Matchday LIVE: England host Switzerland as Spain, Netherlands & Germany headline international friendlies

There's the final whistle - and England kick off 2022 with a victory!Harry Kane's second-half penalty is the difference as the Three Lions are made to fight for a win at Wembley Stadium against a stubborn Switzerland, with the skipper moving joint-second on the all-time scorer list for his country.Debuts for Marc Guehi, Kyle Walker-Peters and Tyrick Mitchell help cement a feelgood result in the first game of the March international break.

FT: England 2-1 Switzerland

Goal number 49 for the England captain!Harry Kane further writes himself into England lore as he adds another to his tally, striking a sweet finish from the spot into the bottom-left corner.Wembley erupts with a roar of delight - and possibly belief. The hosts finally hit the front.In the aftermath, Jude Bellingham arrives to shore up reinforcements for the hosts too.

GOAL: England 2-1 Switzerland

England level at the start of injury time - and it is a thunderbolt from Luke Shaw!Kyle Walker-Peters does a great job to block a Swiss ball out from the back and Gallagher pounces to square it across the ball. Mason Mount hounds after it, then thinks better and instead gives the space to his left-back as the visitors scramble.The Manchester United man strikes it sweet and crashes his finish in at the left post from distance. All square!

GOAL: England 1-1 Switzerland

The visitors hit the front at Wembley!Breel Embolo hands Switzerland the first goal of the game with what is their first sustained attack since the early exchanges, and it is a lovely bit of work to do so.Xherdan Shaqiri pulls a glorious pinpoint cross into the box moments after Jordan Pickford nails a wonderful save, and his team-mate does a great job to angle his header to the far side, past the England goalkeeper.

GOAL: England 0-1 Switzerland

With that, we are going to bow out for today - but it's been a day to remember for a few England faces.Another Harry Kane goal. Three senior debuts. One more step on the road to getting ready for Qatar 2022.Thank you for joining us - and we'll see you next time out.

Thank you and good bye

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A day to remember ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/aDP28sOVxK">pic.twitter.com/aDP28sOVxK</a>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1507803910605615115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A night to remember

We'll be wrapping up our coverage today, but a quick run around the rest of Europe before we go...Spain are currently goalless against Albania, while Germany and the Netherlands are just about to get underway against Israel and Denmark.Christian Eriksen is on the bench for the latter. If he gets on, it will be the story of the weekend, surely?You can follow play-by-play coverage with our dedicated text commentaries on GOAL.

Kicking off elsewhere...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Switzerland fans really went there 😬 <a href="https://t.co/vJPvXHwTxA">pic.twitter.com/vJPvXHwTxA</a>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1507799203908665349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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At least they'll have Qatar

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">5️⃣3️⃣ <a href="https://twitter.com/WayneRooney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WayneRooney</a> 4️⃣9️⃣ <a href="https://twitter.com/SirBobby?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SirBobby</a> 4️⃣9️⃣ <a href="https://twitter.com/HKane?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HKane</a> The skipper is now joint-second on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThreeLions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThreeLions</a>' all-time goalscoring list! 👏 <a href="https://t.co/7aUSVlI4SP">pic.twitter.com/7aUSVlI4SP</a>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1507802520822890503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In the company of legends

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">49 - Harry Kane has now scored 49 goals for England (level with Bobby Charlton), only Wayne Rooney (53) has scored more goals for the Three Lions. Leader. <a href="https://t.co/kFrk5gGFYH">pic.twitter.com/kFrk5gGFYH</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1507796768360181762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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One more to go...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Get in, <a href="https://twitter.com/HKane?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HKane</a>! 💪 <a href="https://t.co/i10efP7PZ1">pic.twitter.com/i10efP7PZ1</a>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1507797557140930562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Kane train rides England to glory once more

Declan Rice and Coady do a lovely job cutting back to break down a move from Switzerland before it grows some teeth.We're into four added minutes at Wembley Stadium.

Four added minutes incoming

That is Harry Kane's race run and the England captain bows out. His penalty might have just done enough. Ollie Watkins enters the action for the Three Lions.

Kane bows out

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Harry Kane slots home a penalty to put England in front! ⚽ <a href="https://t.co/p1j8blNmwN">pic.twitter.com/p1j8blNmwN</a>— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/1507796975047032840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Harry Kane puts England ahead over Switzerland 👏 <a href="https://t.co/i2Lmj29ZKc">pic.twitter.com/i2Lmj29ZKc</a>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1507796946085457921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WATCH: Kane gives England lead from spot

Switzerland could be in trouble here - and there are!England twist a corner in and Steven Zuber makes contact with his arm. The referee waves it away - but then he is invited by VAR to have a second look.He goes over to the screen - and the spot-kick is given!There's only one man who will take this...

Penalty to England!

Those changes have arrived - and it's a few, to be fair.England make four swaps, and Tyrick Mitchell is on for his senior debut!Switzerland ring with swaps too. We've got under half-an-hour on the clock.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Four changes for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThreeLions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThreeLions</a> – and it's a debut for <a href="https://twitter.com/MitchellTyrick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MitchellTyrick</a>! 👏 <a href="https://t.co/jV4BMesCM4">pic.twitter.com/jV4BMesCM4</a>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1507792304454701061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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England make sweeping changes

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">6 - Luke Shaw has been directly involved in six goals in his last eight appearances for England (2 goals, 4 assists), with both of his goals for the Three Lions coming at Wembley. Leveller. <a href="https://t.co/7T5Ojclx3P">pic.twitter.com/7T5Ojclx3P</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1507787172698636290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Shaw on song once more

It has mostly been England since the break, with a few nice set-piece chances, but so far, they haven't managed to make them stick - and now Switzerland are moving towards a fightback of their own.They build some sturdy pressure down the opposite end, to leave the home crowd frustrated.Gareth Southgate eyes his bench in a speculative fashion.

Visitors eye gradual gains

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Team 💙 <a href="https://t.co/CZ5lYYw24o">pic.twitter.com/CZ5lYYw24o</a>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1507787192244051979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Teamwork make the dream work

The teams are back out - England in thise number-only shirts - and we're back underway at the national stadium in north London.Luke Shaw's finish has given the Three Lions a boost - but do they have enough to push on and win this one?Here we go!

Back underway at Wembley Stadium

When the teams come back out shortly, you're going to spot something a little bit different for England.They will not be wearing names on their shirts, to show their support for those living with dementia.It is in support of Alzheimer's Society, with whom this game is in tandem.

England to wear nameless shirts

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">What a HIT!! ☄️ Luke Shaw equalises for England vs Switzerland just before half-time! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 <a href="https://t.co/oS1YnWCLgM">pic.twitter.com/oS1YnWCLgM</a>— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/1507784513019129858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Luke Shaw, what a strike! 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/d4IC4fChC3">pic.twitter.com/d4IC4fChC3</a>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1507784766816456712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WATCH: Shaw snatches equaliser for England

And with that, the half-time whistle goes at Wembley!An England side struggling in parts go in level at the break thanks to Luke Shaw's sublime finish - one not a million miles away from that other goal he's netted before on this stage.Breel Embolo's opener though is the highlight of a dynamic Switzerland performance too. It's set up nicely for the second half!

HT: England 1-1 Switzerland

In terms of rising to the challenge, England keep suggesting that they might make it a bit harder for themselves.Ricardo Rodriguez fancies his luck from distance and the strike is a cracker, parried by Pickford before Embolo smuggles a follow-up wide.Walker-Peters offers a response for the Three Lions but his cross into the box is an easy save for the visitors.

Switzerland apply pressure again

That could have been the dream debut for Kyle Walker-Peters - but fortunately (or not), the linesman's flag was up.A superb England move cuts like a hot knife through the butter of the Switzerland defence and Foden looks like he's in on goal.A square pass skitters to the Southampton man who smashes the near woodwork on the angel, before the offside call comes in.

Walker-Peters hits post for hosts

Silvan Widmer cuts across Phil Foden and comes off worse, forcing Switzerland to break off from their counter and put the ball out of play, to an angry Wembley response.There's seemingly a hope from his team-mates that the England man might get a stern word for that, but nothing comes of it.Treatment is given and play resumes.

Widmer knock requires brief pause

It's almost two for the visitors - but Pickford pulls off another superb save to tip it onto the bar before Switzerland butcher the follow-up.This presents a nice test for England. Their formation is a lesser-spotted configuration, and their defensive changes have been thrust upon them. Now they have a goal to overcome.What will the Three Lions have up their sleeve?

Switzerland almost double lead

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Football stands together 💙💛 <a href="https://t.co/Vo9kZKNnt7">pic.twitter.com/Vo9kZKNnt7</a>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1507776375188598796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Football stands together

Ooof, now that is a bit more like it for the Three Lions.White sends a long-range ball sailing deep for Phil Foden, whose pickup allows Conor Gallagher to break down the right edge.The Chelsea loanee turns back in on himself and curls a fine shot in, denied only by a last-gasp Swiss header to cover it.

Gallagher spears great chance in

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Debutant. 💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/KWPeters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KWPeters</a> <a href="https://t.co/xwAtONcSXG">pic.twitter.com/xwAtONcSXG</a>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1507773650585456648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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KWP solid so far

It's a neat spot of early action from Switzerland who manage to move much of the game into England's half. John Stones' late exit has left Conor Coady the senior figure to guide that back five for the Three Lions.But a neat tackle helps Harry Kane drift down field. England build a spot of pressure of their own, but it is relatively tame stuff in the opening exchanges.

Hosts pegged in at first glance

The whistle goes - and we are underway in this international friendly!England expects, and even without a few familiar faces around the back, hopes are high that they will delivery. Switzerland are far from a pushover though, and both sides know it.Here we go!

KO: England v Switzerland

The national anthems have been concluded in full voice, and now thundering applause rings out as both teams take a moment to show their support for Ukraine.The Eastern European nation remains in the throes of invasion by Russia, and have been unable to complete their own World Cup playoff this month as a result.Wembley salutes them in full voice.

Teams hold moment of solidarity

Here they come then, led out into the late Wembley sunshine - and just listen to that noise!It's time for the national anthems, and both sides bellow them out with passion.It is the first time Kyle Walker-Peters and Marc Guehi will do this in the senior side. What a moment for them.

Here come the national anthems

Breaking news less than a quarter-hour out at Wembley - there's been a change for England.John Stones has picked up an issue in the warm-up so Arsenal's Ben White is drafted in to start amid that back three.The Gunners defender has been in superb form over the past few months and will surely grab this chance with both hands.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A late change to our starting line-up for today's game, with <a href="https://twitter.com/ben6white?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ben6white</a> replacing John Stones, who picked up an injury during the warm-up. <a href="https://t.co/NlQyBBqCLx">https://t.co/NlQyBBqCLx</a>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1507768577935482880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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White in for Stones in late England change

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">So good to see you back with us at <a href="https://twitter.com/wembleystadium?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wembleystadium</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThreeLions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThreeLions</a> fans! 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/QjPERI8cRJ">pic.twitter.com/QjPERI8cRJ</a>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1507762989432295432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Back in the saddle

The road to Qatar does not start here - England will already be there of course - but the legwork of finding form begins at Wembley Stadium today, ahead of a tournament already destined to go down in infamy.There will be no boycott from the Three Lions however, with Southgate confirming that he was "unsure" what any such action would do earlier this week.<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/southgate-shuts-down-potential-england-boycott-of-qatar-2022/blt255fc5306d2843ee" target="_blank">You can read his words here.</a>

No Qatar boycott for Three Lions

Gareth Southgate's first matchday squad of the year includes two players making the step-up to senior level then - it is maiden caps for both Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi!The latter was a member of the original squad, while the former was called up following injuries, alongside Guehi's Palace team-mate Tyrick Mitchell. The latter makes the bench too, meaning he could come on for good measure.It also marks the latest injection of talent, as Southgate continues to consider his options for Qatar. Harry Maguire is on the bench after his fluctuations with Manchester United, while Conor Gallagher - another Palace man - gets the nod in midfield in Kalvin Phillips' absence.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🦁1️⃣2️⃣6️⃣7️⃣: <a href="https://twitter.com/KWPeters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KWPeters</a> 🦁1️⃣2️⃣6️⃣8️⃣: Marc Guéhi Welcome to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThreeLions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThreeLions</a> family, lads! <a href="https://t.co/EI7y3dke4K">pic.twitter.com/EI7y3dke4K</a>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1507751178574123014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Debut delight for defensive duo

England: Pickford, Walker-Peters, Guehi, Stones, Coady, Shaw, Gallagher, Henderson, Mount, Foden, Kane.Switzerland: Omlin, Widmer, Akanji, Frei, Embolo, Freuler, Xhaka, Steffen, Rodriguez, Vargas, Shaqiri.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ready to face Switzerland! 👊 <a href="https://t.co/wUFJFQHJHK">pic.twitter.com/wUFJFQHJHK</a>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1507749933520236544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Aufstellung / Composition / Formazione 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🆚🇨🇭 🕡 18:30 CET 📺 SRF 2, RTS 2, RSI La 2<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/natimiteuch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#natimiteuch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lanatiavecvous?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lanatiavecvous</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lanaticonvoi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lanaticonvoi</a> <a href="https://t.co/79lyAnLT2U">pic.twitter.com/79lyAnLT2U</a>— 🇨🇭 Nati (@nati_sfv_asf) <a href="https://twitter.com/nati_sfv_asf/status/1507753204133634052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Team News: England v Switzerland

Hello and welcome to GOAL Matchday Live - our rolling blog coverage of all the biggest beats and hottest games this weekend!Except, who are we kidding? We're here for one game, and one game only - and that's England's first match of 2022, as Gareth Southgate's Three Lions take on Switzerland at Wembley Stadium.The hosts are looking to back up a 2021 that saw them finish second at Euro 2020 with the best start possible, as they fix their eye on going one step further at Qatar 2022 and the World Cup later this year - and we're going to be with you every step of the way.But first, the teams...

🎉 ⚽️ Welcome to GOAL Matchday Live! ⚽️ 🎉

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Matchday LIVE: England host Switzerland as Spain, Netherlands & Germany headline international friendlies | Goal.com South Africa

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