It has been announced that the England national team will take on the Republic of Ireland in a friendly match on November 12, after New Zealand pulled out of the previously arranged tie due to fears over the coronavirus outbreak.
The Three Lions were set to face the All Whites prior to their Nations League double header with Belgium and Iceland. Their opponents withdrew from the match however, citing concerns over the possible spreading of the coronavirus as their motive not to travel to the United Kingdom.
And journalist Matthew Nash has confirmed that the England Football Association has agreed to play a friendly against the Republic of Ireland in its place on November 12, as both teams prepare for their respective duties in the Nations League.
The contest will take place at Wembley Stadium, adding another fixture to a hectic international schedule.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate will once again use this time to find the right balance and team selection for the upcoming Euro 2020, having tinkered with his lineup in their victory over Belgium and subsequent defeat to Denmark.
Time is running out for the England coach to decide upon his strongest side, but his progress is being hindered by players suffering injuries or being forced to isolate due to coronavirus related issues.
Stephen Kenny’s men will complete their group stage fixtures with a trip to Wales, before entertaining Bulgaria on match day six. Ireland have only picked up two points from their first four matches of the Nations League, and will be keen to avoid finishing bottom of their mini-league.
The Boys in Green will be desperate to bounce back in positive fashion, following their heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Slovakia in the last round of international fixtures, a result which ended their dreams of qualifying for the rearranged summer tournament.
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