Prediction: England vs Iceland

Verdict: England win to nil 

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Making their final pre-Euro 24 appearance on Friday night, England will welcome Iceland to Wembley.

England

Starting with the hosts, eventually claiming a 3-0 romp against Bosnia & Herzegovina at St. James’ Park earlier in the week following a dominant second-half performance, England will be looking to make one final pre-Euro 24 statement on Friday night. Storming their way to this summer’s European Championships and not suffering a single qualifying defeat, it is no secret that the Three Lions are pencilled in as a leading contender over in Germany. With many billing Gareth Southgate’s current crop as a real golden generation, the European giants have also not suffered a single competitive defeat since their World Cup exit out in Qatar 18 months ago. Boasting a squad that is stacked with attacking superstars, Southgate’s side will certainly be smelling the chance to lay down another marker when they return to Wembley this weekend.

Team News

While Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka might have been forced to miss out against Bosnia & Herzegovina earlier in the week, England are hopeful that the 22-year-old can play some part on Friday night. However, still dealing with a recent knock, it appears that Manchester United defender Luke Shaw will not feature at Wembley this weekend.

Coming off the bench and finding the net at St. James’ Park on Monday night, skipper Harry Kane could be handed a full recall at spearhead England’s charge in north London. The likes of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Tottenham playmaker James Maddison could be handed a full recall here.

Iceland

As for the visitors, while Iceland might have opened 2024 with a real flurry as they secured three consecutive victories across all competitions, Age Hareide’s men came crashing back down to earth in an infamous fashion last time out. Suffering a second-half collapse away at Ukraine as they missed out on the chance to book their ticket for this summer’s European Championships, the Blues will be more than aware that they have a monumental challenge on their hands when they travel to north London this weekend. Struggling to find any kind of Euro 24 qualifying stability last year as they collected just 10 points from any of their Group J appearances. Signing off their qualifying campaign with a routine 2-0 defeat at the hands of Portugal, Iceland are rightfully pencilled in as a landslide underdog here.

Team News

While Genoa talisman Albert Gudmundsson might be heavily linked with a potential blockbuster European switch this summer, the 26-year-old has not been included in Iceland’s squad due to reported personal issues. Making 26 Premier League appearances last season as Burnley lost their top-flight status, Johann Berg Guomundsson will earn a 92nd international cap here.

One-time Real Madrid youngster Andri Gudjohnsen will spearhead Iceland’s charge in north London. Arriving at Premier League outfit Brentford during the January transfer window, 22-year-old Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson will once again start between the sticks at Wembley.

Key Factors to Consider

• When England and Iceland last met back in November 2020, the Three Lions stormed their way to a 4-0 romp at Wembley while in Nations League action.
• Despite their iconic 1-0 victory at the 2016 European Championships, Iceland have lost all of their other three meetings against England.
• Southgate’s side have recorded 12 goals in their four historic meetings meetings against Iceland.
• England have scored 20 goals in just their previous seven home fixtures across all competitions.
• Eight of Iceland’s previous 10 showdowns on foreign soil have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Eventually storming their way to a 3-0 victory against Bosnia & Herzegovina earlier in the week thanks to a rampant second-half performance at St. James’ Park, England will simply be looking to avoid a potential banana skin when they return to Wembley. Pencilled in as a standout contender at this summer’s European Championships, Friday’s hosts will be looking to make one final pre-Euro 24 statement here. Claiming a 4-0 romp when they welcomed Iceland to Wembley for their most recent battle back in November 2020, we are expecting a similar outcome in north London.

Verdict: England win to nil

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet