Key events
Injury news regarding England, in case you missed it last night, is that Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the squad due to an ankle injury â while Harry Kane is doubtful to feature against Brazil tomorrow.
The good news for Arsenal fans is that Sakaâs withdrawal is precautionary ⦠meanwhile on of Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins is due to step in for Kane against Brazil.
News on the grapevine is that John Stones will be having a chat with media today from within the England camp, along with the gaffer Gareth Southgate.
Feel free to send me an email about the England shirt controversy, or anything else.
Whatâs your view on the debate on the new England shirt?
PM-in-waiting Keir Starmer and *checks notes* Nigel Farage appear to be on the same page, and believe Nikeâs multicoloured St Georgeâs Cross should be changed back to the traditional red and white:
Arsenal have welcomed the three-year banning orders handed out to three of their fans who pleaded guilty to tragedy-related abuse during an FA Cup match against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on 7 January.
âWe strongly condemn this abhorrent behaviour,â Arsenal said in a statement. âWe have worked closely with the police to ensure swift action was taken and we welcome the football banning orders handed out. We have a zero-tolerance approach to tragedy chanting and will always ensure strong action is taken against those found guilty of such behaviour.â
âWeâll go toe to toe and have a go.â
The Wales manager, Rob Page, is hyping up Tuesdayâs Euro 2024 playoff meeting with Poland in a manner that would delight Don King.
Preamble
With a truly fascinating Premier League title race continuing to gather momentum, it seems only natural for Englandâs players to take a break from the domestic programme for a couple of friendlies.
Brazil and Belgium at Wembley will both be box-office, though, so there is plenty to get excited about before those fixtures (taking place tomorrow and Tuesday respectively). Scotland, safely qualified for the Euros like England, will be occupied with friendlies against the Netherlands tonight, and Northern Ireland next week.
Wales have a Euro 2024 playoff final against Poland next Tuesday to prepare for after easing past Finland 4-1 last night, while Ireland have games against the aforementioned Belgians (tomorrow) and Switzerland on Tuesday. Northern Ireland, to complete the set, are away against Romania this evening before the match at Hampden Park next week.
If you missed it, read on Ben Fisherâs report from Walesâs emphatic win over Finland last night:
