Latest score and updates from friendly as Ollie Watkins breaks deadlock

The England football team is set to return to action in a rare international friendly against Australia at Wembley Stadium this evening. This match holds significance as it is the team’s first game since being confirmed as co-hosts for Euro 2028. Gareth Southgate, the team’s manager, will use this opportunity to prepare his squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy.

Southgate plans to use this fixture to experiment with new partnerships and introduce less-familiar players to the international stage. Levi Colwill and Eddie Nketiah are two uncapped players in the Three Lions’ squad, and nine other players have fewer than 10 caps each.

Australia reached the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup but have struggled since then, winning only once in their last four matches. Southgate recognizes the challenge they pose and acknowledges the strong Australian presence expected at both games, highlighting the historical sporting rivalry between the two countries.

You can follow the live action from Wembley and find the latest odds and tips for the match here: England vs Australia Live.

Match Updates:
– England host Australia in an international friendly at Wembley, live on Channel 4.
– Levi Colwill makes his debut for the Three Lions.
– 57′ GOAL! Watkins taps in Grealish’s pass (ENG 1-0 AUS)
– 45′ CHANCE! Dunk blocks Strain’s shot to keep things level (ENG 0-0 AUS)
– 30′ CHANCE! Watkins’ effort cleared off the line (ENG 0-0 AUS)
– 21′ CLOSE! Duke’s volley goes wide from inside the box (ENG 0-0 AUS)
– 12′ SAVE! Johnstone called into action from long range (ENG 0-0 AUS)
– England 1-0 Australia at 21:10, Mike Jones reporting.

63 minutes: England’s four substitutes have more international caps than the entire starting XI. Southgate brings on experienced players to secure the win.
Marcus Rashford takes on Ryan Strain, winning England a corner.

Goal! England 1-0 Australia (Watkins, 57′)
57 minutes: James Maddison delivers a free kick into the box, which is headed back out to Trent Alexander-Arnold. He crosses the ball back into the middle, finding Jack Grealish. Grealish sends the ball to Ollie Watkins at the far post, and Watkins taps it in.

England 0-0 Australia at 21:02, Mike Jones reporting.
54 minutes: England has been more positive in the second half but is struggling to create threatening chances. Mat Ryan in goal remains untroubled.

England 0-0 Australia at 20:57, Mike Jones reporting.
51 minutes: James Maddison takes a corner, but it is cleared by Harry Souttar. Trent Alexander-Arnold collects the loose ball and shoots from range, but Jack Grealish’s deflection sends the ball wide.

England 0-0 Australia at 20:55, Mike Jones reporting.
48 minutes: Levi Colwill loses possession while attempting to slip Ollie Watkins into the box, allowing Australia to regain control. Fikayo Tomori’s clearance ends up in the stands.

Second half begins at 20:51, Mike Jones reporting.
Australia kicks off the second half. No changes made by Gareth Southgate or Graham Arnold. Will there be a breakthrough soon?

Halftime: England 0-0 Australia at 20:45, Mike Jones reporting.
Australia has had 33% possession but created more chances than England, with seven attempts on goal. Lewis Dunk made a crucial block to deny Ryan Strain’s effort just before halftime.

Halftime: England 0-0 Australia at 20:40, Mike Jones reporting.
First half ends with the score still tied at 0-0. Australia has created a few decent chances, while Ollie Watkins missed two opportunities for England. The team will aim to increase the tempo of play in the second half and improve their performance.

England 0-0 Australia at 20:35, Mike Jones reporting.
45+1 minutes: The first half comes to an end with no goals scored. Australia creates a promising chance with Ryan Strain, but Lewis Dunk saves the day. Gareth Southgate’s side will look to step up their game in the second half.

England 0-0 Australia at 20:33, Mike Jones reporting.
45 minutes: Chance! A well-played pass from Australia finds Martin Boyle behind the England line. He holds the ball before releasing it for Ryan Strain, who is blocked by Lewis Dunk.

England 0-0 Australia at 20:31, Mike Jones reporting.
42 minutes: England’s first corner is played short to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who sends a cross into the box. Jarrod Bowen dives and flicks the ball towards the target, but Mat Ryan easily catches it.

England 0-0 Australia at 20:28, Mike Jones reporting.
39 minutes: Ryan Strain receives a yellow card for stopping Jack Grealish’s progress. James Maddison’s free kick is cleared by Harry Souttar.

England 0-0 Australia at 20:25, Mike Jones reporting.
36 minutes: Martin Boyle’s cross finds Mitchell Duke, who narrowly misses the far post with his volley.

England 0-0 Australia at 20:23, Mike Jones reporting.
33 minutes: Conor Gallagher is outmuscled by Craig Goodwin, resulting in a yellow card for Gallagher. Australia’s free kick is comfortably collected by Sam Johnstone.

England 0-0 Australia at 20:18, Mike Jones reporting.
30 minutes: Chance! Ollie Watkins is set up by Jack Grealish and James Maddison, but his shot is cleared off the line.

England 0-0 Australia at 20:16, Mike Jones reporting.
27 minutes: Fikayo Tomori clears a throw-in, and Craig Goodwin’s subsequent shot goes just over the top.

England 0-0 Australia at 20:13, Mike Jones reporting.
24 minutes: Levi Colwill finds Jack Grealish, who sets up James Maddison for a shot, but Maddison fails to connect properly.

England 0-0 Australia at 20:09, Mike Jones reporting.
21 minutes: Close! Martin Boyle delivers a cross to Mitchell Duke, who narrowly misses the far post with his shot.

England 0-0 Australia at 20:06, Mike Jones reporting.
18 minutes: Kye Rowles requires treatment after sustaining an injury. England press forward but fail to find a breakthrough.

+ more minutes of the match to follow.

Reference