Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live 2018 World Cup qualification coverage continues from Wembley as Gareth Southgate's England welcome Lithuania in Group F. The Three Lions are currently top of the section on 10 points, but any slip in this match would hand Slovenia the chance to move to the summit when they face Scotland tonight. Stay tuned for all the action from the English capital!

This afternoon's match will be just the third time that England and Lithuania have met in an international fixture. Both of their previous meetings came during qualification for Euro 2016, and England won 4-0 at home and 3-0 away in extremely comfortable fashion. On paper, it should be a pretty straightforward game for Southgate's England team, but Edgaras Jankauskas's Lithuania have actually only lost one of their four matches in this particular section. Let's hope for an entertaining fixture.

Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Wembley. Both of these countries had friendlies on Wednesday night – England losing 1-0 away to Germany, and Lithuania suffering a 3-0 defeat in Czech Republic. Any changes? Let's have a look...

TEAMS!

ENG: Hart; Walker, Keane, Stones, Bertrand; Dier, Ox; Sterling, Alli, Lallana; Defoe

LIT: Setkus; Vaitkunas, Kijanskas, Klimavicius, Slavickas; Kuklys, Zulpa, Novikovas, Slivka; Cernych, Valskis

Jermain Defoe starts his first England game in four years as the Sunderland striker is selected at the tip of the home side's attack, while Burnley centre-back Michael Keane makes his competitive debut for the Three Lions after impressing against Germany last time out. There are also spots in the XI for Ryan Bertrand and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as head coach Gareth Southgate springs a couple of surprise selections. Joe Hart will captain England from between the sticks this afternoon.

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Lithuania, meanwhile, are captained by 25-year-old striker Fiodor Cernych, who is also the top scorer in their squad on eight international goals. ADO Den Haag goalkeeper Ernestas Setkus will win his 14th cap between the sticks, while Nerijus Valskis is handed a start in the final third despite only having one international goal to his name. It is a fairly young and inexperienced Lithuania outfit.

So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild afternoon in London. I shall speak about Lithuania a little bit later, but let's start with the hosts England. As mentioned, Southgate's side will enter this match off the back of a 1-0 friendly defeat to Germany on Wednesday night, with Lukas Podolski scoring the only goal in the 69th minute.

In a new 3-4-2-1 formation, England played extremely well in the first half of the clash in Dortmund, and indeed should have entered the break with a lead after creating the better chances against the world champions. Germany recovered after the break, however, and ultimately won the match courtesy of a stunning strike from Podolski on what was his final appearance for the European nation.

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In terms of this qualification campaign, England opened their Group F challenge with a 1-0 victory away to Slovakia last September, before recording a 2-0 win at home to Malta one month later. The Three Lions were held to a goalless draw in Slovenia in their third group match, but ensured that they would top the section with a 3-0 success at home to fierce rivals Scotland last November.

England also played out a 2-2 draw with Spain in an international friendly on November 15, but this is their first competitive match since the vital win over Scotland at Wembley. As mentioned, Southgate's side currently top Group F on 10 points, but they are just two points ahead of second-place Slovenia, who have a very important match away to Scotland later tonight.

In terms of what is ahead for England, their next qualifier after this one is away to Scotland on June 10, before facing France in a friendly three days later. They will then travel to Malta on September 1 and by that point, will hope to have opened up some daylight at the top of the group. That said, winning qualification groups has not been much of a problem for England in recent years.

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England have qualified for each of the last four World Cup finals, with a quarter-final appearance in 2006 their best showing since fourth place in 1990. They were eliminated in the group stage of the 2014 competition without winning a single game, however, and Euro 2016 also brought more embarrassment for the Three Lions as they were dumped out of the competition by minnows Iceland.

The defeat to Iceland cost Roy Hodgson his job as head coach, leading to Southgate taking charge on an interim basis. Some impressive results saw the former England Under-21 boss take control on a permanent basis, and it is now up to him to lead the nation into the 2018 World Cup in Russia. In truth, it would be a big surprise and indeed embarrassment if they did not qualify from Group F.

🏃🏃🏃#threelions pic.twitter.com/vN8YHqCJlb — England (@England) March 26, 2017

Lithuania, however, have never qualified for the finals of a major competition. They have finished fourth in each of their last two qualification campaigns for a World Cup, while they were fifth in their qualification section for Euro 2016. To be blunt, they are massive underdogs not only tonight, but in terms of attempting to make an impression in this particular section.

That said, Lithuania have actually only lost one of their last five matches. They picked up two points in draws with Slovenia and Scotland in their first two Group F matches, before recording a 2-0 win at home to Malta last October. Jankauskas's side did suffer a 4-0 defeat in Slovakia last time out, but they are far from out of the reckoning in this section. This game is a big test though.

Indeed, a total of five points has left Lithuania in fourth position in Group F, just one point behind third-place Slovakia and just three points off second-place Slovenia. It is a massive ask, but if they could find a way of winning this match, it would put them right in the hunt ahead of a home game against Slovakia in June. Right, kickoff at Wembley Stadium is now just around the corner!

So, it's a first appearance since 2013 for @IAmJermainDefoe and a competitive debut for Michael Keane! 👍 #threelions pic.twitter.com/ibwAkhUmow — England (@England) March 26, 2017

Here we go then. Both sets of players have joined us on the pitch for the first period of this Group F clash. Once the national anthems have been completed, we will be just about ready to get this contest underway. England should win comfortably here, but Lithuania have nothing to lose!

We have a minute's silence at Wembley to pay respect to those that lost their lives in the London terror attack in Westminster last week. Football stands together once again amid conflict.

Beautiful tribute at Wembley as flowers are laid out for those that perished in the Westminster attack. Everyone inside the stadium has the chance to pay their respects before kickoff here.

KICKOFF! England kick things off on home soil...

... not quite a full house inside Wembley, but there is a decent atmosphere and the home supporters will be looking for a strong performance. As expected, England have taken control of the possession in the opening moments as they start to pass and probe in forward positions.

Lithuania are very, very deep at the moment as they look to resist the pressure in the opening few minutes. In truth, England do not really need four defenders, but Walker and Bertrand will fly forward whenever possible. The pressure continues as the Three Lions dominate the ball.

The fact that Lithuania's two wide midfielders - Novikovas and Cernych - are almost playing as full-backs is an indication of what is occurring at the moment. The team in yellow will be more than happy to sit deep and attempt to threaten on the counter-attack through the lively Valskis.

Dier is seeing plenty of the ball for England, and a deep cross into the Lithuania boss threatens to find Defoe, but Setkus is on hand to claim. No real surprises in the opening eight minutes as the home side dominate the ball and Lithuania sit very deep in a bid to limit the space available.

England try a clever free kick as Lallana finds Alli and the Spurs midfielder flicks the ball towards Defoe, but it runs out for a goal kick. No real chances in the opening nine minutes of this match.

Lithuania have shown that they are willing to commit players forward when they have the chance to counter-attack, but that has been a rare occurrence thus far this afternoon. I am not entirely sure if Defoe has had a kick of the ball in the opening 11 minutes as Lithuania remain nice and tight.

Better from England as Bertrand breaks forward before delivering a low cross towards Defoe, but Zulpa is on hand to make the clearance. Valskis has actually shown some decent touches in the final third for the visitors, but the number 19 is lacking any sort of support in the final third.

Lallana's shot is blocked and easily collected by the away side's goalkeeper.

Still goalless with 16 minutes on the clock, and in truth, there has not been too much excitement. England are having plenty of the ball without really threatening to make the breakthrough here.

Walker pings a brilliant cross towards the far post and Defoe looks set to make contact, but Kilmavicius is on hand to make the clearance. The pressure continues, however, and Sterling wins a corner after showing nice feet in a wide position. That little passage has engaged the home supporters.

England are pressing very high up the field, and Lithuania just need to be careful that they do not concede possession inside their own half, which has almost happened in the last couple of minutes. Not a great deal happening with 21 minutes on the clock at Wembley Stadium.

SAVE! Wonderful chance for England to make the breakthrough as Lallana's clever pass finds Defoe inside the Lithuania box, but the striker cannot find a route past Setkus!

Breakthrough! Defoe missed a big chance a moment ago, but the Sunderland striker finds the back of the net from close range after converting a low cross from Sterling! Simple goal for Defoe!

It is Defoe's first England goal for four years, and that is just what Defoe does, scores goals. He has a real chance of making Southgate's 2018 World Cup squad, should the Three Lions make the finals. It is a big goal at this stage of the match and Lithuania look visibly deflated now.

Much better atmosphere inside the stadium now as the home supporters become engaged. There is a bit of concern over Sterling, however, who is still struggling with an impact injury here.

England are very, very comfortable here as they continue to pass and probe in Lithuania's half of the field. Bertrand is again found in a wide position and the left-back delivers into the box, but Setkus is on hand to claim. Cernych has a shooting chance down the other end, but his effort is wide.

Defoe sends a powerful effort wide of the post from just outside the Lithuania post.

Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining at Wembley Stadium, and England lead courtesy of Defoe's 21st-minute goal. Lithuania have shown bits and pieces on the counter-attack, although Hart has not yet been tested between the sticks. It is very, very comfortable for the Three Lions.

Kilmavicius is fortunate to escape a booking following a poor challenge on Alli, and we are reaching the stage where the next bad tackle might well bring a yellow card. England continue to switch the ball from left to right, with Walker and Bertrand almost playing as wingers in this set-up.

Decent work from the away side as Valskis holds up the ball before finding Zulpa, who looks to deliver into the England box, but Stones is on hand to make the clearance. Lithuania will fancy their chances of creating chances tonight if they continue to feed their tidy and strong striker Valskis.

Little over five minutes of the first period remaining at Wembley Stadium, and in truth, it has not been the best of matches. England lead courtesy of Defoe's first England goal in four years, but not too much else has happened. A goal for Lithuania would certainly spice things up in this match.

The atmosphere, to put it kindly, is not the best. It is always difficult to engage fans in these sort of matches, but the excitement has been absent since Defoe made the breakthrough in London.

Lithuania will be delighted if they can enter the half-time break just one goal behind. The visitors have already shown that they can cause problems, meanwhile, in the final third of the field.

Just the one additional minute to be played at the end of the first period.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the visitors to level as Slivka makes use of a defensive mistake before beating Hart to a high ball, but Stones clears off the line!

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with England leading 1-0 at Wembley Stadium courtesy of Defoe's first international goal in four years. The home side have been very comfortable for long periods, although they almost conceded in the final moments of the half. The excitement, however, still has not been there. Pretty tepid stuff if we are being honest!

STATISTICS! England dominated the first-half possession (71%), while they managed six attempts, although just two of those were on target. Lithuania, meanwhile, managed one attempt on target in the opening 45 minutes. No bookings to report and in truth, there has hardly been a tackle of note.

BENCH WATCH! Ross Barkley, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy are among those that will host to feature for England in the second 45 minutes. As for Lithuania, head coach Jankauskas has options in the shape of Matulevicius, Mikuckis and Luksa. Some great names there!

RESTART! Lithuania resume the action here...

... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops here.

BOOKING! Vaitkunas (Lithuania) is booked for a late challenge on Bertrand.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for England to double their lead as Bertrand picks out Sterling with a brilliant cross, but the number seven gets his finish all wrong, should score!

Good pressure from England in the last couple of minutes as they continue to pass and probe in the final third, but Lithuania manage to survive the danger as Alli heads over at the far post. This will be a nervy game for the home side until they score a second, which would surely seal it.

SAVE! Decent save from Setkus to keep out Defoe's low effort.

SAVE! Hart has to get down and keep out an effort from Slivka as Lithuania threaten to equalise at Wembley. The visitors are certainly capable of causing problems in this match.

SAVE! Setkus beats away a long-range strike from Oxlade-Chamberlain.

LITHAUNIA SUB! Grigaravicius replaces the injured Novikovas for Lithuania.

It has been much better from England at the start of the second period, but Lithuania are still causing problems on the counter-attack, and will have chances and indeed space as England continue to press forward. Very interesting last 30+ minutes to be played in this match.

We are entering the stage of the match where Southgate will be thinking about changes, and the England boss has a number of brilliant attacking players on the bench. Rashford is one that could have an impact due to his electric pace, while Jamie Vardy will also be hoping to feature here.

BOOKING! Zulpa (Lithuania) is booked for a foul on Lallana.

ENGLAND SUBS! Vardy and Rashford replace Sterling and Defoe for the home side.

I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in this match, and Rashford has already shown his incredible pace with a run from deep. Vardy, meanwhile, has gone straight into the centre-forward position and his pace will also worry Lithuania. It remains 1-0 England here.

Zulpa has a pop from distance, but his effort clears Hart's crossbar.

Alli curls one towards the far post as he looks to pick out Vardy, but Setkus is out to claim and Lithuania can break once again. England have been wasteful in the last few minutes here.

England have their second of the game and Vardy has his sixth Three Lions goal as the Leicester City forward slots home from close range after a cute pass from Lallana. Game over?!

Lithuania are finding it difficult to live with the pace of England at the moment as Vardy, Alli and Rashford continue to threaten in the final third of the field. The visitors are still committing players forward on the counter-attack, but they are struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third.

Rashford's effort from distance was always moving wide of the post.

England fancy more goals tonight as they continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field. Walker is again released down the right, but Alli ultimately places his shot straight at Setkus.

BOOKING! Rashford (England) is booked for handling a cross from Alli.

LITHUANIA SUB! Matulevicius replaces Valskis for the away side.

Decent pressure from Lithuania in the last couple of minutes as they force a corner following a period of possession, but the set piece is gathered by Hart, who decides against the quick release.

Little over 10 minutes of the second period remaining, and England are heading for a comfortable three points. It will be their fourth win in Group F, leaving them top of the section on 13 points. Lithuania, meanwhile, are set to remain down in fourth. Still time for a turnaround here though.

CHANCE! Vardy breaks through after a super ball from Rashford, but the Leicester striker lifts his effort over the crossbar! He has been so dangerous since entering the field.

Alli has one deflected over the crossbar as England continue to seek out a third goal here.

Vardy looks to find Oxlade-Chamberlain with a low cross after the Arsenal midfielder had released the Leicester striker, but the weight on the ball is too strong and Lithuania survive a dangerous moment.

Decent stop from Setkus to keep out a long-range strike from Oxlade-Chamberlain.

LITHUANIA SUB! Slivka is replaced by Paulius in Lithuania's final change.

Another half-chance for Alli, but his header from a Rashford cross is wide of the post.

Rashford's pace again causes the Lithuanian defence problems, but Setkus is out to make a decent save and the visitors can clear their lines once again. Not long left in the English capital.

Bertrand fires wide as we enter the first of three additional minutes here.

Zulpa is currently off the field receiving some treatment as Lithuania play on with 10 men.

Bertrand looks to find Lallana with a low cross, but Kuklys is on hand to make the clearance and that could be just about that for this match. Job done for England once again.

Rashford goes down inside the area and wants a penalty, but the referee says no!

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period at Wembley Stadium to a close with England running out 2-0 winners over Lithuania courtesy of goals from Defoe and Vardy. It was not pretty, but it is another win for England, who stretch their lead at the top of Group F to five points. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. See you soon!