Prediction: England vs Poland

Prediction: England to win 2-0

Odds: 9/2

Bookmaker: William Hill

England will be aiming to continue their perfect start to FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifying as they host Poland at Wembley Stadium.

The Three Lions have won each of their opening two games throughout the campaign and will take control of the group as they come up against arguably their hardest rivals on home soil.

England

After their first two matches of qualifying, England sit where most would probably have backed them to be – top of the group. Gareth Southgate’s men have claimed two wins out of two with a 5-0 success against San Marino and a 2-0 victory versus Albania last time out. Those results have extended England’s impressive run in qualifiers having not fallen to defeat in a World Cup qualifying match since a 1-0 reverse at the hands of Ukraine in 2009. As a matter of fact, their record in World Cup qualification is even more eye-catching on home soil – their last defeat coming against Germany in 2000 – 24 matches ago. In the time since, they have racked up 22 wins and just two draws, scoring 69 goals and conceding just ten. The three Lions have also claimed 15 clean sheets within that time, too. It could then certainly be clever bet to back the Three Lions in notching another emphatic win to nil at Wembley on Wednesday.

Team News

Considering that the clash with Albania only occurred on Sunday, Southgate could be tempted to rotate slightly just to keep his team fresh. James Ward-Prowse could replace Kalvin Phillips in midfield, whilst Kieran Trippier could be a candidate to come in at right back. Harry Kane and Mason Mount will be be aiming to continue their great form having found the net last time out.

Poland

Whilst having not quite had earned the points that they desired throughout their opening two matches of the campaign, Paulo Sousa’s Poland have certainly been entertaining throughout the international break. They at first drew 3-3 with Hungary on the opening matchday with Robert Lewandowski securing a late point for the visitors. They then secured their first victory of the campaign, overcoming Andorra 3-0 at home. That result extended the nation’s recent impressive run in World Cup qualifying games. In their last 12 matches, they have won nine, falling to defeat just once – a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Denmark back in September 2017. In that run, Poland have also been extremely potent having only scored fewer then three times in a single match just three times. They have scored at least three goals on six occasions, four goals once, whilst also firing six past Armenia. They will certainly be hoping to harness that type of form as they aim to qualify for just their second worldwide tournament in a row.

Team News

One aspect that might well do Poland’s chances great harm at Wembley is the fitness of striker and captain Robert Lewandowski. The Bayern Munich striker has been ruled out of the game with ligament damage in what is a huge miss for the visitors. Mateusz Klich could come into the side in his absence, allowing Arkadiusz Milik to push forward in a more natural striking position. 

Key Facts To Consider

• Poland have only beaten England once in 19 past meetings (W1, D7, L11)
• The last meeting between the two ended 2-0 to the Three Lions
• Poland have only actually lost one out of the last six international matches in which Lewandowski has not appeared
• England have not lost a home qualifier for a major tournament since 2007
• Poland have only won one of their last four away matches

Conclusion

Whilst Poland’s recent record without Lewandowski isn’t too bad, Southgate’s troops will certainly be boosted by the fact that he isn’t going to be on the pitch. The in-form Three Lions should continue their perfect record on Wednesday.

Prediction: England to win 2-0

Odds: 9/2

Bookmaker: William Hill