England vs Australia: Preview & Prediction
22 May 2016 - Friendly International - England v Turkey - Jamie Vardy of England scores a goal to make it 2-1 - Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
England play their second of three Euro 2016 warm-up matches when they host Australia at the Stadium of Light on Friday evening.
Roy Hodgson’s side beat Turkey 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium last Sunday, with the goals coming from Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy, and they will be looking for another positive result when they face the Socceroos on Wearside.
The Three Lions boss has confirmed that Fabian Delph is unlikely to make the final 23-man squad for France this summer as he is in Manchester suffering with a groin strain, with the list needing to be submitted by Tuesday.
This fixture is the final opportunity for players to impress Hodgson, and all eyes will be on Manchester United’s 18-year-old striker, Marcus Rashford, who could start, while Fraser Forster will be in goal in place of Joe Hart.
The last time the two teams met, in 2003, Australia ran out 3-1 winners at Upton Park, in a match where the current captain, Wayne Rooney, made his England debut at the age of 17, and Francis Jeffers scored on what was to be his only appearance for his country.
Team News:
With this being the final game before Hodgson names his squad, there is likely to be places in the starting XI for Danny Drinkwater and Andros Townsend – two of the players whose spots are said to be under threat – while Ryan Bertrand and Nathaniel Clyne could replace Danny Rose and Kyle Walker at full-back.
For the visitors, Crystal Palace captain Mile Jedinak and Celtic attacking midfielder Tom Rogic should both start, while Brisbane Roar striker Jamie Mcclaren could make his full international debut.
Previous Meeting: England 1-3 Australia (February 12, 2003)
Form: England – WLWWLW; Australia – LWWWDD
Key Men: England – Marcus Rashford ; Australia – Mile Jedinak
Shoot Says: England 2-1 Australia