England predicted lineup vs Brazil today - International friendly
- England take on Brazil for the first time since 2017
- Gareth Southgate has 26 players to choose from for Saturday's game
- Manager likely to name strongest team available
A looming summer tournament certainly adds a bit of juice to England's March friendlies, with players out to impress Gareth Southgate.
The upcoming fixtures aren't the very last stop-off before Euro 2024, but they could go a long way in shaping Southgate's thinking before the Three Lions head off to Germany in June.
A litany of injuries mean three newbies have been included in Southgate's squad this month, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the England boss name a familiar lineup when they take on Brazil this weekend.
Here's how the Three Lions could look when they take to the field.
England predicted lineup vs Brazil (4-2-3-1)
GK: Jordan Pickford - England's number one should start and play the full 90 on Saturday with the other goalkeepers included in the squad potentially sharing minutes against Belgium.
RB: Kyle Walker - Despite the abundance of more stylish talent at right-back, Southgate has remained loyal to Walker. The veteran should get the nod against Brazil given the lack of alternatives in the squad.
CB: John Stones - There will be no drifting into midfield for Stones on international duty. The Manchester City defender has been imperious when fit over the past two years.
CB: Harry Maguire - Maguire will hope he doesn't get into a running race with Vinicius Junior under the Wembley arch - he'll be more comfortable dealing with the less dynamic Richarlison.
LB: Ben Chilwell - Southgate doesn't mind using full-backs on the 'wrong' flank, and Joe Gomez is a contender to start down the left. However, Chilwell could start instead.
CM: Declan Rice - The Arsenal enforcer is a shoo-in for the Euro 2024 starting XI and has little to prove to Southgate.
CM: Conor Gallagher - Gallagher has plenty of admirers within the England set-up, and he could be given a chance to impress in a deeper position alongside Rice this month.
RM: Phil Foden - An injury to Bukayo Saka will force Southgate to get creative out wide. Few players deserve this spot more than Foden on current form.
AM: Jude Bellingham - Bellingham has previously operated in more of a box-to-box midfield role, but Southgate would be foolish not to hand his superstar more freedom given his efficacy in a roaming function for Real Madrid this term.
LM: Marcus Rashford - It's been a while since Rashford was a natural starter for England, but injuries may hand him another shot to prove himself to Southgate.
ST: Ollie Watkins - With Harry Kane ruled out against Brazil and likely to miss Belgium as well, expect Watkins and Ivan Toney to share the load in attack.
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