MX23RW : Sunday, December 29 02:51:49| >> :600:534766:534766:

The big talking points ahead of this week's friendly fixtures

Nations are finalising their preparations for this summer's delayed European Championship.

As teams put the finishing touches to their preparations for Euro 2020, the PA news agency takes a look at a selection of talking points ahead of Wednesday's international friendly matches.

England getting used to fans again with home advantage pivotal

England will play in front of fans again at the Riverside Stadium.
England will play in front of their own fans again at the Riverside Stadium (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium will be the setting as the Three Lions play two warm-up games against Austria (June 2) and Romania (June 6). Capacity has been capped at 25 per cent, due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions, so more than 8,000 fans will be allowed to attend each match, which will surely prove a massive boost for players following almost a season of silence in empty stadia in the Premier League. England will play all three of their group games at Wembley, with one of the semi-finals and the final also scheduled to be played at the national stadium, so the groundswell of support Gareth Southgate's side will receive as one of the host nations could prove a huge factor in the tournament itself.

Will Harry Kane's future be a distraction?

It has been reported that Harry Kane wants to leave Tottenham this summer.
It has been reported that Harry Kane wants to leave Tottenham this summer (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA)

England captain Harry Kane heads into the game with ongoing uncertainty about his Tottenham future. Should the 27-year-old feature against Austria it will be the first time we have seen him on a football pitch since last month's reports that he wants to leave Spurs this summer. The continued speculation could be a cause for concern for Southgate, who will need his talisman and 2018 World Cup Golden Boot-winner firing on all cylinders heading into Euro 2020.

Youngsters set for Scotland debuts?

Celtic's David Turnbull could be set for his first Scotland cap.
Celtic's David Turnbull could be set for his first Scotland cap (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour, Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson and Celtic midfielder David Turnbull were included in the Scotland squad to widespread approval. Gilmour and Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay will not be involved against Holland in Portugal on Wednesday, having competed in the Champions League and Europa League finals respectively, so Tartan Army boss Steve Clarke could give first caps to Patterson and Turnbull.

Will Wales risk walking wounded?

Aaron Ramsey has had an injury-interrupted season at Juventus.
Aaron Ramsey has had an injury-interrupted season at Juventus (Nick Potts/PA)

Robert Page, in charge of Wales in the absence of Ryan Giggs, must decide whether he gives minutes to several key players who are heading towards the European Championship under an injury cloud when his team play world champions France. Aaron Ramsey has endured a season of niggling injuries at Juventus and has started only three of his country's last 23 games. Fellow midfielder Joe Allen has not played since suffering calf/hamstring injuries while on international duty in March. Full-back Ben Davies has not played since March 21 after suffering a calf injury playing for Tottenham.

Expect Germany to bounce back

Germany's surprise defeat to North Macedonia left head coach Joachim Low with much to ponder.
Germany's surprise defeat to North Macedonia left head coach Joachim Low with much to ponder (Brian Lawless/PA)

After a shock 2-1 home defeat to North Macedonia in World Cup qualification last time out, Joachim Low's team will be looking for an immediate return to winning ways against Denmark. Along with new additions to the squad such as Bayern Munich youngster Jamal Musiala, Low has also recalled the likes of Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels as he looks to restore a winning mentality ahead of a tough Euro 2020 opener against France in a group that also includes defending champions Portugal. Victory against the in-form Danes would provide the perfect fillip heading into the competition.

ID:449833: cacheID:449833:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:11117:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Aaron Ramsey in action for Juventus on February 27, 2021
Read Next:
Robert Page urges caution over Welsh trio's fitness
>
Read more about Gareth Southgate Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Cardinals
@
Rams
6pm
Jets
@
Bills
6pm
Panthers
@
Buccaneers
6pm
Colts
@
Giants
6pm
Titans
@
Jags
6pm
Raiders
@
Saints
6pm
Packers
@
Vikings
9.05pm
Dolphins
@
Browns
9.25pm
Cowboys
@
Eagles
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool17133140172342
2Arsenal18106235161936
3Chelsea18105338211735
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1810442419534
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle188553021929
6Bournemouth188552721629
7Manchester CityMan City188463026428
8Fulham187742623328
9Aston Villa188462629-328
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton186842726126
11Brentford187383232024
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1872939261323
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham186572330-723
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd186482124-322
15Everton173861522-717
16Crystal Palace183871826-817
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1843112940-1115
18Leicester CityLeicester1835102240-1814
19Ipswich TownIpswich1826101633-1712
20Southampton1813141137-266


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!