England begin their preparations for Euro 2024 this evening, with Bosnia and Herzegovina their opponents in a first warm-up friendly encounter, with another to come against Iceland on Friday.
After that it’s onto the tournament itself with Gareth Southgate’s side facing Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in the group stage – though before that, the manager must cut his squad from 33 down to 26, making Monday night’s match a crucial one for a handful of hopefuls who still have something to prove before the final group is confirmed for Germany.
Matters are further complicated by a handful of players not being available this time around, with Luke Shaw still injured, John Stones joining the squad late and Jude Bellingham winning the Champions League final on Saturday night. That means opportunity knocks for others, though, and they must quickly impress Southgate to make the plane.
Follow all the latest buildup and match action between England and Bosnia below:
Marc Guehi speaks to BBC
Guehi, who is one of those battling to earn his place on the plane to Germany, spoke to Channel 4 in the lead-up to kick-off. He says that he’s “really glad to be here”.
“It’s always tough when you’re injured. I was trying to focus on coming back as quick as possible.
“It’s always a good opportunity to pull on the shirt. Everyone’s really excited. To actually potentially be involved would be amazing for all of us. We’ve got to focus on today first.”
Chris Wilson3 June 2024 19:31
Plenty of support for the Three Lions in Newcastle. This is the first time England have played away from Wembley since June of last year, when they beat North Macedonia 7-0 at Old Trafford.
Chris Wilson3 June 2024 19:25
England’s key dates
A reminder of the key dates for England ahead of a busy summer.
After today, they will play one more warm-up game before the official squad announcement and the beginning of Euro 2024.
7 June – final warm-up match against Iceland at Wembley, 7.45pm BST
8 June – announcement of final 26-man squad
16 June – opening game of Euro 2024, against Serbia at 8pm BST
20 June – second group game of Euro 2024, against Denmark at 5pm BST
25 June – final game of Euro 2024 group stage, against Slovenia at 8pm BST
The round of 16, if England were to qualify, would begin from 29 June, with England playing on 30 June in Gelsenkirchen at 5pm BST if they manage to top the group.
Chris Wilson3 June 2024 19:20
An emotional night for Kieran Trippier, who captains the side at his home club stadium. His son is also a mascot tonight!
Chris Wilson3 June 2024 19:10
BREAKING: Kylian Mbappe finally completes Real Madrid transfer
The biggest football-related news of the day has landed, as Kylian Mbappe has finally signed for Real Madrid, bringing one of modern football’s longest transfer sagas to an end and adding even more talent to the champions of Europe.
Madrid announced Mbappe’s arrival on Monday, two days after the club sealed a record-extending 15th European Cup, having beaten Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley in Saturday night’s Champions League final.
They confirmed the news in a short statement that read: “Real Madrid CF and Kylian Mbappe have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons.”
The captain of France’s five-year contract reportedly includes a €150m signing-on fee to be paid in instalments over the deal.
Chris Wilson3 June 2024 19:00
Team news
No first caps for a new England player yet then, with the uncapped quintet all on the bench to start with.
All five will be hoping to see some action tonight – there are no limits to the number of substitutions permitted – though it may be difficult for Trafford to get on considering neither of Ramsdale or Henderson are in the starting XI.
Expect at least one debutant later tonight though, with Branthwaite, Quansah, Wharton and Jones all battling for a place on the plane.
Chris Wilson3 June 2024 18:55
Team News
Plenty of changes for England then, with Gareth Southgate making seven changes to the side that drew 2-2 to Belgium in the last international break.
Marc Guehi and Kieran Trippier come into defence in place of John Stones and Ben Chilwell, while Southgate opts for Alexander-Arnold and Gallagher in midfield in place of Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo.
Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham are replaced by Cole Palmer and Eberechi Eze in attack, with Watkins coming in for Ivan Toney up front.
Chris Wilson3 June 2024 18:50
Line-ups
ENG XI: Pickford; Konsa, Guehi, Dunk, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Gallagher, Eze; Palmer, Watkins, Bowen.
SUBS: Ramsdale, Gomez, Branthwaite, Quansah, Rice, Toney, Grealish, Maddison, Kane, Jones, Henderson, Wharton, Trafford.
BOS XI: Vasilj; Ahmedhodzic, Bicakcic, Katic; Gazibegovic, Saric, Tahirovic, Radeljic; Hajradinovic; Demirovic, Gigovic.
Chris Wilson3 June 2024 18:39
Is England vs Bosnia on TV tonight? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Euro 2024 warm-up fixture
Just over an hour until kick-off now, so here’s a reminder of how you can watch tonight’s warm-up game.
The match kicks off at St. James’ Park in Newcastle at 7.45pm BST.
The game will be broadcast on Channel 4, with coverage starting at 7pm. Subscribers can also stream the game via Channel 4’s website and app free of charge, with a a sign-up via email all that is needed.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game.
Chris Wilson3 June 2024 18:35
Plenty of these players will be looking to cement a place on the plane to Germany on 8 June.
Chris Wilson3 June 2024 18:25