The numbers
England will kick off their World Cup preparations with a friendly match against Uruguay at Wembley Stadium on March 27, 2026, at 7:45 p.m. GMT. This encounter is particularly significant as it marks the first of two friendlies for England ahead of the tournament, with the match being broadcast on ITV1 in the UK and SonyLiv in India.
England has been in formidable form, winning their last six international matches. The team boasts a squad of 35 players, including notable names like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice. Harry Maguire makes a return to the national setup after an 18-month absence, while Ben White is also back, replacing the injured Jarrell Quansah. Harvey Barnes has been called up to fill the void left by Eberechi Eze, who withdrew due to injury.
On the other side, Uruguay’s lineup features experienced goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who has earned 134 caps for his country, alongside rising star Federico Valverde. The last time these two teams met was during the 2014 World Cup, where Uruguay emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. This historical context adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming match.
England’s starting XI for the match includes Trafford, Livramento, Maguire, Tomori, Spence, Garner, Henderson, Foden, Rashford, Madueke, and Solanke. Meanwhile, Uruguay will field a team comprising Muslera, Varela, R. Araujo, Olivera, Piquerez, Ugarte, Valverde, De Arrascaeta, Canobbio, M. Araujo, and Aguirre.
Thomas Tuchel, England’s coach, expressed confidence in Maguire’s return, stating, “Harry simply deserves it. He has, especially since Michael Carrick took over, had very, very good performances and fantastic results.” Tuchel’s comments underscore the importance of Maguire’s presence in the squad, especially with several regular center-backs unavailable for the match against Uruguay.
As the match approaches, observers are keen to see how the teams will perform, particularly with England’s recent winning streak and Uruguay’s historical edge in their previous encounter. Valverde is expected to be a standout player, with some suggesting he could be the best player on the pitch.
Kick-off is set for 7:45 p.m. GMT, with anticipation building for what promises to be an exciting clash at Wembley Stadium. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineups or tactical approaches from either side.
