England will play Uruguay in an international friendly, their first meeting since the 2014 World Cup. In that previous encounter, Uruguay defeated England 2-1, resulting in the Three Lions’ elimination from the tournament under manager Roy Hodgson. Historically, England have a 27% win ratio against Uruguay, winning only three of eleven matches played. Their record is worse only against Brazil (15%) and Romania (25%).
A History of Wembley Stalemates
Wembley has been the venue for four previous England versus Uruguay games. Two of those four games ended in 0-0 draws. Those goalless matches occurred at the 1966 World Cup and in a 1995 friendly. Uruguay is one of only three nations against whom England have drawn more than one 0-0 game at Wembley, along with Wales and Sweden.
South American Struggles
England have struggled against South American opposition in recent years. They have won just two of their last 11 matches against South American nations. These wins came against Brazil in February 2013 and Peru in May 2014. England are currently winless in their last five games against South American sides, having drawn three and lost two since the Peru win.
England’s Defensive Strength
England have been defensively solid in recent matches. They have kept a clean sheet in 11 of their last 12 matches. This includes the last six in a row since a 3-1 defeat to Senegal in June 2025. Another clean sheet in this game would equal the Three Lions’ record for consecutive clean sheets, matching the run of seven achieved in June/July 2021.
Uruguay Looking to Bounce Back
Uruguay will be aiming to recover from a heavy defeat in their last match. They suffered a 5-1 loss to the USA. Uruguay haven’t lost consecutive games since losing four in a row in October/November 2021, their final four games under Oscar Tabárez.
Bielsa’s Wembley Return
Uruguay’s manager, Marcelo Bielsa, will be managing his third game against England. He drew 0-0 at Wembley in February 2000. He also lost 1-0 at the 2002 World Cup as Argentina boss. This game will be 26 years and 32 days since his last game at Wembley.
Kane’s Goalscoring Prowess
Harry Kane has been in excellent form for England. He has scored 10 goals in his last 10 England appearances. That includes nine in his first nine under Thomas Tuchel. Kane also scored and assisted in Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa’s last match on English soil when he was Leeds manager, in a 4-0 win for Tottenham at Elland Road in February 2022.
England have won their first match of the calendar year in 11 of the last 13 years. However, one of their defeats in this 13-year run was against a South American side at Wembley, losing 1-0 to Brazil in 2024.