Prediction: England vs Hungary

Prediction: England win

Best Odds: 2/15

Bookmaker: 888sport

Domestic football has been put on pause for a fortnight in favour of the return of the international break – the second one of the new campaign. In the wake of the Euros and Copa America, as well as the Olympics, many would expect this to be a fairly inconsequential few weeks. Alas, the pandemic has ensured we have to speed up the process on the road to Qatar with England and Hungary being two of the many European nations attempting to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

England

We may be three months removed from Euro 2020 final but some England fans are still reeling from their penalty shootout defeat in the final. Meanwhile, others are choosing to look ahead to the future – and more specifically next year’s World Cup. It’s almost undeniable at this point that they’ll head into the tournament as one of the clear favourites but in order to be absolutely sure of that, they first need to secure their place in the final few qualifiers.

Team News

James and Phillips have been ruled out through injury with Southgate being tipped to make a string of changes from the win over Andorra.

Hungary

The Hungarian national team have been involved in more than a few controversial headlines in recent international breaks but instead of allowing that to completely derail their campaign, it appears as if they’re ready for the fight when it comes to qualifying for the World Cup. There’s a whole lot of work to be done if they’re even going to reach the play-offs but if they can summon the spirit they showcased in the group of death at the Euros this summer, anything is possible.

Team News

Fiola and Tamas are on the shelf through injury with Botka being suspended. Elsewhere, Salloi is expected to be dropped with Kleinheisler hoping for a return to the starting XI.

Factors to Consider

• England beat Hungary 4-0 in WCQ last month in Budapest.
• England are 1st in Group I with 19 points.
• Hungary are 4th in Group I with 10 points.
• England will qualify for the World Cup if they win and Poland beat Albania.
• Hungary could move to within two points of 2nd place if they win and Poland/Albania draw.

Conclusion

The stage is set for England to put on a real show at Wembley and that’s precisely what we’re backing them to do. We expect them to harass the visitors from the word go with a forward press that they just can’t deal with for 90 minutes. Gareth Southgate won’t want to rely on the final two group games and while a win here doesn’t 100% guarantee qualification if results don’t go their way, it’ll remind the world that the Three Lions are one of the teams to beat next year.

Prediction: England win

Best Odds: 2/15

Bookmaker: 888sport