What term do you want to search? Search with google
England’s World Cup 2018 campaign starts here, when Nigeria, clad in their dazzling new kit which sold out within minutes of its release on Friday, arrive at Wembley.
Gareth Southgate has insisted the team he names will not necessarily be the one that starts the World Cup against Tunisia on 18th June but there are places still up for grabs.
Jordan Pickford starts between the sticks with Jesse Lingard part of an attacking midfield that also includes Raheem Sterling after a controversial and headline-grabbing week.
We will have all the action right here:
Live Updates
Please allow a moment for the blog to load…
What time is kick-off?
The game will kick off at Wembley at 5.15pm BST.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be shown on ITV, with coverage starting at 5.00pm BST.
Odds?
England: 2/5
Nigeria: 19/2
Odds: 62/17
Follow the Independent Sport on Instagram here, for all of the best images, videos and stories from around the sporting world.
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
Harry Kane continued his scoring streak as England captain but Gareth Southgate's side made heavy work of beating Nigeria in their final Wembley outing before the World Cup. England took the lead inside seven minutes courtesy of Gary Cahill's headed effort and Kane doubled the advantage before the break, when modest goalkeeping allowed him to hit the net for the sixth time in five appearances with the armband. But what might have turned into a walk in the park against a side ranked 47th in the world became a tense 2-1 victory as Arsenal's Alex Iwobi struck less than two minutes into the second half, robbing the hosts of their composure. Southgate will take some heart from the fact England held out but with 16 days to go before their Group G opener against Tunisia. ENGLAND 2-1 NIGERIA - CAHILL (7), KANE (40), IWOBI (47) England XI: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Cahill, Trippier, Young, Dier, Alli, Lingard, Kane, Sterling. Nigeria XI: Uzoho, Idowu, Ekong, Balogun, Onazi, Obi Mikel, Obi, Shehu, Moses, Iwobi, Ighalo.
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
‘WE PLAYED REALLY WELL’ 19:30: England boss Gareth Southgate tells ITV: "I think we played really well, with the ball especially. Far more good situations than in recent games. We were deservedly two goals up in the first half. The period leading up to their goal, they changed their system and we took some time to adjust. But after that we dealt with it well. It was a decent exercise for us to adjust to that. "The front four, some of the movement and interplay, we looked a threat with plenty of pace. Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard made unselfish runs. Some slightly better decision making or quality and we would have scored more." STREAK… 19:25: England are unbeaten in all 18 encounters against African nations (W12 D6), with this the third time they’ve faced Nigeria – winning twice and drawing once. ‘MANAGED THE GAME WELL’ 19:20: England defender Gary Cahill: "If you have the opportunity to play you can show what you do, at club level, and I finished the season strong and am glad to be in the squad. "The first half we felt comfortable, moved the ball quick and dominated but a bit of concentration early in the second half let us down. After 10 mins we got to grips with their shape and managed the game well."
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
‘BACK TO MY BEST’ 19:15: Kane admitted he feels back to his best after scoring in the 2-1 victory. "It was a good win against a tough side," Kane told ITV. "The first half we were excellent and moved the ball quickly. "The second we had trouble, they changed their formation. We got used to it and saw the game out well. I feel at my best, really good. It's always great to score. I'm looking forward to the game on Thursday against Costa Rica. It will be another tough one." TWITTER ROUND-UP Kris: Well that was very much a ‘bleh’ kind of performance..... would have liked to have seen Vardy get on, could use his pace making runs in behind. Paul: England reliant too much on individual talent and have zero composure or control with the ball with everything done at 100 mph. Central midfield a real worry for this tournament. Rob: Don't think the big boys will be too worried about England at the World Cup...
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
ENGLAND 2-1 NIGERIA FT: And that’s that. Cracking first half from England but the second half will not live long in the memory. Decent enough start to the World Cup campaign from Gareth Southgate’s side. Full reaction and post-match interviews on the way, folks. 92: Welbeck sneaks behind the Nigeria defence but dithers, takes it wide and then lays it back to Loftus-Cheek, who doesn’t really have many options. 90: Glenn Hoddle gives Gary Cahill the Man of the Match award. You can’t argue too much with that decision, although I think Alli and Trippier were very good today. Four minutes of added time. 88: Delph serves up a nice crossfield pass to Rashford, but having hung in the air for an eternity - the Manchester United striker nods over the bar. 87: I’d quite like to see Jamie Vardy getting some minutes. The striker is an absolute nightmare to deal with and has that all-important ‘nasty’ side to his game.
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
85: Fabian Delph is making his first appearance for England since November 2015 against Spain, when England were managed by Roy Hodgson - that last cap was 932 days ago. The power of Pep, eh? 83: Marcus Rashford battles through a couple of challenges but scuffs the shot tamely wide. Delph on for Alli. Yep, it’s that time of the game. The Nigeria fans make sure they send Alli off with one last boo. Bit much if you ask me. 80: Iheanacho comes on for Ighalo for the final ten minutes. The game is driving since that raft of changes. Nobody really looks like scoring again as Ahmed Musa collects a booking. This isn’t much of a spectacle right now. 78: There will be a few sore heads in the Nigeria changing rooms tonight. I mean that literally as Oghenekaro and Omeruo have a clash of heads when challenging Rashford. 76: More changes on the way. Harry Kane takes off the armband and hands it Eric Dier. Danny Welbeck replaces the Tottenham striker. Marcus Rashford replaces Raheem Sterling. 73: Close. Sterling sends Idowu out of the stadium with a cheeky prodded pass but nobody is waiting in the middle to convert Loftus-Cheek's cross from the byline.
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
70: Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Danny Rose might be who Gareth Southgate was referring to when saying that World Cup places were still up for grabs. Mikel tests Pickford from distance but the goalkeeper sticks it and swiftly sends England on the counter. 69: It looks like Ashley Young will be in the firing line after today’s game. He’s struggled a bit at left wing-back and has been caught cold a few times. Speaking of Young, Danny Rose comes on to replace him. Ruben Loftus-Cheek also replaces Jesse Lingard. 67: John Stones with an agricultural clearance. He should imagine he learned that during the David Moyes days and NOT the Pep Guardiola ones… 64: Leicester’s Ahmed Musa replaces Chelsea’s Victor Moses. His pace could cause a few problems. 63: Alli and Lingard have struck a good partnership. They look dangerous moving forward and win England a corner. Young to deliver… close! Dier arrives late and guides it wide.
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
60: Ebuehi does well to beat Young on the flank and wins his side a corner. The outswinger is met by Ogu, but he can’t get a decent connection. 59: I’m expecting a few more goals before the final whistle. Nigeria are intent on committing bodies forward in search of an equaliser and gaps are starting to appear. 56: The game has been turned on its head since the break. Nigeria are controlling the ball and tempo with England chasing them down. 53: Raheem! Why did you have to do that?! It’s a nice piece of play from England and the Manchester City star nips it away from the goalkeeper before hitting the deck. Uzoho didn’t touch him and the referee shows a yellow card. Silly. 51: Alex Iwobi's goal is the first Nigeria have ever scored in an international match against England, in what is the third meeting between the two nations.
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
50: Close! A corner is headed towards goal but Kane is waiting at the back post to thump it clear. 49: England need to gather their bearings here because Nigeria are going for it. The visitors are playing with aggression, pace and intent for the first time this afternoon. ENGLAND 2-1 NIGERIA - IWOBI 47: Nigeria pull one back 100 seconds into the second half, and Wembley goes absolutely wild. England switch off and allow Ighalo to strike one against the post. The ball rolls out to Alex Iwobi, the most alert man on the pitch, who sweeps beyond Pickford. The Everton goalkeeper wouldn’t give them the ball back! 45: A few changes for Nigeria Ebuehi, Omeruo, Ogu and Etebo replace Shuhu, Balogun, Onazi and Obi. No substitutions for England. We’re back underway.
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
TWITTER ROUND-UP Sam: Good first half, fluid movement, nice shape, utilised the wide areas. Sterling looked lively, if too eager to score, and final ball needs to improve. Young good, Alli made some good runs down that left channel. Positive. Paul: Nigeria's decision to play Francis Uzoho in goal at Wembley has backfired. He's only 19, this is his 4th cap, and he's been playing against B teams in Spain all season. A converted striker, he may have a big future. But he looks out of his depth here. Dan: This England side playing with freedom and with no mental baggage. They'll still get knocked out by a better team, but will fight. ENGLAND 2-0 NIGERIA HT: England head into the break looking strong. It’s been very encouraging for Gareth Southgate and the rest of the nation with plenty of movement and attacking opportunities from the Three Lions. Nigeria? They are lucky they’ve got a nice kit. 45: Victor Moses looks to pull one back before the break but his low drilled effort is eaten up by Jordan Pickford.
GETTY England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
GETTY England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
43: Plenty of bright attacking play from England is rewarded, and now they are managing the game nicely before half time. 41: England have scored as many goals in 39 minutes against Nigeria as they have in their previous four international friendlies. ENGLAND 2-0 NIGERIA - KANE 40: Bosh! No messing around from Harry Kane, who doubles England’s advantage. The striker plays a nice one-two with Sterling before teeing himself up and firing low at goalkeeper Uzoho, who deflects it into his own net. Abysmal from Uzoho. 39: Chance! Alli has been at the centre of everything for England today. He finds Sterling, who turns his marker before fizzing one narrowly over the bar. 38: Can anyone tell me what training regime Eric Dier is on? Looks an absolute tank. England finds themselves in a spot of bother at the back but Iwobi and Obi get in a muddle with neither taking the shot on.
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
35: 0-60 in a matter of seconds. The ball is back with Pickford but three smart passes later Nigeria are stretched and Sterling is clean through. In signature fashion, Sterling delays too long and the chance goes begging. 32: Great run from Lingard to stay onside and break away from the Nigeria defence. He reaches the byline but Balogun prevents Alli from having a tap-in. 30: Close! Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard exchange passes before the Manchester United midfielder’s near-post flick is tipped wide by Uzoho. Glimpses of some nice play but England need to be more ruthless. Could be 2-0 or 3-0. 28: John Stones makes an error when bringing it out of defence but Ogenyi Onazi can’t control the loose pass. England then show a bit of panic when Chelsea’s Victor Moses storms into the penalty area. It’s eventually scrambled away. 25: Bloody hell, it’s taken me 25 minutes to realise that two-season wonder Odion Ighalo is playing. Just flagged for offside…
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
22: That was delighted attacking play from England. Kane, Sterling and Young link up nicely before the Manchester United full-back is closed down when pulling the trigger. Nigeria supporters on Twitter don’t sound too happy, and rightly so. We’ve got 12 days until the World Cup kicks off and they’ve been shambolic. 19: Glenn Hoddle is currently salivating over Jordan Pickford. He’s not been tested but switched play nicely with his accurate clearance. 16: Gary Cahill's 7th minute header was the earliest goal for England at Wembley since Rooney's 6th minute opener vs Lithuania in March 2015. 15: Decent effort from Raheem Sterling. Alli finds him on the left side of the penalty area. He then spins his marker but pokes it wide having lifted it nicely over the goalkeeper. 13: Nearly a second! Gareth Southgate has got these set-pieces on point. Another corner is sent into the six-yard box where Eric Dier nearly prods beyond Uzoho. 10: Well this has been a fabulous start from England. The Three Lions look solid at the back, well organised and are building attacks nicely down the flanks. All still being booed, you simply can’t knock that kind of commitment…
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
ENGLAND 1-0 NIGERIA - CAHILL 7: We’re gonna win the World Cup! Ok, maybe I’m getting ahead of myself but Gary Cahill has opened the scoring with a bullet header from Kieran Trippier’s outswinging corner. That’s his first goal for 13 months. Perhaps he should have waited a few weeks before breaking that duck! 5: Ouch! That wasn’t pretty. Obi and Balogun have a clash of heads when challenging for a looping cross. I think they’ll be fine but there’s probably no point in risking either of them. Incidentally, Leon Balogun has recently signed by Brighton on a free transfer. The 29-year-old left Bundesliga side Mainz at the end of the season and has signed a two-deal with the Seagulls. 3: Has Dele Alli done something to upset Nigeria recently? They are booing him relentlessly whenever he touches the ball. Oh, mystery solved. Alli’s father is Nigerian so he was eligible to play for them. Nothing much to report in the early stages with England seeing virtually 100 per cent possession. 1: And we’re off! Well, let’s try to stay calm and remember that this is just a friendly to work out the kinks before the big one against Tunisia. Hypocrite warning: I’ll be having a meltdown in around six minutes…
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
HERE THEY COME 17:13: The players have emerged from the tunnel to a cracking reception. Harry Kane leads England out while the legendary John Obi Mikel does it for Nigeria. Flags flying everywhere, of course. Oh, we’ve got the national anthems now. Sung impressively by both sides but I must give a shout out to Harry Kane, who made sure he belted out every word. Good lad. FREEBIES! 17:10: Who doesn’t love a freebie? The FA have placed thousands of flags on the seats of the England fans. I’m sure you’ll see a few on Ebay later, folks. ITV COVERAGE... 17:05: ITV’s coverage of England matches. Discuss… It’s comforting because nothing ever changes. Don’t get me wrong, I love hearing The Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony as much as the next person, but it’s time for a change…
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
PLAYING FOR PLACES? 17:00: Gareth Southgate has told his players there are still World Cup places up for grabs. That sounds a bit like a teacher telling you the final week of the school year is just as important as the first, but we all know that’s not true when they stick Shrek on the TV... Anyway, When the full-time whistle blows at HQ there will be little more than two weeks to go until the Three Lions' tournament curtain-raiser against Tunisia in Volgograd. And while Southgate has settled on the bulk of the XI which will start in Russia, there are still big incentives for those who impress against the Super Eagles at Wembley or versus Costa Rica at Elland Road five days later. "I don't think these are trial matches in that a bad performance rules someone out but there are opportunities for people to really stake a claim in areas of the pitch where there is huge competition for places," he said.
REUTERS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
TWITTER ROUND-UP Jake: I just don’t understand the logic of playing Kyle Walker at centre-back given that he is one of the best wing-backs in Europe at the moment. Surely it makes more sense to have Dier as part of the centre-backs so that we can easily switch between formations? Jon: Five defenders, best right-back playing in the back three? No Marcus Rashford. Can’t wait for the World Cup to start… Michael: I’ve been waiting 16 years (since June 2002) For England to put in a decent 90 minute performance (vs Denmark) That takes patience! CAPTAIN KANE 16:50: Having rotated the armband throughout his tenure, Southgate has settled on Harry Kane for the tournament, edging out the claims of Liverpool's Jordan Henderson. He has scored five times in his four previous outings as skipper, suggesting he is not weighed down by the role, but now would be the perfect time for a classic 'captain's performance'. Kane will be the figurehead and focal point in Russia so it is vital he arrives in good form.
GETTY England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
THAT ATTITUDE… 16:45: Yes, I have joined the Nigeria fan club, and NOT just because of their kit. Usually interviews leading towards the World Cup can be cagey and dull affairs, but Nigeria vice-captain Ogenyi Onazi has bucked the trend. "When we find a grand piano, we just sing and some people dance. We just have fun,” Onazi explained. "We have a lot of great players who have a lot of personality. We have talents outside of football. I play the drums, I play the bass guitar. It is a game everybody has been looking up to. Everyone is waiting for this game." Let’s get the Nigeria band back together, lads! THAT KIT… 16:40: It’s breathtaking. Nigeria have easily won the World Cup of kits with this number, that received a staggering three million pre-orders. Yes, I said three million. There were hundreds of people queuing outside Nike's flagship store in London yesterday to spend £64.95 on the home and away shirts.
GETTY England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
TWITTER ROUND-UP Stan: England. Don't look too much into the personnel, only the system and confidence to be gained by individuals feeling mentally/physically sharp and ready to translate manager's instructions into a performance. Graham: I'm assuming that is more or less the likely England starting XI for the World Cup. Like that Lingard and Alli are both in (although worried Henderson will come back in). But Maguire should be starting ahead of Cahill all day. Jonny: Good attacking team, in all fairness. It wouldn't be my first XI for the World Cup but we have to remember that it's only a friendly. Hope the system shows its potential.
GETTY England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
TEAM NEWS - ENGLAND 16:25: OK, not too many surprises from Gareth Southgate. Raheem Sterling started England's World Cup warm-up friendly against Nigeria despite continued scrutiny surrounding the Manchester City forward. Sterling was already under intense media spotlight over the gun tattoo on his right leg and was again on the back pages of the national newspapers today after it emerged he arrived a day late to the England training camp. Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate backed Sterling yesterday and included the 23-year-old in the team to face Nigeria at Wembley. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was also in the line-up, and appears in pole position to be between the posts for the World Cup opener against Tunisia on June 18. Chelsea's Gary Cahill made his first England appearance since October, starting in a three-man defence alongside Manchester City pair John Stones and Kyle Walker.
TWITTER England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
ENGLAND vs NIGERIA 16:20: And here are your line-ups folks. Looks like Gareth Southgate has given Jordan Pickford the nod between the sticks. England XI: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Cahill, Trippier, Young, Dier, Alli, Lingard, Kane, Sterling. Subs: Rose, Butland, Maguire, Delph, Livermore, Loftus-Cheek, Lallana, Vardy, Rashford, Vardy, Pope, Heaton. Nigeria XI: Uzoho, Idowu, Ekong, Balogun, Onazi, Obi Mikel, Obi, Shehu, Moses, Iwobi, Ighalo. Subs: Akpeyi, Ezenwa, Omreuo, Agu, Awaziem, Nwankwo, Iheanacho, Musa, Ogu, Ebuehi, Aina, Echiejile, Etebo, Ndidi.
GETTY England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
TWITTER ROUND-UP Harrison: Great chance for England to score a few goals, build some positivity and generate some momentum across these two friendlies. Clean sheets wouldn’t go amiss either! Liam: If we don’t smash a team where Alex Iwobi is the star player by at least five goals then questions have to be asked… Simon: Come on England this evening. Let’s have a good positive performance and result leading in to the World Cup! LOGIC… 16:10: “Let’s hear it for geographically close opponents,” said nobody. Ever. But there is good reason for playing Nigeria today. The age old policy of arranging friendlies who are geographically close to tournament opponents continues to be rolled out around the globe - see Panama lining up Northern Ireland as their Three Lions proxies earlier this week. Nigeria, therefore, represent stand-ins for England's Group G African opponents Tunisia. Expect to see some hints about Southgate's proposed tactics for that tournament curtain-raiser, in terms of tactics, system and style.
EMPICS England vs Nigeria: Live score, goals and updates from Wembley
HAVE YOUR SAY 16:05: If you want to vent your frustrations, or discuss any issues in the world of football (within reason), then get in touch! You can either comment at the bottom of the page or contact me via Twitter using the hashtag #ExpressSport. EVENING… 16:00: And so it begins. The thrills, spills and inevitable heartache of England’s World Cup campaign start today. Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions host Nigeria at Wembley looking to capture the public imaginations and send us into a frenzy of optimism. There are plenty of questions that need answering before England’s tournament curtain-raiser against Tunisia in Volgograd. Who gets the gloves, will the captain’s armband be helpful or a hinderance for Harry Kane and could Raheem Sterling thrive under the spotlight? I’ll stop waffling and get you those line-ups. There’s a few surprises in store…
England World Cup squad: Players react after Russia 2018 call-ups Wed, May 16, 2018 England players have reacted on social media after being called up to the Three Lions squad for the World Cup in Russia Play slideshow 1 of 16
ENGLAND continue to prepare for the 2018 World Cup in Russia this summer with an international friendly at home to Nigeria.
The two teams meet today as Gareth Southgate's side play for the first time since the final squad was confirmed.
AFP or licensors England take on Nigeria as they step up their World Cup preparations
World Cup 2018: England's group opponents Panama bust a move on flight ahead of friendly in Norway
What time is kick-off?
THIS game takes place TODAY - Saturday, June 2.
The match will be held at Wembley Stadium.
Kick-off is at 5.15pm.
Most read in football ko blow Kompany injury fears after defender is hauled off during friendly against Portugal Internationals How do I watch MUTV and why is Belgium vs Portugal on the channel? PLAYER RATINGS Spurs ace Trippier was star man for England in friendly against Nigeria NEIL ASHTON Southgate will be pleased with England's win over Nigeria – but only just Austria 2 Germany 1 Defending champions in crisis after first defeat to Austria in 32 years Live footy Republic of Ireland vs USA live score: Latest from the international friendly Defending champs Austria vs Germany live score: Latest updates from the international game thanks a million Cristiano Ronaldo 'tells Real Madrid he wants £1.35m-PER-WEEK' in new deal
Which channel is it on and can I live stream it?
YOU can watch this game live on ITV, with coverage starting at 5pm.
Fans will also be able to live stream the game from the ITV hub.
Alternatively, you can keep up-to-date with all the latest action on the SunSport LIVE blog.
What is the team news?
Find the cheapest England World Cup shirt Here's how you can save a bundle on the England World Cup 2018 shirt We've checked the web for the cheapest replica England shirt you can get for the World Cup. Below are the best prices we've seen: £54.99 at Sports Direct - Buy it now
£59.99 at Kitbag - Buy it now
£60 at JD Sports - Buy it now
