With Euro 2024 around the corner, England coach Gareth Southgate has just two weeks and two friendlies to get his players ready for the tournament in Germany. With play starting on the June 14, spaces on the plane are like gold dust and these friendlies will provide crucial insight for both Southgate and the England fans, as to who will be on the plane and how the team will shape up.
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England Vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
Monday 3rd June, 7:45pm
St. James’ Park, Newcastle, UK
Live on Channel 4
England will be hoping for a confident performance ahead of their first Euros encounter against Serbia on the June 16. The result isn’t as important as the lessons learnt by head coach Southgate. However, the scoreline would provide a psychological boost, were England to win comfortably. Due to the length of the manager’s tenure and his tendency to pick his squad from a small pool of players, the group should be accustomed to expectations and continue their form. With a spot alongside Declan Rice up for grabs in midfield, there will be plenty of opportunity for the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Conor Gallagher to fit into the flexible double pivot, providing support for the defence and wide players. This has been a feature of the England team in recent years, allowing an attacking midfielder to drive the ball into attacking areas and supply the wealth of offensive talent. It is tried and tested for the Three Lions and with the depth of the current squad, they should be too hot to handle for Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park. With spots up for grabs, expect this to be a very competitive match.
The visitors will not be travelling to Germany for the Euros after narrowly missing out in the qualifying rounds to Ukraine. But their squad will be determined to rock the England boat and upset the fans while they are away from club duty. With a talented squad they have the ability to cause the hosts problems, while playing unrestricted and unburdened by the pressures of upcoming tournament football. New manager Selver Hodžić worked previously with the Swiss national team but is as of yet untested in his new role. He enjoyed a brief spell in charge of FC Arau and is still in the process of moulding his current squad to the desired level. Despite poor results of late they possess lethal attacking assets with veteran striker Edin Džeko supplied by versatile playmaker Miralem Pjanić. Premier League fans may also recognise durable centre-back Anel Ahmedhodžić. The Sheffield United defender doesn’t back down from any challengers and is very tidy with the ball, which presents England with another challenge to overcome.
There have only ever been four meetings between the two sides, with England coming out on top in all four. They haven’t faced off since a 2-0 Three Lions win in 2018.
England Vs Bosnia & Herzegovina Odds
*Odds subject to change
Southgate’s men are the clear favourites going into this one, sitting at 1.11 to win. Bosnia and Herzegovina are at 14.00 to claim victory but with tournament fitness a priority and little at stake, who knows how England will approach the game
England Vs Bosnia & Herzegovina Betting Tips
Confidence Men
The Three Lions will want to travel to Germany feeling good, with wins under their belt and goals on the board. And despite possible managerial experimentation, all members of the squad will want to be direct and impress, whether their plane ticket is booked or not. England to score three or more is at 2.21.
Casting Doubt
With the clock ticking, pressure builds every day on the young England squad. With a nation’s hopes on their shoulders, nerves will be at an all-time high. It wouldn’t be at all surprising if Bosnia and Herzegovina put in a performance that shocks the home fans and makes those nerves even worse. With the quality in their side it’s definitely possible that they rattle Southgate’s side. England to win and both teams to score is at 2.99.
Double Trouble
But if you fancy England to achieve a comfortable win – as we do at NetBet – our most likely exact scoreline is 2-0, which sits at 5.30.
England Team News
Predicted Line-Up (4-2-3-1) Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Dunk, Trippier; Rice, Mainoo, Palmer, Maddison, Foden, Watkins.
Bosnia & Herzegovina Team News
Predicted Line-up (4-3-3) Sehic; Gazibegovic, Ahmedhodzic, Hadzikadunic, Kolasinac; Cimirot, Pjanic, Krunic; Hamulic, Dzeko, Demirovic.
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