Ever since their 1966 World Cup title and their constant presence on the biggest stages, the Three Lions have embraced a possession-based game, with quick ball circulation and relentless pressure in the final third. The 1996 African champions, meanwhile, rely on physical power, controlled aggression and a direct style of play that punishes every mistake.
It’s a showdown between a European powerhouse used to dictating the tempo and a southern African side that thrives on end-to-end football and individual battles. In the middle of a World Cup group stage, a poor clearance or a badly timed transition can decide everything: every point is worth its weight in gold.
Buoyed by their 2018 World Cup semi-finals and their 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, the England squad arrives with Harry Kane as their attacking leader and a brilliant new generation led by Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden. The African side comes into the tournament on the back of a continental resurgence, inspired by the leadership of Percy Tau, Teboho Mokoena and Ronwen Williams. Book your tickets and experience a thrilling England–South Africa live, a clash that could reshape the group from matchday one.