Sweden welcome England to the Friends Arena in Stockholm for an international friendly between two sides who have begun their World Cup qualifying campaign in impressive fashion. The Swedes produced a heroic second-half comeback to draw 4-4 with Germany last time out, and trail the three-time winners by three points in group C, while Roy Hodgson's England top group H having earned a point against Poland in Warsaw.

The meeting is a repeat of the Euro 2012 group match, which saw Danny Welbeck's late goal settle an enthralling game in Donetsk, to put England into the quarter final and send Sweden packing.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Reuters

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 7.30 pm GMT and live coverage is on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HD. Live radio commentary is available on BBC Radio 5 live.

Overview

Erik Hamren's side come into the encounter in Stockholm in decent spirits having mounted a Zlatan Ibrahimovic inspired four-goal comeback against Germany last month, while their last competitive defeat was the 3-2 defeat at the hands of England at Euro 2012.

England come into the game following a scrappy 1-1 draw away at Poland. Hodgson's side have recorded two emphatic 5-0 group wins, against minnows Moldova and San Marino, but have struggled to replicate that form against the group's more established sides, with draws coming against Ukraine and then in Warsaw in October. Their last friendly encounter saw England come from behind to beat their nemesis from the European Championship, Italy, with Jermain Defoe firing in a terrific late winner.

Team Form

Sweden

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): D W W W L
  • Last Match: Germany 4 - 4 Sweden

England

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): D W D W W
  • Last Match: Poland 1 - 1 England

Team News

Erik Hamren will likely give Fulham youngster Alexander Kacaniklic a fourth senior cap, following impressive recent performances for his club and his game-changing cameo in the draw against Germany. Former Manchester City goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson, West Bromwich Albion defender Jonas Olsson and Sunderland midfielder Seb Larsson are all expected to feature, while Ibrahimovic will lead the attack.

Probable Line-Up: Isaksson; Lustig, Granqvist, J Olsson, Safari; Larsson, Elm, Kallstrom, Kacaniklic; Berg, Ibrahimovic

Roy Hodgson
Reuters

With Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Defoe all absent through injury Hodgson is set to field an experimental side for the trip to Sweden. Tottenham Hotspur defender Steven Caulker, Everton's Leon Osman and Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling are all set for their international debuts.

While Osman will become the third oldest England debutant, after Steve Bould and Kevin Davies, Sterling will be the fifth youngster player to play for The Three Lions should he earn the opportunity.

Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha is also likely to be handed his first cap, after replacing the injured Aaron Lennon in the squad, while John Ruddy will also look to made just his second England appearance after his non-playing role in each of the last four internationals.

Returning Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere will start on the bench, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and Hodgson having come to agreement that the 20-year old will feature in the second half in the Swedish capital after making his comeback from 17 months on the sidelines in October.

The Football Association expect to receive Fifa clearance prior to the game which could see Carl Jenkinson also earn his first cap. Having represented Finland at Under-21 level, Jenkinson is hoping to commit fully to England, but is yet to be granted permission by the world governing body.

With Andy Carroll also omitted and Wayne Rooney having withdrawn, Manchester United's Welbeck is likely to lead the line in attack alongside Ashley Young, who is without an international appearance since August's win over Italy.

Probable Line-Up: Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Caulker, Baines; Osman, Gerrard, Cleverley; Sterling, Welbeck, Young

Germany Poland Ukraine Wayne Rooney