Prediction: England vs Bosnia & Herzegovina

Verdict: England win to nil

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to pick up some pre-Euro 24 momentum on Monday night, England will welcome Bosnia & Herzegovina to St. James’ Park.

England

Starting with the hosts, while England might have suffered Wembley heartbreak at the hands of Italy three years ago, Gareth Southgate’s men are pencilled in as a standout contender this summer. Arriving in Germany this month with their sights firmly set on securing a first piece of international silverware since their World Cup success way back in 1966, this current crop of Three Lions stars are regarded as a real golden generation. Unbeaten in all of their eight Euro 24 qualifying appearances last year, Southgate’s men have plenty of expectations on their shoulders. However, last seen settling for an action-packed 2-2 stalemate against Belgium during March’s international break, England will be looking to make a statement of intent at St. James’ Park on Monday night.

Team News

With Southgate still yet to make a final announcement on his official Euro 24 squad, England could hand a chance to some of their fringe stars. Continuing to receive plenty of plaudits and heavily linked with a big-money move this summer, Everton defender could earn a first senior cap on Monday night.

Recording 19 Premier League goals as Aston Villa secured a famous top-four finish, Ollie Watkins could be handed the chance to spearhead England’s charge at St. James’ Park. Still firmly in position as Southgate’s number-one choice, Jordan Pickford will start between the sticks.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

As for the visitors, watching their Euro 24 dreams go up in smoke during March’s international break, Bosnia & Herzegovina find themselves at the heart of a real struggle. Suffering an infamous play-off defeat on home soil as they eventually fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Ukraine, Sergej Barbarez’s men have lost all of their previous four appearances across all competitions. More than aware that they face a monumental challenge when they arrive at St. James’ Park on Monday night, the Dragons have shown some extended issues on their travels. In fact, Bosnia & Herzegovina have claimed just a single victory from any of their previous 10 appearances on foreign soil – a run that stems all the way back to October 2021.

Team News

Heading over to St. James’ Park on Monday night, Barbarez has announced seven debutants in his senior squad. In what was a real shock last month, Sweden U21 international captain Armin Gigovic was called up to Bosnia & Herzegovina’s squad after switching his allegiance.

Suffering a knock during Atalanta’s famous Europa League success on May 22nd, former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac has withdrawn from selection and will not feature here. Veteran defender Ermin Bicakcic has been recalled to international action for the first time since 2020.

Key Factors to Consider

• Monday’s showdown at St. James’ Park will be the first competitive meeting between England and Bosnia & Herzegovina at senior level.
• The Three Lions have suffered just a single friendly defeat on home soil since a 2-1 loss against Holland back in March 2016.
• England have recorded just two clean sheet from any of their previous eight matchups across all competitions.
• Bosnia & Herzegovina have lost five of their previous six appearances on foreign soil.
• Likewise, the Dragons have recorded just a single victory from any of their last 10 straight away fixtures – a run that stems all the way back to October 2021.

Conclusion

Tipped as a real standout contender when they arrive out in Germany later this month, England will be looking to make a pre-tournament statement here. While the Three Lions might have failed to win any of their previous three appearances across all competitions, they shouldn’t face much of a challenge here. Suffering just a single friendly defeat on home soil since way back in March 2016, Southgate’s squad will be relishing Bosnia & Herzegovina’s arrival on Monday night. Given what is a tremendous gulf in class, it is hard to see anything other than a route night’s work for the European giants at St. James’ Park.

Verdict: England win to nil

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Luckster