England vs Czech Republic Predictions

Gareth Southgate spent last summer instilling himself in the hearts of all England supporters as he guided the national team through to the semi finals of the World Cup in Russia, but Friday marks the beginning of a new chapter.

The qualifying campaign for Euro 2020 begins, and having been drawn in a group along with Czech Republic, Montenegro, Bulgaria, and Kosovo, it’s fair to say that the Three Lions are the firm favourites for the top spot. Czech Republic are arguably the most competitive of the other sides at the moment, so Friday marks a perfect opportunity to get the campaign off on the right foot.

England certainly showed no signs of drawing back in on themselves after their World Cup run. They lost against Spain in their first UEFA Nations League match, but they went on to win four of their five following games and topped their UEFA Nations League group.

As far as squad selection goes, there have been a few surprise inclusions. The uncapped duo of Declan Rice and Callum Hudson-Odoi will hope to make their debuts, after the likes of Luke Shaw, John Stones, Fabian Delph, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all withdrew from the squad. Borussia Dortmund hotshot Jadon Sancho is also present along with all the usual suspects.

Czech Republic’s squad is rather less star strewn than their hosts’, although that’s not to say they’re without their talents. Matej Vydra and Patrik Schick are two very dangerous forwards for them, while Jakub Jankto and Theodor Gebre Selassie provide class and experience to the field.

Still, it’s hard to compare the two squads in terms of ability, and it’s shown in some of Czech Republic’s results. They failed to make the grade in World Cup qualification and have since lost five of their last 10 games, including a 4-0 thrashing by Australia and a 5-1 loss to Russia.

Considering England’s current form, we’re expecting a strong showing from them. The celebrations could start early too – England have been ahead at the break in six of their last nine victories and they’re facing a Czech side who have been behind at half time in six of their last seven away defeats. This makes an England Win at Half-Time / Full-Time look a very good option, along with a 2-0 correct score prediction.

Harry Kane is undoubtedly the main man in the England attack. The Spurs striker has scored 20 goals in 35 appearances for England and finished as the top scorer in the 2018 World Cup with six goals, so we’re backing him to get on the score-sheet here.