Raheem Sterling has been left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad – Getty Images/Rob NewellEngland take on Australia for the first time in more than seven years, in their final friendly of the 2023 season.The last time these two sides met was at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light in 2016 when England, under the command of Roy Hodgson, secured a 2-1 victory thanks to a 75th-minute winner from Wayne Rooney.In total, the Three Lions have played the Socceroos on seven occasions, winning four times and drawing twice. Only two of those fixtures have come on home soil − the game at Sunderland in 2016 and a match at West Ham’s former ground Upton Park in 2003, when England slumped to a 3-1 defeat.Gareth Southgate’s side come into the game off the back of a mixed set of results. After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Ukraine in August, the side rallied to win 3-1 win away against Scotland, with Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane all getting onto the scoresheet.Australia will be hoping for a change of fortune having not managed a win in their last three fixtures. Their latest result was a 2-2 draw against Concacaf Gold Cup winners Mexico in September.Meanwhile, Southgate has left Raheem Sterling out of his squad.When is it?England take on Australia on Friday October 13, with the match kicking off at 7.45pm. The clash comes just four days before the Three Lions line up against Italy for a Euro 2024 qualifier on October 17.Where is the match taking place?Gareth Southgate’s side host the Socceroos under the arch at Wembley Stadium for the first time in the fixture’s history.What TV channel is it on?The Wembley clash is scheduled to be broadcast on Channel 4. The state-owned broadcaster last year took over the rights to show the Nations League and European Qualifiers until Euro 2024.How do I get tickets?Tickets for this match are still available and can be purchased via the official Wembley Stadium website.England’s squad to face AustraliaGoalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)Defenders: Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (Arsenal)Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United) Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur), Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)What is the latest team news?Raheem Sterling has once again been left out of the England squad with Gareth Southgate stating the 28-year-old forward has a “battle” on his hands to reclaim his place.The England manager was speaking after announcing his 26-man squad for next Friday’s friendly at Wembley against Australia and the Euro 2024 qualifier at home to Italy the following Tuesday.“We’ve got brilliant competition for places in several areas of the pitch,” Southgate said. “So, there is a battle now, without a doubt. For a long period of time Raheem was the one that was scoring goals for us and his club. We now have goals from [Bukayo] Saka, [Phil] Foden, [Marcus] Rashford. Rashford’s always been a scorer with us. [Jack] Grealish is a different type of wide player, so now we’re getting goals from Jude [Bellingham].“We’re not just reliant on Harry Kane. For a long time it was Harry and Raheem that were knocking up the goals. But there’s a different competition in place.”Jarrod Bowen has been recalled – and will certainly feature against Australia when up to six substitutes can be used – as has Ollie Watkins, with Callum Wilson out injured along with Eberechi Eze.The fact that Sterling has again been overlooked, despite players being absent, highlights how far he has slipped down the pecking order having previously been an ever-present.Southgate has included Saka despite the Arsenal forward being a major injury doubt for the Premier League game at home to Manchester City on Sunday. Saka was forced off in the Champions League defeat by Lens on Tuesday suffering from a suspected hamstring strain.The injury has intensified the debate on player burnout with concerns raised over Saka’s workload. It was Saka’s third consecutive appearance cut short by injury and the 22-year-old has started Arsenal’s last 87 league games – a club record.Southgate insisted he would not put Saka at risk and Arsenal will be concerned if he does not play for them on Sunday but is still included by England.“They [the clubs] have trust in us that we make decisions that are right for the long-term whenever we can,” Southgate said. “I’ve never ever taken a risk on a player’s physical well-being. And nor would I.”Even if he does meet up with the rest of the squad Saka would only be considered for the Italy game. “There are certain key games where if it’s possible to have your best players then you do want to have them,” Southgate said. “So we’ve got that responsibility of qualifying for the country.”With injuries to Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell and a lack of “depth” at left-back Southgate suggested he may try out Levi Colwill in a role he has been playing for his club, Chelsea.Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
