Prediction and odds for the game: England (3/10) vs Scotland (9/1)
We are backing half-time/England at odds of 11/4
When: Friday, 18th June 2021, Kick-off 20:00
Where: Wembley
On Friday night, England look to continue their winning start to Euro 2020, as they welcome neighbours Scotland to Wembley for the second round of games in Group D.
England
Gareth Southgate’s team headed into Euro 2020 as one of the favourites and kicked off their campaign with a solid 1-0 home win over Croatia at Wembley. The victory was not a major surprise as the Three Lions had won their previous six international games.
While some fans have accused Southgate of being too cautious or pragmatic, the England head coaches approach has now led to six clean sheets in their last seven outings on the international stage. Their recent solid defensive displays have led to England’s recent matches being low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in four of the Three Lions last five outings.
England have a highly inconsistent recent record t the European Championships, winning just two of their previous six games in the competition. However, the current team looks far more capable of making an impact this time around.
The home side may name the same starting eleven as against Croatia last time out. However, the likes of Luke Shaw and Jack Grealish will be waiting in the wings. Centre-back Harry Maguire is still a doubt so is unlikely to be risked for this clash. Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has been replaced in the squad by Aaron Ramsdale, as the Red Devils stopper has picked up a hip injury.
Scotland
The visitors are taking part in their first major international tournament for 23 years. Unfortunately for Steve Clarke’s team, they made a losing start to their campaign, going down to a 2-0 defeat against the Czech Republic at Hampden Park.
Despite the defeat, Scotland will still believe that they can qualify for the last 16. However, another defeat in the English capital could well end their dreams of making it out of the group stage at Euro 2020.
Before the defeat against the Czech Republic, Scotland were unbeaten in five matches, although three of those unbeaten games did end in draws. Clarke’s team will have to up their game against England if they are to take anything from the clash.
Clarke looks set to make changes to his team. Both Kieran Tierney and Billy Gilmour are fitness doubts, while Southampton forward Che Adams could come into the starting line-up to add some bite to their attack.
Conclusion
It is hard to see anything but an England win in this encounter. Gareth Southgate’s team may not be playing particularly well, but they are picking up the results, which is all that matters at the top level of the game. With the home win not offering much value, we look elsewhere for our recommendations.
The first bet we are backing is under 2.5 goals scored. England will continue to play a pragmatic style, while Scotland are also likely to set up defensively. The other bet we are taking a slight punt on is half-time/England, as Scotland will likely keep it tight in the first half and we can maybe see the game being all square at half-time, but England’s quality to shine through in the second period.
Verdict: We are backing under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 10/11 and/or half-time/England at odds of 11/4. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Who will come out on top between these two eternal rivals at Wembley?
