"It's a brilliant opportunity for other players. We need to see them ahead of the Euros. From our perspective it's a great exercise and opportunity."
Such opportunity could come Kobbie Mainoo's way, after Manchester United midfielder received his first England senior call-up.
"With Kobbie I said last week we were conscious about how quickly we should go. You need to make the right steps at the right time with players," Southgate said.
"For us he was the next player in. We didn't want to stop that from happening. He's fitted in brilliantly. His level of training has been excellent - we won't hesitate to put him on the pitch."
The game against five-time world champions, however, will have little of a friendly feel.