Patrick Bamford marks his 28th birthday with his England debut this afternoon after Gareth Southgate made 11 changes for the match against Andorra.
The Leeds striker finally earned his maiden senior call-up for the latest World Cup qualifying triple-header having not even made the provisional squad for this summer’s European Championship, but did not see the pitch during Thursday’s 4-0 win over Hungary that was marred by racist abuse aimed at Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham by a section of the home fans in Budapest.
Bamford’s chances of starting against Group I minnows in England’s first home match since losing the Euros final to Italy on penalties were boosted earlier this week after Everton frontman Dominic Calvert-Lewin was forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury.
He is supported in attack by Bukayo Saka and Jesse Lingard, with Jordan Henderson and Jude Bellingham behind.
Sam Johnstone replaces Jordan Pickford in goal, with Conor Coady, Tyrone Mings, Reece James and Kieran Trippier also coming in, along with the returning Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Follow England vs Andorra LIVE from Wembley
"It's a special moment for him and for his family. You always think about people that have helped you on that journey,” Southgate said when discussing Bamford’s debut at his pre-match press conference on Saturday.
"We want him to do what he does every week with his club. He has settled in really well with the group, he hasn't had a huge amount of time to be able to train with us yet but I think he's got a really clear picture of how we like to play.
"We just want him to go and enjoy his football. It's an opportunity and he shouldn't put any more pressure on himself than that. We know what he's capable of and we're looking forward to seeing him play."
Jadon Sancho misses Sunday’s game and the trip to Poland on Wednesday after returning to Manchester United for treatment on an unspecified minor knock.
England XI: Johnstone, James, Mings, Coady, Trippier, Bellingham, Henderson, Alexander-Arnold, Lingard, Bamford, Saka
Subs: Shaw, Rice, Stones, Phillips, Kane, Grealish, Walker, Maguire, Sterling, Pope, Mount, Pickford
Today, 5pm BST, ITV
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Referee: Anastasios Papapetrou (GRE)
Injured: Sancho, Calvert-Lewin
