Revealed: Why England vs Belgium WON’T be broadcast on medium-wave radio by the BBC – with the game ‘bumped off’ for non-digital listeners

England’s friendly with Belgium on Tuesday night has been bumped off BBC Radio 5 Live.

It will be the Three Lions’ final outing before Gareth Southgate picks his Euro 2024 squad, as they look to go one better than last time when they lost in the final to Italy.

The England boss will be looking for an improved display on Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil, also at Wembley Stadium.

The BBC has instead chosen to broadcast Wales’ crucial play-off clash with Poland, where the winner will join England at this summer’s European Championships. 

England’s clash with Belgium won’t be broadcast on medium-wave radio by the BBC

It is the last game before Gareth Southgate picks his squad for this summer’s Euro 2024

England have been bumped off BBC Radio 5 Live by Wales’ vital play-off clash with Poland where the winner will join the Three Lions at the European Championships

While Wales’ match will be on BBC Radio 5 Live, England’s game has been relegated to digital station Radio 5 Sports Extra. 

England’s friendly is also being broadcast live by talkSPORT and televised on Channel 4. 

It comes amid this month’s closure of Radio 4 long wave in a move will prevent people listening to Test Match Special if they don’t have access to a digital radio or the internet. 

The move was branded ‘dreadful’ by former England captain Sir Geoffrey Boycott upon its announcement in 2022. 

England boss Southgate is considering handing Kobbie Mainoo a first start against Belgium on Tuesday night.

Mainoo was a late inclusion into the squad and received his first cap off the bench against Brazil at the weekend. 

Ivan Toney will likely play up front, while Lewis Dunk and Ezri Konsa are hoping to start. 

Declan Rice will captain England for the first time in the friendly with Belgium.