Gareth Southgate looks to relieve some pressure against the old enemy at Wembley
England will conclude their depressing UEFA Nations League campaign tonight against one of their oldest and fiercest rivals Germany at Wembley Stadium. After a devestating run of results, the Three Lions are already guaranteed to finish bottom of League A Group 3, and suffer the humilation of being relegated to League B, regardless of the outcome of tonight's match.
Nonetheless, this game represents England's last chance to get their ducks in a row before they open their Qatar World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21. It will also be a chance for the players to restore some pride in the group and perhaps relieve some pressure from the shoulders of their beleaguered manager Gareth Southgate.
Draws against Italy and Germany, sandwiched between two shocking defeats against Hungary, including a humbling 4-0 loss at Wembley in June, represent without doubt the worst period of form since Gareth Southgate took the job. Three successive games without scoring has been potentially even more problematic than the winless run of five games, as England have lacked any ingenuity or guile going forward, a very worrying trend as the sport's showcase tournament approaches.
Southgate does have some credit in the bank, having led England to a World Cup semi final and Euros final in his tenure, but another poor performance here will certainly cast an even darker cloud over this squad going into the 2022 World Cup.
Germany haven't had the most fantastic run of results themselves during this Nations League campaign. Hansi Flick's side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Hungary in their last game out, and slumped to three 1-1 draws, with a 5-2 win over Italy the only highlight during this period of games.
They have however avoided the total humiliation of being relegated from the group and utterly dominated by far superior opposition on home turf, and will likely go into the World Cup relatively confident, when compared to England.
The Three Lions are favourites to win the World Cup in the eyes of many, despite recent form, but that may change if there isn't a response tonight.
England vs Germany: Team News
Likely to the annoyance of many England fans, Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold and AC Milan centre back Fikayo Tomori, among others, have been left out of tonight's matchday squad. Meanwhile, Manchester City star Jack Grealish will miss out through suspension. On the plus side, Brentford striker Ivan Toney is expected to make his international debut.
The Germans will be without Bayern Munich powerhouses Leon Goretzka and Manuel Neuer after the two tested positive for Covid-19. Meanwhile Real Madrid centre back Antonio Rudiger is unavailable through suspension. Chelsea striker Kai Havertz can expect to deputise for his former teammate Timo Werner, after he failed to impressive in the defeat against Hungary.
How to watch England vs Germany
The match will be shown on live free-to-air television in the UK on Channel 4. Kickoff will take place at 19.45 local time, with pre-match analysis and build-up set to begin at 19.00.
Fans will also be able to access the game via live streaming on the Channel 4 website or their dedicated live streaming platform, the All 4 app, with coverage continuing simultaneously both on TV and online throughout.
Only those with a valid UK TV license will be allowed to watch the game on free-to-air TV or online.
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