The numbers
England will kick off their World Cup preparations with a highly anticipated friendly against Uruguay at Wembley Stadium on March 27, 2026, at 7:45 p.m. GMT. This match marks the first of two friendlies for England as they gear up for the global tournament, with the clash against the South American side promising to be a thrilling encounter.
In the lead-up to the match, England has enjoyed a remarkable run, winning their last six international matches. The team, now under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, is looking to build on this momentum. Tuchel praised Harry Maguire’s return to the squad after an 18-month absence, stating, “Harry simply deserves it. He has had very, very good performances and fantastic results and is a key figure in the Man United squad who is now in third place and on a very good run of form.” This sentiment reflects the high expectations surrounding the England squad.
England’s lineup will feature notable players such as Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice, with a total of 35 players called up for the squad. The inclusion of Ben White, who returns to the national team setup for the first time since 2022, adds depth to the defense, especially with Jarrell Quansah sidelined due to injury. Additionally, Harvey Barnes has been brought in to replace Eberechi Eze, who also withdrew with an injury.
On the other side, Uruguay, who triumphed over England in their last meeting at the 2014 World Cup with a score of 2-1, will be looking to assert their dominance once again. The South American side boasts experienced players, including goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who has earned 134 caps for his country, and Federico Valverde, a key figure in their midfield. Observers note that Valverde could be a standout performer, with one expert commenting, “Valverde would make a serious case of being the best player on the pitch.”
The match will be officiated by German referee Sven Jablonski, adding an international flair to the proceedings. Fans can catch the action live on ITV1 in the UK and SonyLiv in India, ensuring that the excitement of this friendly reaches a global audience.
As both teams prepare for this encounter, the stakes are high. England aims to solidify their squad and strategies ahead of the World Cup, while Uruguay seeks to regain their historical edge over the Three Lions. With key players returning and new talents emerging, this match is set to be a pivotal moment in both teams’ preparations.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final starting lineups, but anticipation is building as fans look forward to witnessing how these two footballing nations will clash on the pitch. The outcome could set the tone for their respective World Cup campaigns, making this friendly not just a warm-up, but a significant event in the football calendar.
