England must show improvement against Iceland as they host Euro 2024 qualifiers in Wembley this Sunday for Euro 2024 qualifying action. Gareth Southgate will hope for better performances from his young players such as Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold to help steer England back on course for success.
Hakon Valdimarsson will lead his former club Burnley as they send in former Burnley goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson as their goalkeeper, as Genoa striker Gudmundsson and Brentford striker Alfred Finnbogason are out due to injury.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or top players of England National Football Team vs Iceland National Football Team Lineups.
England
Gareth Southgate will be buoyed by the return of key players for Friday night’s Euro 2024 warm-up fixture against Iceland at Wembley Stadium. Southgate made nine changes from Monday’s 3-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Kane, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill all came into replace an injured fivesome comprising John Stones, Lewis Dunk Kobbie Mainoo Marc Guehi James Maddison.
England are making an early impression and exerting pressure on Iceland’s defence early. But goalkeeper Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson stands firm as they try to absorb England’s early pressure.
10 minutes: Anthony Gordon beats two defenders with an audacious dribble and nearly gets through, only for his cross to be cleared off the line by England’s opponents’ defense. England remain dominant but can’t break through their opposition’s defence.
12 minutes: An unmarked Hakon Arnar Haraldsson drives past the halfway line and finds Thorsteinsson on the left wing, who cuts inside before firing past Aaron Ramsdale for a dramatic opening goal and giving their hosts an unexpected lead.
14 mins: As the game has settled down, England defenders have to work harder for possession than expected. Their attempts at breaking through Iceland’s well-organized backline prove unsuccessful as Iceland quickly pin them back.
19 minutes: England are still struggling in midfield as Phil Foden and Rice continue to be dispossessed too easily, signalling they need additional support from team-mates.
21 minutes: Iceland are playing with purpose and are winning the battle of attrition. They appear to be making inroads into their opponents’ half and could break out to create havoc for them.
23 mins: Southgate makes two bold changes in order to alter England’s dynamic; Jordan Henderson and Ivan Toney are introduced for the final 15 minutes as part of his plan to break through stubborn resistance by their opponents. It may or may not pay off; time will tell.
25 minutes: Toney has tried his hardest to break open Iceland’s defence on the edge of their D, but is finding himself overwhelmed by too many tasks at hand – making for a disappointing evening for Manchester United player Toney.
26 mins: Late on, the hosts continue their attack but their energy and urgency is beginning to fade as home supporters lose interest – something Iceland players seem to relish as their game goes into overtime.
At 27 minutes, Manchester United took back the lead thanks to an excellent goal by Jordan Henderson. Jesse Lingard found an opening and used it expertly, firing low into the bottom corner of the net with ease.
28 mins: Substitute Ivan Toney has an opportunity to level the score, but his header goes straight at the keeper and misses its target.
31 Minutes in: Iceland is now pressing hard for another goal as their tired hosts begin to show signs of defensive frailty. Gone is their crisp passing game from earlier, making way for Iceland who are pressing for another score.
32 minutes: The visitors are enjoying a good run of play and creating dangerous opportunities, forcing Ramsdale into an impressive save and then Gudmundsson having his effort blocked on the edge of the box.