It’s time to put the league on hold. Put all your club rivalries aside because it’s time for another international break! England have been in near-perfect form in the last few international meet-ups. Could this be a chance for Gareth to change things up a bit and bring in some less experienced players? They will be expected to beat Australia at Wembley this week in front of a home crowd. Forget the cricket and the rugby; time to show the Socceroos what it’s all about! We’ve previewed the game and picked out some betting tips based on the latest football betting odds.
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England vs Australia Preview
The last time these two sides met was way back in 2016 when England ran out 2-1 winners at the Stadium of Light. Since then this England setup has changed almost beyond recognition. For this England, the aim has been to finally bring something home.
However, one of the criticisms consistently levelled at Southgate is his lack of change and diversity in the style of football he plays. Sticking with the same players, being loyal, and working with a set squad have been his blueprint. The friendly could give him a chance to experiment slightly and there are a number of players who will be hoping this is the case.
The Fringes
It must be hard for players that don’t find themselves in the squad. Players like Fikayo Tomori, Marc Guehi, Jarrod Bowen, Ollie Watkins, Ben White, and a few others. Players that shine week in, week out, but maybe don’t get a chance in the England setup due to Southgate’s unwavering loyalty.
Although the bottom line is, it works. Say what you will about the way in which Southgate goes about picking squads and the frustration from some fanbases when their players aren’t selected. Southgate is the most successful manager we’ve ever had behind Alf Ramsey; who won the World Cup. That’s a pretty high bar. But one of the fair criticisms is his lack of a Plan B. His in-game management and failure to make substitutions at important junctures in the game. If you’re not in his starting lineup, then it’s probably a tough life under Southgate.
However, could this be a chance for him to experiment with a few different players and see if there are any other styles that work? The inclusion of both Watkins and Bowen suggests that this could be a game in which he tries something different.
Australia, with all due respect, are a team England would expect to beat even with an understrength side. Should Southgate choose to leave out Harry Kane for Ollie Watkins, or Bowen, his side is still stacked with star quality. We expect to see Jude Bellingham start and continue his incredible form for both club and country. Along with him, Marcus Rashford, James Maddison, and most of the England setup, you’d expect them to have the strength and quality in other areas of the pitch to try something different.
It’s yet to be seen how the rest of the team will set up but the squad announcement has certainly raised some eyebrows. While the most important game is not until Tuesday when England take on the Italians, this could be a great chance to see some of the players that don’t normally get the chance.
England vs Australia Betting Odds
Unsurprisingly, England come into this one as clear favourites to take the win at 1.16 with the draw at 5.80 and a win for Australia at a long 12.00. In terms of goalscorers, Harry Kane still leads the odds after a hot start with Bayern Munich followed by the likes of Ollie Watkins, Eddie Nketiah, and Marcus Rashford.
England vs Australia Betting Tips
Bet Builder: England to win, over 3.5 goals, and Ollie Watkins to score anytime @ 3.40
Could Ollie Watkins come in and make an impact? The Villa striker has been one of the most in-form players in Europe, and if England can turn it on and grab a few goals, he could well find himself on the scoresheet.
James Maddison to score first @ 7.00
Maddison has been one of the best players in the Premier League this year. If he gets a start in this game and Gareth plays around with the setup, there’s every chance he opens the scoring and continues his impressive form.
*Odds subject to change.
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