The eyes of an expectant nation will focus in on Wembley Stadium on Friday evening, keen to see how their beloved Three Lions perform in their final test ahead of EURO2024. These two sides have met twice since England’s infamous EURO2016 exit – with Gareth Southgate’s men prevailing on both occasions.
There will undoubtedly be a strange atmosphere as fans at a sold-out Wembley Stadium bid farewell to their footballing heroes. Friday’s result will set the tone for the nine-day buildup to England’s opening game against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen – but it is a friendly after all, and one that may not necessarily feature Southgate’s first-choice starting eleven.
Embed from Getty ImagesMonday’s clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park saw the Three Lions record a comfortable 3-0 win, despite a drab first half that left many questioning England’s status as favourites to lift the EURO2024 trophy. The latter stages of the match offered reassurance though, with Adam Wharton a particular highlight on his senior debut.
Since then, Southgate has named his finalised 26-man squad. Gone are the likes of Jack Grealish and James Maddison, replaced by a more youthful – and more importantly, in-form – contingent of Wharton, Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer.
There’s plenty to be optimistic about… but Iceland are no pushovers, as England discovered eight years ago. It’s almost imperative that Southgate records one last win on home soil ahead of jetting off to the continent, else the Three Lions’ EURO2024 hopes may just unravel before they’ve even stepped foot on German soil.
The key players
England’s key player for this friendly against Iceland has to be Jude Bellingham. Returning to Wembley Stadium just days after laying his hands on his maiden UEFA Champions League trophy, the Real Madrid star will inevitably play a part as the Three Lions look to dismantle Iceland.
The 20-year-old likely won’t play ninety minutes, but should be able to enjoy an hour-long cameo or so under the arch.
Embed from Getty ImagesWith a number of Iceland’s key forwards not included in the squad for Friday’s clash at Wembley Stadium, any attacking chances will likely involve Johann Berg Gudmundsson. Having departed Burnley at the end of the 2023/24 season, the versatile 33-year-old will shoulder the responsibility in the absence of Alfred Finnbogason and Genoa’s Albert Gudmunsson.
What did Gareth Southgate say?
Despite not being included in England’s 26-man squad for EURO2024, Jarell Quansah will remain with the squad as a standby player and could feature on Friday.
Southgate confirmed that Luke Shaw is still undergoing rehabilitation for the hamstring injury that has kept him out of action since February, so the Manchester United left-back will not be involved against Iceland or England’s opening match of EURO2024.
Brighton’s Lewis Dunk is also set to miss out on Friday’s clash, but Southgate confirmed that “everybody else is available. Harry [Kane] could play 90 minutes, though not sure he will.”
When does the match kick off?
England v Iceland kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 BST [20:45 CEST] on Friday, 7 June 2024.
How can I watch the England v Iceland international friendly?
In the United Kingdom, Channel 4 will be broadcasting the match live. Coverage starts at 19:00 BST, and the match can also be streamed via their website.
FromTheSpot will also provide extensive coverage of England v Iceland, and EURO2024, on FromTheSpot.co.uk and our X account.