Here come the two teams!
These two countries may be rivals, but tonight they are united in their support of the work undertaken by the Alzheimer’s Society.
In raising awareness for the cause, both sets of players make their way on to the Wembley turf, each accompanied by a fan suffering from dementia.
And they all take their place together for the two national anthems which – unsurprisingly – are met with less good grace from the respective fans with both being roundly booed..
Thankfully, that’s the formalities done with, and now we can kick on with the enthralling prospect of an international friendly – although remember, there is a World Cup on the horizon and key places are up for grabs.
The action from the Home of Football comes next week.
Lloyd Canfield at Wembley Stadium
The pre-match light show here at Wembley looks spectacular!
Booed by Wales fans at the end, there were sparkles, fireworks, flashing lights, the lot!
The atmosphere certainly doesn’t feel like a friendly in here as the players walk out onto the hallowed turf.
A lovely touch that each mascot is an adult rather than a child, as this match is in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia charity.
More on that, here.
Wright slams Bellingham omission
Ian Wright has criticised the decision not to call-up Jude Bellingham for tonight and Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
ITV pundit Wright said: “If he is not fit then probably these two games, you thought he would probably get some minutes.
“It is important for him to be amongst the group, two more camps [before the World Cup] after this.
“I was surprised he is not amongst the group. It doesn’t make sense.”
Quite the stat
England have named a starting XI without a player from Chelsea, Liverpool or Man Utd for the first time since 1992 against France.
Thomas Tuchel’s side is dominated by three Aston Villa stars and two from Arsenal.
