Barcelona’s, Alexsis Sanchez has done England’s teamtalk for them by suggesting they are soft. The 24-year-old claimed that Chile are a tougher team and that everything is so easy for them: “ I used to wash cars for such little money just so I had enough money to buy my football boots. When you are at academies like Manchester United and Arsenal then everything is just given to you.”
Rickie Lambert, who will be out of the game on the Friday, believed it was an excellent motivator: "You can't really buy motivation like that to be honest.” He continued speaking of his delight at the inclusion of his Southampton team-mates Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez: "They deserve to be there. The way they have performed last season and especially this season, they have both been absolutely superb.”
The pressure tonight will be on Ashley Cole. The long term left back’s place in the side is under threat from the arguably more impressive Everton defender, Leighton Baines. With Kieran Gibbs and Luke Shaw also waiting in the wings. Roy Hodgson claimed he wouldn’t be lost without Ashley Cole: “They are two younger players who I think can definitely put these more senior ones under some pressure I would definitely not be concerned about Gibbs or Shaw playing.”
Chile manager, Jorge Sampaoli thinks the upcoming friendly game is one of their sternest tests to date: "These next two friendly games, against top world sides like Brazil and England, will give us an idea of where we are and how we're going to compete in the World Cup.” He continued by heaping praise on the hosts: "England are always considered one of the top sides in the world in the FIFA rankings and are particularly strong when they play at home.”
Team News:
England - Roy Hodgson confirmed that Joe Hart will not be starting in goal, but he did not reveal which of John Ruddy or Fraser Forster would take his place. Frank Lampard is expected to captain the side with Steven Gerrard missing. While Rickie Lambert, Daniel Welbeck, Michael Carrick and Kyle Walker will all be missing.
Chile - Juventus midfielder, Arturo Vidal is out with a calf strain. While Brazil-based, Jorge Valdivia is subject to a late fitness test.
Last Time Out: England 0-2 Chile- February 1998
Michael Owen made his England debut as England lost 2-0 to Chile in their preparations for the 1998 World Cup. Marcelo Salas, then of River Plate, scored both goals for visitors.