it, so a great feeling to be back … the form of [Manchester United] also the form of myself has improved [since Michael Carrick took over at Old Trafford] … it’s big credit to him, and big credit to myself to make sure I’m in this squad, and now I’m looking forward to playing … tonight’s a good occasion to go out there and produce a performance … bring the intensity … talent will come through.”
There are a few familiar names in Marcelo Bielsa’s starting XI. Federico Valverde, who led Manchester City a merry dance earlier this month in the Champions League with that first-half hat-trick, captains the side. Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte anchors the midfield, while the defence revolves around Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo. Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, who isn’t getting much game-time at Al-Hilal, is on the bench. Wolves defender Santiago Bueno misses out altogether.
The first England starting XI of this World Cup year has a resolutely experimental feel. Manchester City keeper James Trafford makes his debut for the Three Lions. Everton’s James Garner also debuts, with captain-for-the-evening Jordan Henderson alongside him to lend the sort of experience only 88 caps can bring. John Stones is injured, so Fikayo Tomori will earn his sixth cap at centre back, while Phil Foden gets the nod at No10 ahead of Cole Palmer. Dominic Solanke is favoured up front instead of his namesake Calvert-Lewin.
The teams
England: Trafford, Livramento, Tomori, Maguire, Spence, Garner, Henderson, Madueke, Foden, Rashford, Solanke.
Subs: Pickford, Hall, Wharton, Stones, Palmer, White, Mainoo, Calvert-Lewin, Barnes, Bowen, Ramsdale, Steele.
Uruguay: Muslera, Varela, Olivera, Ronald Araujo, Piquerez, Valverde, Ugarte, de Arrascaeta, Canobbio, Aguirre, Maximiliano Araujo.
Subs: Rochet, Gimenez, Caceres, Sanabria, de la Cruz, Martinez, Nunez, Pellistri, Vina, Rodriguez, Vinas, Torres, Luis Rodriguez, Fonseca, Mele.
Referee: Sven Jablonski (Germany).
Preamble
England’s World Cup prep starts here. They’re in good nick, having won 12 of their last 13 matches to the cumulative tune of 37-4. They’ve kept a clean sheet in 11 of their last 12 games, including all of the last six. Meanwhile Uruguay lost their last game 5-1 to the USA. Hopes are high.
But some expectation management. There are only two teams against whom England have a lower win ratio than the 27 percent (P11 W3) they’ve managed against Uruguay: Brazil and Romania. And the last time England faced The Celestethis happened …
Oh Mr Roy! So nobody will be taking anything for granted. Kick-off is at 7.45pm GMT. It’s on!
