Burkina Faso
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia
United Arab Emirates

Englandvs.Brazil

sportsmole.co.uk, 21 March 2024, 18:27
England and Brazil lock horns at Wembley in an international friendly on Saturday night in the first meeting between the sides for seven years.

Both will have eyes on their respective major tournaments coming up in the summer, seeing this as preparation and a solid test of their credentials.

The Three Lions boast many of the world's greatest players at present, and while this Brazil side can not lay claim to be as good as some from days gone by, there is still plenty of world class talent in their camp too.

Here, Sports Mole compiles a combined XI of players in the squads for either England or Brazil this week.

GK: Jordan Pickford

With neither Alisson or Ederson in the Brazil squad, there is no doubt about the goalkeeper spot in this team, as England's first-choice number one Jordan Pickford is an instant pick.

The Everton goalkeeper has been ultra-reliable for the Three Lions, having not made a single error leading to a goal in his previous 52 appearances, keeping 28 clean sheets, as well as saving penalties in two separate major tournament penalty shoot-outs, while also setting an all-time European Championship finals record for the longest time without conceding.

CB: Kyle Walker

On the right-hand side of a back three is Manchester City's Kyle Walker, who has shown he is capable of playing in more than one position to the benefit of both club and country.

The longevity of Walker's career at such a high level with his club side Manchester City, where he was a treble winner last season, and for his country, shows what a useful asset he is for both, offering versatility and frightening pace that wingers often fail to beat.

CB: John Stones

Comfortably the most accomplished defender in either squad is Walker's Man City team mate John Stones, who himself has proven his own versatility by transforming into a hybrid midfielder under Pep Guardiola.

When fit, Stones is one of the first names on Gareth Southgate's team sheet, and was hugely important in England's runs during the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020, and he is set to partner Harry Maguire again this summer, with another treble potentially on the cards at club level.

CB: Bremer

With Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes and Eder Militao all out injured, this window will offer Juventus defender Bremer an opportunity to showcase his talent to manager Dorival Junior.

After winning Serie A's Defender of the Season award as a Torino player during the 2021-22 season, Bremer made the move to local rivals Juve, and has seamlessly made himself an important member of the squad which is improving after a difficult few years, and conceding just 15 goals in their first 24 league games of the season was largely down to the form of the 27-year-old.

MF: Phil Foden

England's right-wing spot is almost certainly nailed down by Bukayo Saka, but a late injury withdrawal means he will not be present in the squad this week, meaning Phil Foden comes into this combined XI.

While it is most probable the Man City midfielder will start on the left or central role, for the sake of this team, it is hard to leave the 23-year-old out, especially given his recent form that has seen Foden score 10 goals in 2024 already, playing an important role in the Citizens push for another treble.

MF: Declan Rice

Another of the certain starters in the England squad is fellow Arsenal man Declan Rice, who has continued to come on leaps and bounds since a £105m move to the Emirates in the summer.

Rice's introduction to the England setup has helped them progress after an unlikely run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018, as his status as one of Europe's finest midfielders is part of the reason why the Three Lions are so highly fancied for Euro 2024.

MF: Bruno Guimaraes

Regarded by many as Newcastle United's finest signing since the Saudi takeover, Bruno Guimaraes's Premier League form has earned him a regular spot in the Brazil side since the last World Cup.

Guimaraes' combative approach to tackling, paired with his excellent technical ability, makes him the archetypal South American midfielder, and he is viewed as one of the future stars of this team, with Casemiro entering the latter stages of his career.

MF: Vinicius Junior

Coming into the international break with six goals in his previous four games for Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior is La Liga's most in-form attacker and also arguably the best player in this Brazil squad at present.

With Neymar out injured and off playing in Saudi Arabia, Brazil will be looking for a new superstar to take over the mantle, and with Vini Jr approaching 20 goals for the season with Los Blancos, he has all the hallmarks to replace the nation's record goalscorer.

MF: Jude Bellingham

Being the breakout star of the season and arguably the most talked-about player in world football along with Kylian Mbappe, there appears to be no ceiling on what Jude Bellingham could achieve for club and country.

Having already passed 20 goals in his debut season at the Bernabeu, the pressure of taking Zinedine Zidane's number five has not affected Bellingham in the slightest, and England can expect to see an even better player than the one which showed many fine glimpses at the World Cup in Qatar.

FW: Rodrygo

Yet another Real Madrid star which is set to take to the field at Wembley on Saturday is Rodrygo, who has proved critical to Carlo Ancelotti since Karim Benzema left for the Saudi riches.

Starting out as a winger, Rodrygo has transformed into a superb false nine, able to link the play, create chances, and most importantly score goals, as Gabriel Jesus's lack of game time at Arsenal could see Dorival Junior experiment with him as the main attacker.

FW: Harry Kane

As England's all-time record goalscorer, Harry Kane's records speak for themselves, as he remains one of the greatest strikers in world football.

With 62 goals in 89 England caps, it may be a while before that record is touched, and Kane is breaking more since his move to Bayern Munich, having already scored the most goals in a debut Bundesliga season, and he will be looking to close down Robert Lewandowski's all-time record for a single season of 41, which he is currently 10 short of.

Combined England-Brazil XI
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Leicester City
The Premier League has charged Leicester City with breaches of its Profit and Sustainability regulations.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Kansasvs.LA Galaxy
Sporting Kansas City will look to build on picking up their first win of the season when they welcome Los Angeles Galaxy to Children's Mercy Park on Sunday.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka pulls out of England squad ahead of Manchester City clash
England have announced that Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka has pulled out of the Three Lions' squad due to injury, handing the Gunners a serious concern over his fitness for their top-of-the-table Premier League clash with Manchester City.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur to battle Saudi Arabian clubs for Raphinha?
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to battle clubs from Saudi Arabia for the signature of Barcelona forward Raphinha during this summer's transfer window.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Charlotte FCvs.Columbus Crew
Charlotte FC will look to bounce back from last weekend's defeat when they welcome unbeaten Columbus Crew to Bank of America Stadium in the MLS on Sunday.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Orlando Cityvs.Austin
Two teams still in search of their first wins of the 2024 Major League Soccer season will face off when Orlando City, who are in the Eastern Conference, host Austin FC, who are in the Western Conference.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool, Chelsea 'to battle for PSV Eindhoven's Johan Bakayoko'
Liverpool and Chelsea could reportedly go head-to-head for the signature of PSV Eindhoven attacker Johan Bakayoko during the upcoming transfer window.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Dominican Rep.vs.Aruba
The Dominican Republic will face Aruba on Saturday at the Cibao Stadium in an international friendly match.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United 'all keen on Dani Olmo'
RB Leipzig are allegedly facing a battle to keep hold of Dani Olmo this summer, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United all interested in signing him.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
New Englandvs.Chicago Fire
Round five of the 2024 Major League Soccer season sees New England Revolution and Chicago Fire face off at the Gillette Stadium on Saturday.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bayern Munich chief confirms three clubs are "working on" Xabi Alonso deal
Bayern Munich's honorary president Uli Hoeness has claimed that the Bundesliga champions are "working on" a deal for Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso alongside Liverpool and Real Madrid.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Eastleighvs.Hartlepool
Eastleigh are looking down and not up heading into gameweek 41's National League clash with Hartlepool United at the Silverlake Stadium on Saturday.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Brentfordvs.Man Utd
Manchester United are reportedly hopeful that Lisandro Martinez will make his return from a knee injury in the team's next match against Brentford on March 30.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Dag & Redvs.Oldham
Dagenham & Redbridge are not out of relegation danger when they welcome Oldham Athletic to the Chigwell Construction Stadium in National League action on Saturday.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Conor Gallagher 'is not demanding crazy money at Chelsea'
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is reportedly 'not asking for crazy money' to sign a new contract.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Canadavs.Trin. & Tob.Trinidad and Tobago
A place in the 2024 Copa America will be at stake Saturday when Canada square off with Trinidad and Tobago in a playoff at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Denmarkvs.Switzerland
Beginning the long build-up to this summer's European Championship, Denmark and Switzerland meet at Parken on Saturday evening.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bromleyvs.York City
Two teams fighting at opposite ends of the National League table will meet in an important contest on Saturday, as Bromley welcome York City to Hayes Lane.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Rep. Irelandvs.Belgium
Euro 2024-bound Belgium begin the build-up to this summer's finals on Saturday, when they tackle the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Morecambevs.Gillingham
Two teams competing for a place in the League Two playoff positions will meet on Saturday as Morecambe hosts Gillingham.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Notts Countyvs.Salford City
Salford City will attempt to secure consecutive victories this Saturday in League Two when they travel to face Notts County, who also head into this match on the back of a win.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Aldershotvs.Solihull
It is a crucial match at the top end of the National League this Saturday as Aldershot Town hosts Solihull Moors in a match that could have major implications for both of their promotion campaigns.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Carlislevs.Stevenage
Facing off in one of a trio of third-tier matches this weekend, relegation-threatened Carlisle United will welcome playoff-chasing Stevenage to Brunton Park on Saturday afternoon in League One.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool
Liverpool players have allegedly already earmarked their preferred candidate to take over from Jurgen Klopp as the club's new head coach.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Ivory Coastvs.Benin
Ivory Coast return to action for the first time since claiming a third African title when they face Benin at Stade de la Licorne on Saturday.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United-linked Teun Koopmeiners asks to leave Atalanta BC
Manchester United and Liverpool have received a significant boost in their efforts to sign Atalanta BC midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, who has asked to leave the Italian side.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Fyldevs.Oxford City
Looking to move themselves clear of trouble at the foot of the fifth-tier standings, Fylde will pit their wits against bottom side Oxford City at Mill Farm Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the National League.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal, Manchester United 'interested in Real Madrid's Rodrygo'
Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly both interested in signing Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo during this summer's transfer window.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'lining up £40m move for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes'
Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes has reportedly been identified by Manchester United as a summer transfer target, with the Red Devils looking to replace Casemiro.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelona chief addresses links to Arsenal's Mikel Arteta as Xavi replacement
Barcelona sporting director Deco has seemingly ruled out Mikel Arteta becoming the Catalan outfit's new head coach at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Harrogatevs.Bradford
Harrogate Town and Bradford City square off on Friday afternoon with both sides aware that only a win will do if they want to retain any hope of making the League Two playoffs.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Francevs.Germany
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has lost Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to injury ahead of Saturday's international friendly with France at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Mansfieldvs.Colchester
Mansfield Town play host to Colchester United on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that will strengthen their position at the top of the League Two standings.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Francevs.Germany
France and Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann will play no part in his country's first fixture of the year, which comes against Germany in a friendly battle on Saturday evening.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Francevs.Germany
Hosting the only team to get one over them throughout 2023, France welcome Germany to the Groupama Stadium on Saturday for an international friendly of titanic proportions.
21 March 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Basque CountryBasque Countryvs.Uruguay
Basque Country will play their first match since November 2020 on Saturday evening, with Jagoba Arrasate's side taking on South American giants Uruguay at Athletic Bilbao's San Mames Stadium.
Show more

Top News

20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Federico Valverde scored a last-gasp winner as Real Madrid recorded a vital 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in Sunday night's La Liga contest at Bernabeu. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Leicester City have been relegated with not so much a whimper, but a feeble, miserable sigh. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Jamie Carragher believes Conor Bradley should be the starting right-back for Liverpool over Trent Alexander-Arnold until the summer. 20 April 2025 talksport.com If he is off to Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool with a priceless parting gift: victory and a magical memory. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Alejandro Garnacho's time at Manchester United could reportedly come to an end, with Atletico Madrid said to be the in the best position of three European clubs to secure his services. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Bidding for their first Premier League double over Tottenham Hotspur in the 21st century, Nottingham Forest head to North London for an Easter Monday date with the Lilywhites. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are reported to hold interest in signing teenage wonderkid Jeremy Monga from Leicester City, with the club keen to secure their future in a post-Mohamed Salah world. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Paris Saint-Germain will continue in their pursuit of an unbeaten Ligue 1 season when they travel to the Stade de la Beaujoire to face Nantes on Tuesday night. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reported to be willing to spend in the region of £115m for the signature of RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool's 1-0 victory against Leicester City on Sunday afternoon means they need just one more win to be crowned Premier League champions. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Leicester have finally been put out of their misery with their relegation from the Premier League being confirmed after defeat to Liverpool. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Two La Liga teams in impressive form will lock horns at Mestalla for an intriguing match on Tuesday evening, with Valencia welcoming Espanyol. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has provided a positive update on the fitness of Bukayo Saka following Sunday's Premier League clash with Ipswich Town at Portman Road. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has insisted that the manner of their 2-1 victory over Fulham on Sunday afternoon "does not change the season". 20 April 2025 talksport.com Former Liverpool forward Fernando Morientes revealed he was 'scared to death' after a spending five days in hospital. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Athletic Bilbao defender Dani Vivian this summer. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City will be aiming to make it four wins from five in the Premier League when they welcome Aston Villa to the Etihad on Tuesday night. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Enzo Maresca's Chelsea climbed into the Premier League's Champions League spots when they beat derby rivals Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon. 20 April 2025 talksport.com The Premier League is back after a big week of European action, and talkSPORT are here to keep you up to date. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Kevin De Bruyne has opened up on his disbelief at Manchester City failing to offer him a new deal. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Pep Guardiola has the option to make multiple changes to his Manchester City side when they welcome Aston Villa to the Etihad in the Premier League on Tuesday. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Marcus Rashford could return to the starting lineup when Aston Villa make the trip to his hometown to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Tuesday. 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City and Aston Villa go head-to-head at the Etihad in the Premier League on Tuesday night in a crucial encounter in the race for Champions League qualification. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Leif Davis has been slammed for a horror challenge on Bukayo Saka that sent Ipswich Town down to ten men. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has called for the club to sign a new left-back ahead of a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Sir Jim Ratcliffe was once again public enemy number one in the eyes of Manchester United fans ahead of their clash with Wolves. 20 April 2025 talksport.com The Premier League is back after a big week of European action, and talkSPORT are here to keep you up to date. 20 April 2025 talksport.com The Premier League is back after a big week of European action, and talkSPORT are here to keep you up to date. 20 April 2025 talksport.com Niclas Fullkrug ripped into his West Ham teammates following their draw with Southampton, declaring: "We were s***". 20 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has handed a first-team debut to Tyler Fredricson, as the Red Devils welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.