OSLO, NORWAY - MAY 26: Roy Hodgson the manager of England looks on during the International Friendly match between Norway and England at Ullevaal Stadion on May 26, 2012 in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
England has one friendly to solve their midfield and striking dilemmas before Euro 2012.
England recorded a win in their first friendly match under Roy Hodgson, a 1-0 victory over Norway, but the Three Lions were less than impressive. On Saturday evening, they take a step-up in competition and face off against a Belgium team that features the likes of Eden Hazard, Marouane Fellaini, Thomas Vermaelen and Jan Vertonghen.
Hodgson is now without both Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry after both pulled out of the squad with injuries. Steven Gerrard started in the center of midfield against Norway, behind Ashley Young and next to Scott Parker, and he will likely resume that role on Saturday. Other candidates for that role are James Milner and Phil Jones, neither of whom play primarily in the center for their club teams.
Almost as important as who plays in the middle is who Hodgson selects to start up top. Andy Carroll put in a decent, but unremarkable shift against Norway, and it could be time for Danny Welbeck to get a shot at leading the line for England.
Game Date/Time: Saturday, 12:15 p.m. ET, 6:15 p.m. local
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, England
TV: FOX Soccer Channel (U.S. - English), FOX Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada), ITV 1 (U.K.)


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