England's Nations League match against Iceland will be played at Wembley on Wednesday after a UK government exemption was given to the away side.

Iceland play Denmark in Copenhagen on Sunday and would ordinarily have been subject to a travel ban, prohibiting them from entry into the UK.

The restrictions relate to a new coronavirus strain that has spread from mink to humans.

Image source, Reuters

Jude Bellingham could become the third-youngest player to represent England tonight.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who is 17 years and 137 days old, starts on the bench but could come on at some point.

Theo Walcott, aged 17 years 75 days, and Wayne Rooney - 17 years 111 days - are England's two youngest players.

It had been nearly 40 years since an Irish win over England and Bobby Robson's side came into the Euro 88 tournament among the favourites after a decent World Cup in Mexico. When will they ever learn?

Diego Maradona was their nemesis in 1986; this time it would be Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton, whose early, looping header was the difference and the start of a woeful tournament for England.

The Republic, 50-1 outsiders at the start of their first major tournament, drew with the Soviet Union and were minutes away from reaching the semi-finals until eventual winners the Netherlands found a goal.

Read more on past England-Republic of Ireland encounters in Tom Rostance's piece here.

Image source, Getty Images

After this game England are in Nations League action at Belgium on Sunday and then at home to Iceland on 18 November.

Belgium are top of Group A2 and if they beat England, and Denmark fail to win against Iceland, Roberto Martinez's side cannot be caught.

England are third - level on points with Denmark - but have won their past four away games without conceding a goal.

However, continuing that run will be severely tested by a Belgium side who have won their past 10 competitive home games, scoring 46 goals.

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The Republic of Ireland are using this friendly as build-up to two important Nations League Group B4 games.

They are battling to avoid relegation to League C as they still wait to pick up their first win in this year's competition.

The Republic face Wales in Cardiff on Sunday before hosting Bulgaria in Dublin on 18 November in their final group game which is likely to decide who stays up and who goes down.

Image source, Reuters

No fans in Wembley for this one. Instead we have just the one fan outside the ground dressed like this.

No idea either...

The age old (well, months old) debate over Mason Mount or Jack Grealish has sort of been settled tonight by Gareth Southgate starting both players.

Thoughts on the team? And just how much do you care about international friendlies? Let us know via #bbcfootball or text in on 81111 (UK only)

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A dour 0-0 saw Jamie Vardy make his England debut from a bench that also included Charlie Austin, as England's wait for a first win over the Republic of Ireland since 1985 continued.

Surely we're in for a better spectacle this time?

"1966 at Wembley was a landmark in my career, but I think this experience is even better."

So said Republic of Ireland manager, and 1966 World Cup winner with England, Jack Charlton after leading his side to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 1990.

A sporting giant on both sides of the Irish Sea, Charlton will be represented by a banner behind the goal at Wembley as the sides meet four months after his death.

Image source, Getty Images

Elsewhere, history has been made as North Macedonia qualify for Euro 2020, their first major tournament.

They've just beaten Georgia 1-0. Great celebration scenes after the final whistle, even the pre-match scenes were pretty mad.

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And here's the Republic of Ireland team.

The England team is out. There's starts for Nick Pope and Jack Grealish while Harry Maguire captains the Three Lions for the first time.

Image source, Getty Images

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland host Slovakia at Windsor Park in their play-off final aiming to reach a second European Championship, four years after their debut appearance in the competition.

There will be 1,060 spectators in attendance to cheer on Ian Baraclough's side, with fans given socially distanced seats in the 18,500-capacity stadium.

A spot in Group E alongside Spain, Sweden and Poland is up for grabs.

You can follow dedicated coverage of that game here.

Scotland could be a few hours away from securing their place at a major men's tournament for the first time since 1998 as they face Serbia in their Euro 2020 play off final.

"I was still playing the last time Scotland qualified. It was a very long time ago," says Scotland boss Steve Clarke.

If Scotland can overcome Serbia, they will join England, Croatia and the Czech Republic in Group D at next year's tournament.

You can follow build up and coverage of that game here.

Image source, Inpho

Hello!

Thought you were getting a breather from football after the relentless pace of the domestic action? Think again!

It's international football for the next couple of weeks, with some teams having significantly more important games than others over the coming days.

Tonight falls on the less significant side for England and the Republic of Ireland with this just a friendly ahead upcoming Nations League fixtures.

It is, however, a big night for Scotland and Northern Ireland...

What were you doing in 1985?

I'm guessing for quite a lot of our audience you were busy being not born yet.

However, if you were around back then and were not of an age where playing with toys and watching Dogtanian on the TV were the priority then you may remember England's friendly against Republic of Ireland.

Why was it of particular significance? It was a game in which Gary Lineker scored his first international goal, and it was also the last time England beat the Republic.

Tonight, the two sides meet again. Will England end their long run without a win against the Irish?

Image source, Getty Images