(Football news) England are continuing their preparations for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with their first UEFA Nations League clash against Hungary at the Puskas Arena on Saturday evening. In contrast, the hosts will not be there at the biggest stage of all, and off-field controversy continues to linger ahead of this fixture. Last time they played and won in Hungary as the mode was dampened by a torrent of racist abuse hurled down from the stands back in September's World Cup qualifier, as now the match is going to take place behind closed doors.

An appearance in the World Cup finals since 1986 still eludes Hungary as those who saw the recent fixture saw Roland Sallai net the only goal in a 1-0 friendly success over Northern Ireland which was a third win from five matches in all competitions for the Magyars. On a more negative note, Hungary welcomed England to Budapest having won just two of their last six home matches in all competitions against the Three lions. In the nations league their wins have been against European minnows in San Marino and Andorra, so after their wins then won back promotion to the A tier going up against the big teams

There may be mixed feelings for England in this year's Nations League as Three Lions should not turn their noses up to a piece of silverware 12 months on from their Euro heartbreak . Gareth Southgate will be sticking around until 2024 following his new contract back in November, which came after England eased into the 2022 World Cup unbeaten in 10 Qualifying matches and also topping Group I in the process. In the recent matches five goals were scored and only one was conceded as England claimed a victories over Switzerland and Ivory Coast in international friendlies, with Southgate still finding his best XI, he will take this period to assess this situation and the Nations League provides the last-chance to figure this out before the World Cup.

Hungary possible starting lineup:

Gulacsi; At. Szalai, Orban, Lang; Nego, A. Nagy, Schafer, S. Nagy; Sallai, Szoboszlai; Ad. Szalai

England possible starting lineup:

Pickford; James, Stones, Maguire, Trippier; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Mount, Grealish; Kane

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