Thu 18 March 2021, 14:00
Tottenham HotspurHarry Kane and Eric Dier have both been named in the first England squad of 2021 ahead of a triple header of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
A week today (Thursday 25 March) the Three Lions kick-off their qualification campaign for the tournament as they host San Marino at Wembley before they travel to face Albania three days later (Sunday 28 March). Gareth Southgate’s side will then round-off the international break back at the national stadium as they host Poland in their third qualifier on Wednesday 31 March.
Meanwhile, Japhet Tanganga, Ryan Sessegnon (currently on loan at Hoffenheim) and Oliver Skipp (currently on loan at Norwich City) have all been called up to the England Under-21 squad ahead of this month’s UEFA European Under-21 Championship (group stage) in Slovenia.
In a change to the traditional format and scheduling of the competition this year, the group and knockout stages are being held separately. Firstly, the group phase is to take place between 24 and 31 March before the tournament concludes later on this year, with the knockout games being played between 31 May and 6 June.
Placed in Group D with Portugal, Croatia and Switzerland, the Young Lions kick off their campaign against Switzerland on Thursday 25 March before facing Portugal three days later on Sunday 28 March. They will then face their final group game on Wednesday 31 March as they take on Croatia.
