ENGLAND are in San Marino for their final World Cup 2022 Qualifier TONIGHT.
Gareth Southgate's team currently lead group I, while San Marino sit right at the bottom after failing to win a single game.
And that means the Three Lions should have no difficulty whatsoever picking up the point they need to officially confirm their place at the World Cup.
Southgate could have a tough task on his hands in terms of player selection, after Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford, James Ward-Prowse, Luke Shaw and Declan Rice all withdrew from the squad due to illness or injury.
A growing number of teams have now qualified for the Qatar and England are on the verge of joining them – meaning fans can start planning how to buy their tickets for the World Cup.
When is San Marino vs England?
- San Marino vs England takes place on Monday, November 15 – TONIGHT.
- The game kicks off at 7:45pm.
- The San Marino Stadium plays host.
- Last time the Three Lions took on Franco Varrella's team they came out on top in a 5-0 victory at Wembley Stadium in March.
What TV channel is San Marino vs England on and can I live stream it FREE?
- ITV will be broadcasting the game in the UK with coverage starting at 7pm.
- You can live stream the action for FREE on the ITV Hub app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
What is the San Marino vs England team news?
England have a depleted squad for their two final World Cup qualifying games, with Declan Rice, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and James Ward-Prowse all withdrawing from the squad.
Since beating Albania on Friday, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Jordan Henderson and Mason Mount have all backed out of the final fixture.
Conor Gallagher has been drafted into the squad as a result and could well make his England debut.
What are the odds?
As you can imagine, England are massive favourites to win this one.
- San Marino 80/1
- Draw 55/1
- England 1/80
Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct as of November 15.
- Joshua Mbu
HEAD-TO-HEAD
England have won their seven matches against San Marino by an aggregate score of 42-1, winning 5-0 in March at Wembley in the reverse World Cup 2022 qualifier.
In San Marino, England have won 14-0 in two previous visits, winning 8-0 in March 2013 and 6-0 in September 2015.
Their other match against the Sammarinese not on English soil was played in Bologna at the Stadio Renato dall’Ara in November 1993, with San Marino taking the lead through Davide Gualtieri after eight seconds before losing 7-1.
- Joshua Mbu
HIT THE LIGHTS
As reported earlier, there was an issue at San Marino's stadium.
Sky Sports claimed 'light plumes of smoke' were seen coming from a building next to the Stadio Olimpico di Serravalle.
And it seemingly severed all power, with the arena's lights shutting off.
But England's crunch World Cup qualifier will to go ahead after most power was quickly restored following some frantic work behind the scenes.
Sky claim the lights are working at '75 per cent capacity' now.
Credit: TWITTER: THEDEANASHTON - Joshua Mbu
GOOD EVENING
And welcome to the live blog for San Marino vs England!
Gareth Southgate's Three Lions can book their place at next year's winter World Cup with a win.
England can, in fact, afford to lose due to their superior goal difference over second place Poland, but would have to avoid an unlikely thumping at the hands of the European minnows.
San Marino have managed just one goal in nine games played so far, so hitting three past England looks unlikely, but not impossible.
Southgate's men convincingly beat qualifying hopefuls Albania 5-0 at Wembley last time out.
Captain Harry Kane scored a hat-trick, showing signs his form from last season is returning.
Jordan Henderson also got amongst the goals, as did underfire Manchester United captain Harry Maguire.
As for the home side, they were beaten 4-0 by Hungary.
In terms of team news, England will be without Jack Grealish and Henderson, who both picked up knocks.
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher – on loan at Crystal Palace – was drafted in for tonight's game, so he could get some minutes.
England have the opportunity to hand some minutes to some of the squad's younger players.
Arsenal duo Aaron Ramsdale and Emile Smith Rowe are expected to start.
Jude Bellingham could also slot into the midfield.Southgate has the chance to field one of the youngest England sides in over 60 years.
As for San Marino, they'll be heavily reliant on defensive duo Filippo Fabbri and Dante Rossi, who are both expected to start tonight.
The teamsheets are expected to be released shortly, so don't go anywhere!
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