Featured Image Credit: Getty Images - Channel 4
Jack Kenmare
Gareth Southgate broke a long-standing record when he named an experimental starting line-up for England's friendly clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Three Lions began their preparations for this summer's European Championships with a warm-up game against 74th-ranked Bosnia at St James' Park.
Southgate made seven changes to the side that drew 2-2 to Belgium in March, with Marc Guehi and Kieran Trippier coming in to replace John Stones and Ben Chilwell.
Conor Gallagher and Trent Alexander-Arnold also came in for Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, while Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze and Oli Watkins featured in attacking areas.
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As a result of the much-changed line-up, a rather surprising stat emerged.
For the first time since November 1994 – when England came up against Nigeria at Wembley – the Three Lions named a starting XI without a single player from Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United or Spurs.
Southgate explained the reasoning behind his team selection ahead of kick-off.
"Some players need minutes, the whole group that have been with us for five, six days have had a couple of weeks without a game, so everybody's going to benefit from that," he said.
"There's a big physical aspect to what we're looking at periodisation wise. And then an opportunity to see some combinations, and see people in different positions, perhaps some players with fewer caps than others."
Southgate added: "That international experience playing at what will be a brilliant atmosphere is always important. So lots of different objectives. I think the boys will play well."
Last month, the England boss named his 33-man provisional squad for Euro 2024, with some notable names missing out, including Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
Here is the team in full: