England continue their Euro 2020 qualification campaign with a trip to arguably their toughest test in the group – Czech Republic.
The hosts may not be anywhere near the side which was ranked number one in the world back in 2004 and 2005, but they could make life tough for Gareth Southgate’s side here.
Our football betting expert previews Friday night’s game in Prague.
Tough challenge
England may have dispatched the Czechs 5-0 in the reverse fixture at Wembley back in March, but since then, Friday’s hosts have improved considerably.
Back-to-back victories over Bulgaria and Montenegro got them up and running – mainly thanks to star man Patrick Schick’s three goals in the two games.
They are effectively fighting it out with Kosovo for second spot, so will be keen to get one over on England on Friday, or at least secure a share of the spoils.
Despite this looking like a potentially tricky tie, the hosts are 6/1 to win, while England are as short as 4/9 as favourites. The draw is 7/2.
England to keep up 100 per cent record
The Three Lions head into this game with an unblemished record from their four qualification games, although they head into this game on the back of a less than convincing 5-3 win over Kosovo last time out.
England may be free-scoring these days in front of goal with the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling providing the firepower, but there are still questions to be answered at the back, with individual mistakes a regular occurrence.
That may come with the brand of football Southgate is trying to play, but it has proven to be their downfall when it comes to the crunch stages of tournaments.
Despite all that, you would fancy the aforementioned duo to score for the Three Lions and the double on Kane and Sterling to score at anytime can be backed at 9/2.
Prediction
It is difficult to see anything but an England win on this occasion. Kosovo caused them problems last time out at St Mary’s, but irrespective of their defensive lapses this should be a routine victory for England.
Away games are always tricky in Europe also, but again, they should still have more than enough to win this comfortably.
A staggering 19 goals have been scored in England’s opening four games and they can continue that good form in front of goal on Friday.
Bet on England to win to nil at 11/10 and for England to win both halves at 5/2.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.