Though billed as a warm-up for the impending World Cup qualifiers, the encounter carries the weight of legacy and the spark of rivalry. England’s dominance over Wales is storied—since their first clash in 1879, England have notched up 69 victories to Wales’ 14, with 21 matches ending in stalemate. Their last Wembley meeting, a 3-0 win for England in 2020, is a fresh scar for Wales and a badge of honor for the hosts.
This year’s contest is more than just a game; it is the Alzheimer’s Society International, the fourth such fixture supporting the charity’s vital work. Wembley will be a cauldron of noise and emotion, with fans not only cheering their teams but also raising over £1 million for dementia research and support.
England, led by head coach Thomas Tuchel, enter the match riding high after a recent 5-0 demolition of Serbia in Belgrade—a performance that silenced critics and hinted that Tuchel’s vision is finally taking root. The squad remains largely unchanged, with the World Cup looming just nine months away. For the Three Lions, every minute on the pitch is a chance to fine-tune, to build on momentum, and to remind the world why they sit fourth in the FIFA rankings.
Wales, under the passionate guidance of Craig Bellamy, are relishing the role of underdogs. They are still in the hunt to finish above Belgium and North Macedonia in their qualifying group and view this clash as a chance to steal confidence—and perhaps more—from their illustrious neighbors ahead of a crucial tie with Belgium.
Kickoff is set for 7:45pm BST, but fans around the globe will be tuning in at all hours: 2:45pm ET in the US, 11:45am PT for the West Coast, and 5:45am AEDT for early risers in Australia. UK viewers can catch the action live on ITV1 and S4C, or stream it on ITVX, BBC iPlayer, and S4C Clic. Stateside, the match will air on Fox Soccer 2, with streaming options available on platforms like Fox One, Sling, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream. Australian fans can tune in via Stan Sport, while Canadians have access through DAZN.
The confirmed line-ups promise fireworks: England start with Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi; Spence, Rice, Anderson, Rogers; Saka, Watkins, and Gordon. Wales counter with Darlow; Williams, Ampadu, Rodon, Davies, Dasilva; Brooks, Cullen, Wilson, Johnson, and Moore.
For all the drama that unfolds on the pitch, history tells us to expect the unexpected. From Daniel Sturridge’s last-gasp heroics at Euro 2016 to Marcus Rashford’s dazzling double in the 2022 World Cup, England vs Wales is a fixture that rarely disappoints. Will England extend their unbeaten run over Wales, or will Bellamy’s men write a new chapter in this storied rivalry?
One thing is certain: when England and Wales meet, football becomes theatre, and the world watches.
For more on the rich history of this rivalry, see England v Wales – five classic matches.