England vs Republic Of Ireland: Team News, Match Preview & Likely Line-Ups

By Joseph Dempsey /

Venue: Wembley Stadium Date: Wednesday, 29th May K/o: 20:00 BST

Team News

Left back Ashley Cole will captain England for tonight's friendly against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium. Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson will be without five players tonight with Kyle Walker (fibula), Tom Cleverly (calf), Steven Gerrard (shoulder), Andy Carroll (heel) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) all pulling out of the squad with respective injuries. Green Army manager Giovanni Trapattoni will be without Stoke's Marc Wilson (calf), meaning Reading full-back Stephen Kelly will take his place in the back four while Sean St Ledger is expected to partner John O'Shea in the centre of defence. Robbie Keane has gained permission from MLS side LA Galaxy to play, and will partner West Brom's Shane Long up front.

Key Stats

England have not beaten Ireland in any of their last five encounters. This is Ireland's first visit to England since 1991, with the game organised as part of the FA's ongoing 150th anniversary celebrations. The match had to be abandoned the last time these two nations met in 1995 due to rioting. The Three Lions are unbeaten in their last five games at Wembley, including victories over Belgium, Italy and Brazil. (Goal.com)

Likely Line-Ups

England Hart, Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Cole, Walcott, Carrick, Lampard, Milner, Rooney, Sturridge Republic of Ireland Forde, Coleman, O'Shea, St Ledger, Kelly, Walters, McCarthy, Whelan, McGeady, Keane, Long Now click "Next" for our Match Preview

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