England can take a huge step towards World Cup 2018 qualification as they take on Slovakia at Wembley. Gareth Southgate’s men have not lost a home qualifying match since 2007 and although their performances at major tournaments can leave a little to be desired, they will be desperate to keep up their unbeaten run against a Slovakian side that is littered with world class talent.
World Cup Qualifier: England vs Slovakia – Wembley Stadium – Monday 4th September – Kick-off: 19.45 GMT
- England – Best Odds – 3/7 (UniBet)
- Slovakia – Best Odds – 9/1 (Ladbrokes)
- Draw – Best Odds – 15/4 (BetVictor)
England
England’s laboured win over Malta on Friday evening did very little to silence the doubters who believe that there isn’t enough heart and desire in this particular England team. Despite scoring 4 goals, they lacked creativity in forward areas and this promises to be a far sterner test against Slovakia.
As mentioned, England are unbeaten at home in major tournament qualification since Steve McClaren’s disastrous ‘wally with the brolley’ defeat to Croatia back in 2007. They have made the ‘new’ Wembley their home and are notoriously difficult to break down.
The major questions for Gareth Southgate will lie in the team selection. Marcus Rashford impressed when coming off the bench on Friday and is yet to start a game at Wembley. Joe Hart wasn’t tested on Friday evening but his performances for club and country have seen his place come into question with some England followers and Eric Dier returns from suspension for this one.
Slovakia
Slovakia arrive in London fresh off the back of a gritty 1-0 win over Slovenia which secured their 2nd place in the world cup qualification group. Following a 1-0 heart-breaking defeat at home to England last September, the Slovaks will be desperate to avenge that loss and get back on level terms with England in the standings.
They have called up some players who impressed during the Slovakian under 21’s run to 5th place in the U21 European Championship earlier this year to add some youth to an already dangerous side which includes household names Marek Hamsik and Vladimir Weiss.
Head to Head
Due to the relatively recent Slovakian independence, this will be only the 6th meeting between these 2 teams at international level with England leading the head to head record 4:0 with the 1 draw between the two teams taking place at the 2016 European Championships in France.
The last meeting between the two teams took place a year ago to the day and heralded a last-minute win for England in Sam Allardyce’s only game in charge of the national team before he was disgraced and sacked later in the year.
Odds and Predictions
Both teams will be eager to keep their good runs going in what is sure to be a very cagey encounter as we often see in international football. Slovakia will look to frustrate England and sit deep, challenging England to get in behind the defence – something that didn’t happen too often on Friday against Malta.
Backing under 2.5 goals in the game looks a good move at 4/5 with Sky Bet.
Harry Kane has been in imperious form for England of late – scoring 5 goals in his last 3 starts for the national team – despite not scoring for Tottenham as yet this season.
Back Harry Kane to score anytime at 10/11 with Ladbrokes.
England have yet to concede at home during this qualification campaign and Gareth Southgate prides his teams on being responsible defensively.
Backing England to keep a clean sheet at 17/20 with William Hill looks a shrewd punt.
Top Betting Tip
England to win the game and keep a clean sheet is a healthy double at 2.59 with William Hill.