Gareth Southgate takes charge of his first games since being appointed permanent England manager this week. The Three Lions head to Germany for a friendly, before stepping up their push for qualification for the 2018 World Cup at home to Lithuania.
Although Southgate is not technically new to the role, it is a big challenge none the less. The former England Under-21 manager made the step up to the senior side as interim manager, after Sam Allardyce was dismissed in September. Now, the two upcoming games this week will give fans a flavour of the kind of Football the national side will be playing under their new boss.
Ready for a battle
Despite it being a friendly, no game between England and Germany is ever just a friendly. The trip to Dortmund will provide a stern test for Southgate and his men. And, despite missing a group of big players, Germany will be up for the fight.
Star goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will miss out through injury, as will Mesut Ozil and PSG midfielder Julian Draxler. But even without these star names, the Germans still boast a hugey talented squad with the likes of Mats Hummels, Toni Kroos and young starlets Timo Werner and Leroy Sane, just to name a few.
There is an added bit of spice to the match, given the way the last meeting between the two sides ended. England came from 2-0 down and grabbed an injury time winner to triumph 3-2 in Berlin.
Southgate ready his side for a battle, as Joachim Low's side look to make up for last years defeat.
A new generation?
Southgate has taken the bold move of naming three uncapped players in his first quad since being named England captain. Burnley defender Michael Keane comes in to the squad, alongside fellow debutants James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond, both of Southampton.
On paper, it looks like an exciting young side, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, John Stones, Dele Alli and Ross Barkley also in the squad.
Captain Wayne Rooney won't lead the side out for their two games this week, meaning it is likely Joe Hart will take the armband. The Manchester City 'keeper, on loan at Torino, will want to prove a point after being deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium.
It is certainly not the first time England have named a young, exciting team, only to be let down by the performance. But Southgate will be looking at these games as an opportunity. Having managed many of the players in the squad at under-21 level, he has the experience of working with them, and knows the importance of letting youth flourish, whilst simultaneously keeping them grounded.
Just been told Jermain Defoe is back in England squad -- recalled at the age of 34. Richly deserved, even if not exactly one for the future.
— Oliver Kay (@OliverKayTimes) 16 March 2017
Alongside his youthful selections, Southgate has not been afraid to disrupt the status quo. Recalling Jermain Defoe was a brave decision, despite being one of the best out-and-out goalscorers for many years in the Premier League. Southgate may have shown some risk in his selection, but it remains to be seen whether his tactics will do the same.
