International football returns this weekend and Grosvenor Sport ambassador Jamie O’Hara is ready to preview this week’s key fixtures, with the Republic of Ireland versus England and Portugal against Scotland put under the microscope.
Republic of Ireland v England – Saturday 17:00
I’m really looking forward to the game, especially to see how Lee Carsley sets up his team. Hopefully, he does something a bit different. I want to see England play more expansively, with the full-backs pushing higher up the pitch.
There are a lot of question marks surrounding certain positions, like Kyle Walker not being in the squad – does this mean Trent Alexander-Arnold gets into the team? I’d like to think so because, as we all know, he brings a lot of creativity.
As interested as I am to see what Carsley does, I still feel England should go for a bigger name in management. Eddie Howe is someone I think the FA should seriously consider trying to lure away from Newcastle. Another manager on my shortlist is Graham Potter – he’s proven he can perform at the highest level.
I understand that Carsley has done well with the under-21s, but I still think we should be aiming for the top tier of managers. This appointment feels like a step backwards – a bit boring, to be honest.
That being said, Carsley has brought in some exciting young talent – players I haven’t really seen much of, so that’s something to look forward to! I’m particularly eager to see Noni Madueke play for the senior England side. He’s really stepped it up this season, and I’d go as far as to say he could challenge Bukayo Saka for a starting spot!
As for Ireland, they seem a bit lost at the moment as an international team. I think back to the days when they had Giovanni Trapattoni at the helm, Robbie Keane scoring goals, and Kevin Doyle commanding the midfield – they were a strong side!
These days, I feel like Ireland’s direction and ambitions are unclear. Hopefully, they can get it together – I have a massive Irish family, so I want them to do well, but I’m not sure they have the star players anymore.
I’m predicting an England win here. Ireland and their fans will be up for it, but England will have far too much quality for them.
Prediction: Republic of Ireland 1-3 England 12/1
O’Hara’s Best Bet Builder: Republic of Ireland v England
- England to win
- Both Teams to score
- Noni Madueke to score anytime
BOOSTED FROM 10/1 TO 14/1
Portugal v Scotland – Sunday 19:45
I’m not convinced by Roberto Martinez – he’s more like “Roberto Myth-inez”! Sure, he plays decent football, but he never actually seems to achieve much. He’s had a great managerial career on paper but hasn’t delivered in terms of trophies.
I think Portugal flatter to deceive sometimes. I thought they were disappointing at the Euros, so I’ve got to say, I’m not sure Martinez is the right man for the job considering the quality they have in that squad.
As for Scotland, they were dreadful in the Euros, which was disappointing, considering how well they played to qualify. They did a superb job getting to the tournament, but once they were there, they bottled it and let everyone down.
The football Steve Clarke played was negative, with no ambition. They didn’t go after teams the way they did in the build-up and qualifiers. It never felt like they believed they could win.
I think Scotland can put in a decent performance here, and I hope they do, but Portugal will just be too strong for them.
Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Scotland 8/1