England continue their preparations for the World Cup by hosting two massive friendlies during this international break, first against Germany on Friday and then against Brazil. England versus Germany is one of the greatest rivalries in world football and there have been some classic encounters over the years including the World Cup Final of 1966. These two games will give Gareth Southgate the opportunity to try out some new players as well as giving him a chance to pit his England team against two of the best teams in world football at the moment. Both of these sides qualified for the World Cup by topping their groups with ease and Germany, in particular, will start next summer’s World Cup as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
International Friendly – Wembley Stadium, London – Friday 10th November – 20:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 5/2 at Ladbrokes |
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England
GermanyEngland
England come into this game with a number of key players missing; Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Harry Winks and Fabian Delph have pulled out of a squad which was already missing Dele Alli, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne through injury. On paper, the squad looks lacking in the midfield area in particular and Gareth Southgate could hand debuts to Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Joe Gomez and Tammy Abraham at some point during the game.
Germany
Germany will be without a pair of veterans in Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller, while Leon Goretzka and Shkodran Mustafi are also out. The Germans come into the game with a strong looking squad featuring plenty of familiar names though including four Premier League based players. Manager Joachim Low may view the game as the perfect opportunity to try out some new ideas, but as ever, he will start the game determined to get one over on their old rivals.
Talking Points
1. England have not beaten Germany at Wembley since 1975, but the Three Lions have won two of their last three away games against Germany.
2. These two sides have met 31 times, with Germany edging it, 15 wins to England’s 13.
3. Video Refereeing will be used for the first in a professional match in the UK during Friday’s match.
Prediction
Even though this is a friendly match, any game between England and Germany is always a massive affair due to the history between the two countries. England have a number of key players out injured for this game with most of their best players in midfield and attack missing and therefore I think it’s going to be a tough night for Gareth Southgate’s side. Germany were superb during qualification, breezing through their group and I’m expecting them to beat England here.
Betting Tips (Ladbrokes)
Despite being away from home, Germany start this game as the favourites at odds of 21/20, whilst a home win for England is priced up at 11/4 and the draw is 5/2. I think those odds on a Germany win are pretty tempting considering England’s injury problems and the quality the German’s possess. As ever, friendly matches can be a nightmare to bet on with managers trying out new formations and players, so I would recommend caution when betting on the match. The 8/11 on BTTS also looks decent to me as I expect both teams to really have a go in this game. Another bet that could be worth a look is Jamie Vardy to score at any time, which is available at 9/4. The Leicester City striker has looked in good form recently and with Harry Kane missing through injury, you would expect him to lead the line on Friday.
BTTS (NO) – 4/5 (Ladbrokes)