England vs Austria Predictions

• England have won 13 of their last 14 home matches.
• Austria have only won one of their last four games, with their last outing being a 4-0 drubbing at home to Denmark.
• Austria have scored in 10 of their last 11 games.

England set to continue flawless 2021

England’s preparations for Euro 2020 begin at the Riverside Stadium on Wednesday as they play their first of two scheduled warm-up friendlies at Middlesbrough’s home ground.

The Three Lions have so far enjoyed a perfect 2021 with a trio of World Cup qualifying victories and, given that Austria’s last outing was a disastrous 4-0 defeat to Denmark, another confidence building success is expected this week.

Gareth Southgate’s side are yet to be truly tested this year after routine wins over San Marino and Albania before a 2-1 triumph over a Covid-hit Poland side at Wembley, and while Austria do represent a step up in quality Franco Foda’s men are hardly world beaters.

Austrians lack international pedigree

The visitors have lost just two of their last ten games but draws against Norway and Scotland suggest they don’t quite have the ability to compete at the highest level.

Their only win in their last four games came against the Faroe Islands in March and defeats to Denmark, Romania and Latvia over the past two years should give England plenty of confidence heading into this game.

Success on the cards for Three Lions

There are undoubtedly some classy names among the Austrians with the likes of David Alaba and Marcel Sabitzer standing out, but their international pedigree is non-existent after claiming just two points from six European Championship games and their chances of getting something from a youthful and talented England side are slim.

Backing the Three Lions to kick their preparations off with a win is a good choice but, with Austria scoring in each of their last 11 matches and England unlikely to risk Harry Maguire at the back, a clean sheet looks unlikely and a 2-1 correct score prediction appeals.