ENGLAND and Australia go head-to-head tonight for the first time since 2016 in an international friendly at Wembley Stadium.
But why will the Three Lions be wearing black armbands and where can I watch the match?
Why are England wearing black armbands against Australia?
It's the penultimate international break of 2023 and Gareth Southgate's England are taking on Australia in a friendly at Wembley Stadium.
Southgate's men enter the contest unbeaten in their last six matches since the 2-1 defeat to France at the Qatar World Cup.
England have won five during that run, scoring an impressive 19 goals and keeping three clean sheets — drawing only with Ukraine to spoil their 100% Euro 2024 qualification record.
But because of the horrifying events playing out in the Middle East, both sets of players will wear black armbands during the match.
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Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to crush Hamas terrorists after gunmen stormed over the border and brutally executed men, women and children — the act which led the Israeli prime minister to declare his country is at war.
Where can I watch England vs Australia?
The Three Lions take on the Soceroos on Friday October 13, 2023 at Wembley stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm.
Unless you are lucky enough to have a ticket for the game, the best way to watch it is on Channel 4 — or to stream the match via the broadcaster's website or app.
All of England's fixtures, aside from those in international tournaments, are now screened free to air on Channel 4.
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How has the FA responded to the conflict in Israel?
There will be a period of silence before the kick-off of the international friendly between England and Australia tonight.
Flags showing support for both Israel and Palestine will not be allowed in the stadium at any point during the evening.
The FA also made the decision not to illuminate the Wembley arch in the colours of Israel — as they did in support of Ukraine's resistance against Russia's unprovoked and illegal invasion.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) wrote to the governing bodies of major UK sports on Wednesday October 11 to urge them to “mark appropriately” the atrocities.
Secretary of State at the DCMS, Lucy Frazer, said she was “extremely disappointed” at the FA’s failure to show support for Israel.
The FA is planning to apply the same rules for Tuesday’s Euro 24 qualifier against Italy at Wembley.
Instead, inside Wembley the British Red Cross’ emergency appeal to support people affected by the humanitarian crisis will be promoted by the FA.
History will also be made during the friendly against Australia as Stephanie Frappart becomes the first woman to referee a men's international at Wembley Stadium.
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