England vs Nigeria - World Cup 2018 warm-up: as it happened

England 2-1 Nigeria: Reaction from the World Cup warm-up at Wembley

England v Nigeria: International friendly preview

England’s World Cup 2018 campaign starts here, when Nigeria, clad in their dazzling new kit which sold out within minutes of its release on Friday, arrive at Wembley.

Gareth Southgate has insisted the team he names will not necessarily be the one that starts the World Cup against Tunisia on 18^th June but there are places still up for grabs.

Jordan Pickford starts between the sticks with Jesse Lingard part of an attacking midfield that also includes Raheem Sterling after a controversial and headline-grabbing week.

We will have all the action right here:

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What time is kick-off?

The game will kick off at Wembley at 5.15pm BST.

Where can I watch it?

The game will be shown on ITV, with coverage starting at 5.00pm BST.

Odds?

England: 2/5

Nigeria: 19/2

Odds: 62/17

Key Points

• Gary Cahill and Harry Kane scored to give England the perfect Wembley send-off
• Raheem Sterling showed why he's become a player you should make an exception for
• Five things we learned at Wembley

[2 June 2018 17:09 · Ben Burrows]

Gareth Southgate tells ITV that he was considering leaving Raheem Sterling out today.

But after "coming under fire" this week he feels it's his "duty to protect him".

"Maybe 10 days ago there were doubts about selecting Raheem Sterling. My initial instinct was what was right for the first team. He has been under fire this week and I had to protect him.

"He is strong, desperate to play football and his attitude and approach to training has been excellent. I am looking forward to watching him play today."

The Manchester City man starts with plenty of eyes sure to be on him this evening.

[2 June 2018 17:19 · Ben Burrows]

Kick off: And we're off. 

For those of you old school types - like me - England are kicking from right to left and therefore Nigeria, in that truly wonderful get up, are kicking from left to right.

Bright sunshine at Wembers, which is nice. Both teams trying to get their foot on it early doors, without too much success thus far it must be said.

[2 June 2018 17:22 · Ben Burrows]

5 mins: It's all a little frenetic so far with both teams yet to really settle.

There's an ugly looking clash of heads that stops play but there isn't too much damage done and play is back underway.

[2 June 2018 17:24 · Ben Burrows]

6 mins: The resulting free-kick is in a good spot 25 yards out and, somewhat surprisingly, it's Trippier who is given the nod to take it.

The Spurs man steps up, curls it and forces an excellent stop.

Great effort. Can that help England kick on?

[2 June 2018 17:25 · Ben Burrows]

GOAL! Yes it can.

The corner is swung over and Gary Cahill rises highest to hammer an unstoppable header into the net.

Keeper had no chance. Great reward for Cahill on his return to the side.

England 1-0 Nigeria.

[2 June 2018 17:29 · Ben Burrows]

12 mins: England are into their stride now with Cahill again dangerous from an Ashley Young corner.

Raheem Sterling's follow-up shirt forces a smart stop from the keeper. 

More chaos from the next set piece before the goalkeeper smothers. England have started well, particularly from dead ball situations. Always a good sign.

[2 June 2018 17:31 · Ben Burrows]

14 mins: Another chance for England.

Sterling spins in behind beautifully and is one on one but his dinked finish is enough to beat the keeper but isn't on target and bounces harmlessly wide.

Should have done better, but credit for making the chance in the first place.

He's operating in a very free role so far with Lingard and Alli also interchanging nicely.

[2 June 2018 17:34 · Ben Burrows]

Here's a look at the goal that separates the sides so far.

[2 June 2018 17:37 · Ben Burrows]

19 mins: England again pour forward and Sterling, released wonderfully through the middle, could perhaps shoot early but feeds Ashley Young who sees his shot blocked well.

Nigeria, who we haven't seen much from in an attacking sense, try to break but goal hero Cahill is in the right place to snuff out the counter.

[2 June 2018 17:41 · Ben Burrows]

23 mins: It's all England who are looking far likelier to extend their lead rather than surrender it.

A period of possession now as the hosts look to dictate the tempo of proceedings.

England's shape continues to change with the three behind Kane constantly shifting around.