England’s game tonight is only a friendly, but it feels more important than that.
Not only is it against Brazil – something rare enough that it always feels special for both sides – but it’s also the penultimate game before the Euros kick off this summer.
Gareth Southgate has called up some new faces, but the teams he puts out tonight and against Belgium next week are presumably going to be very close to his selection for our group stage opener against Serbia in June.
So the increasing indications that Conor Gallagher is going to start in a midfield 3 with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are very exciting. Jordan Henderson is out, giving Gallagher a chance, and if he does well it’s hard to see Southgate putting even his favourite “Hendo” back in.
The Chelsea star has had a brilliant season and brings a level of energy that the veteran Henderson can’t match. This evening’s game could be Conor’s chance to seize a Euros starting spot.