November 7 – England will play two friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in March 2024 at Wembley as part of their preparation for their Euro 2024 campaign.
England are currently fourth in the FIFA world ranking, flanked by upcoming opponents Brazil (3rd) and Belgium (5th).
England manager Gareth Southgate (pictured) said: “I’m happy to have two strong matches in March as we build towards the EURO finals. It is important we take every opportunity to test ourselves against top opposition.
“Before then, we have our last qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia coming up. Getting two positive results is essential if we are to make sure of being top seeds in the EURO draw next month. We can’t afford to think the job is done as there is still work to do, while every second for us together in camp counts if we are to give ourselves the best chance of success next summer.”
The Brazilians’ previous visit to Wembley was in November 2017, resulting in a goalless draw in their 26th encounter with England. The upcoming match marks the Three Lions’ first bout against South American opponents in nearly six years.
Brazil is in the early stages of its qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that has so far failed to ignite. They have their sights set on next summer’s Copa América to be played in the United States. They will see the match against England in a similar light to their opposition; as an important warm up for continental battle.
Like England, Belgium has also already secured qualification for Euro 2024. The two sides have faced off 25 times before, with their most recent Wembley meeting in October 2020 concluding in a 2-1 victory for England during a Covid-induced, behind-closed-doors UEFA Nations League match.
England are unbeaten since their World Cup exit at the hands of a rampant France, winning seven of the eight games since that night in Qatar. The team secured Euro 2024 qualification with two games left to play after beating Italy at Wembley last month.
England are looking to finish 2023 and the Euro 2024 qualification process strong when they play host to Malta at Wembley on Friday November 17, before travelling to North Macedonia on Monday November 20.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1716195852labto1716195852ofdlr1716195852owedi1716195852sni@g1716195852niwe.1716195852yrrah1716195852