England vs Australia: Starting XIs for friendly match confirmed

Jordan Henderson captains England as Gareth Southgate makes wholesale changes for the friendly clash against Australia.

The Al-Ettifaq midfielder’s inclusion in last month’s squad was controversial following his switch to the Saudi Pro League but he retains his spot this time around and leads out the hosts.

In a much-changed side, Chelsea defender Levi Colwill makes his senior debut at left-back as Lewis Dunk and Fikayo Tomori are partnered in the heart of defence.

Trent Alexander-Arnold completes the back-four while Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone earns a rare outing.

Jack Grealish returns having missed the September fixtures through injury while Jarrod Bowen and Ollie Watkins are also selected.

Meanwhile, former Brighton and Arsenal goalkeeper Mat Ryan captains the Socceroos, who include Leicester’s Harry Souttar and Cameron Burgess of Ipswich in their side.

England team to face Australia: Johnstone, Alexander-Arnold, Dunk, Tomori, Colwill, Henderson, Gallagher, Bowen, Maddison, Grealish, Watkins.

Australia team to face England: Ryan, Strain, Souttar, Burgess, Rowles, Baccus, Irvine, Metcalfe, Boyle, Duke, Goodwin.