Gareth Southgate and England in the 2018 World Cup
Gareth Southgate and England in the 2018 World Cup

England play two friendlies during the upcoming international break and these two matches could be a podium for many players to showcase their talents.

Gareth Southgate will soon start selecting his players for the 2022 World Cup so if the players can perform well during the upcoming break then they can get a massive boost in terms of heading to Qatar.

The manager has chosen to leave out several key players for the friendlies but we expect these absences to be temporary as they will surely make a comeback to the squad during the next break.

The Three Lions boss has some key decisions to make during the next few days, especially since several players have been suddenly ruled out with injuries.

England schedule for the international break:

England vs Switzerland:

Kick-off – Saturday 26th March, 17:30 GMT.
Venue – Wembley Stadium
TV and live stream: ITV 1/Hub (UK)

England vs Ivory Coast:

Kick-off – Tuesday 29th March, 19:45 GMT.
Venue – Wembley Stadium
TV and live stream: ITV 1/Hub (UK)

England’s initial squad:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Coady (Wolves), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Ben White (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

Forwards: Tammy Abraham (Roma), Jack Grealish (Man City), Phil Foden (Man City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Man City)

Which big-name players are missing?

Jadon Sancho – Not selected.

Marcus Rashford – Not selected.

Kyle Walker – Not selected.

Alexander-Arnold – Ruled with a hamstring injury.

Aaron Ramsdale – Ruled out with a hip injury.

England team news vs Switzerland & Ivory Coast:

The Liverpool right-back has picked up an unfortunate hamstring injury and as per the latest reports, he will be out for several weeks.

“Trent is out with a hamstring [injury] so he will not be part of as England as well,” Klopp told the press. “Not good news, we will see how long that takes.”

Jadon Sancho has picked up pace for Manchester United but as per the England boss, there are players who are currently better than him at the moment.

Southgate explained Kyle Walker’s absence to his preference towards youth for the two friendly matches.

England predicted XI vs Switzerland:

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Defenders: John Stones, Maguire, Luke Shaw, Reece James.

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Mason Mount.

Forwards: Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling.

England predicted XI vs Ivory Coast:

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Defenders: John Stones, Ben White/Mings, Luke Shaw, Reece James.

Midfielders: Ward-Prowse, Henderson, Gallagher.

Forwards: Phil Foden, Tammy Abraham, Bukayo Saka.

Since both the matches are friendlies, Gareth Southgate is expected to many heavy changes to both his line ups and we doubt if he will be eager to repeat players, unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Read: Southgate explains his unusual selection decision for the upcoming international break.

Read: Who is likely to replace this injured player for England in the upcoming international break?

Read: Are this side now the favourites to secure a Champions League spot or will the others catch up?

Read: Six big-name players who will miss England’s games vs Switzerland and Ivory Coast.

Stats via Fotmob