England vs. Lithuania: Team News, Predicted Line-Ups, Live Stream and TV Info

These are exciting times for England, and with the inclusion of the free-scoring Harry Kane in the Three Lions squad, there is a rare air of optimism surrounding Roy Hodgson's team.

England continue to make progress after their disappointing World Cup campaign last summer, and the manager has remained true to his word as he attempts to revitalise his side, injecting plenty of youthful talent.

Kane's current form makes him the pick of the bunch right now, but with other youngsters, including the talented Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Ross Barkley and Nathaniel Clyne, England suddenly have a team developing, and it looks promising.

It's one in stark contrast to what we have seen in the not-so-distant past, when there were too many players the wrong side of 30.

Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and the like have been replaced by a fresher-looking squad—one hoping to go beyond what the previous generation achieved.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

It's too early to make predictions right now, but at least England are beginning to have options that didn't seem to be there this time last year.

Hodgson and his staff know it will take much more than steamrolling a fairly straightforward qualification group for Euro 2016 to lift spirits, although things are moving in the right direction.

England have never previously played Lithuania, so Friday's meeting is a case of stepping into unknown territory.

That said, Hodgson's side are expected to come away winners against a team that sits joint-second with Slovenia and Switzerland in Group E.

The Lithuanians won their first two games of qualifying but, having since faced Slovenia and Switzerland, have been on the receiving end of 2-0 and 4-0 defeats, respectively.

England know they need to continue their winning run, and nothing but three points at Wembley will satisfy an expectant crowd.

Date: Friday, March 27

Time: 7.45 p.m. GMT / 3.45pm ET

Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

TV Info: ITV (UK only)

Live Stream: ITV Player (UK only)

Group E standings

	P	W	L	D	Pts
England	4	4	0	0	12
Slovenia	4	2	2	0	6
Switzerland	4	2	2	0	6
Lithuania	4	2	2	0	6
Estonia	4	1	3	1	4
San marino	4	0	3	1	1

Last 5 games

Sept. 8	Switzerland 0-2 England
Oct. 9	England 5-0 San Marino
Oct. 12	Estonia 0-1 England
Nov. 15	England 3-1 Slovenia
Nov. 18	Scotland 1-3 England

Sept. 8	San Marino 0-2 Lithuania
Oct. 9	Lithuania 1-0 Estonia
Oct. 12	Lithuania 0-2 Slovenia
Nov. 15	Switzerland 4-0 Lithuania
Nov. 18	Ukraine 0-0 Lithuania

Players to watch

Harry Kane

It goes without saying that all eyes are going to be on Harry Kane at Wembley.

Roy Hodgson has hinted the Tottenham Hotspur striker will start this match, and there's every reason he should.

Kane is the joint top scorer in England with Diego Costa, and he has made a real difference to Spurs' fortunes this term.

He's playing with authority and leadership, and we could be witnessing a great of the modern game making his debut in England colours.

Kane still has much to do if he is to emulate the likes of Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker, but it all starts here.

Let's see what he can do on the international stage.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Simonas Stankevicius

He's yet to make his debut for Leicester City, but given he's the only player in the Lithuania squad to ply his trade in the Premier League, Stankevicius is probably the one man who will attract the most attention.

The striker has been at Leicester for two years and in 2014 spent an unsuccessful loan spell at non-league Nuneaton Town, where he failed to score in five matches.

Stankevicius is still only 19 years old, though, and by hanging around the Foxes' first-team squad, would have picked up enough to pose a threat to England at Wembley.

He seems rather confident, too, suggesting in a recent interview with The Guardian that England lack the same team spirit as the Lithuanians.

We'll find out on Friday if that plays any part on which team runs out as winner.

Key battle: Raheem Sterling vs. Arturas Zulpa

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Lithuania are expected to line up defensively against England as they attempt to take something from this game.

England should enjoy the lion's share of possession, but if they're to break down their opponents, they will need their creative players to be on form.

Kane has been among the goals for Spurs this season, but it's because he has been given the service.

There's no use in the 21-year-old expecting to score goals if England do not supply him on the attack, so Raheem Sterling's performance behind the front two will be vital.

The man attempting to stop him is expected to be Artura Zulpa, and if the Lithuanian can marshal Sterling's threat, his team could well get more than they bargained for at Wembley.

Prediction

England 5-0 Lithuania

Odds

Home win: 1-10

Away win: 33-1

Draw: 9-1

First goalscorer: Raheem Sterling (6-1)

*Odds via Oddschecker