With the World Cup in Qatar just eight months away, Gareth Southgate will want to finalise the 23-man squad he will take to the tournament.
However, with withdrawals from his initial squad, Southgate is left with a patchwork of regulars and players hopeful of jump starting their England careers.
They face Switzerland on Saturday who topped a tough group in qualifying.
They beat the likes of Northern Ireland and Euro holders Italy to top the group undefeated.
England also topped their qualifying group without registering a loss.
This is the first international game either team has played since November.
Southgate has seen the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Sam Johnstone, Aaron Ramsdale and Tammy Abraham all withdraw from his squad.
Kyle Walker-Peters, Tyrick Mitchell, Fraser Forster and Ollie Watkins have all been called up.
The Three Lions still have several players who reached the final of the Euros last summer.
Harry Maguire, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling make up the experienced names in the squad.
With England due to play Ivory Coast next week he may opt to play as close to a preferred starting XI against Switzerland.
He is likely to play a more heavily rotated side in the second game.
Switzerland also arguably have an easier second game this week as they face Bulgaria so may opt to play their best team at Wembley.
The Swiss possess a number of players who England need to be wary of.
New Juventus signing Dennis Zakaria has impressed for both club and country this season.
With the Juventus man set to join either Granit Xhaka or Roman Freuler in midfield it will prove a tough test for a potentially young and inexperienced England midfield.
Southgate is facing questions from the media and fans surrounding personnel and tactical set up.
A strong performance in these friendlies could be the perfect answers.
(Featured image by Rob under Creative Commons)
