Prediction: Hungary vs England

Verdict: England win by 2+ goals

Best Odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: Unibet

Turning their attention back to World Cup qualifying duties on Thursday night, England will make the trip to the Puskás Aréna in Budapest when they meet Hungary.

Hungary

Starting with the hosts, while Hungary might have failed to book their spot in the knockout stage of this summer’s European Championships, Marco Rossi’s side did gain plenty of plaudits. Managing to sign off their summer adventure with back-to-back draws against Germany and defending world champions France, Magyars have enjoyed an eye-catching resurge since bringing in the one-time Sampdoria defender back in 2018. Although the Reds might know that they face a stern test when England visits the Puskás Aréna in midweek, Hungary should be boosted by what has become an impressive start to their World Cup qualifying campaign. Knowing that a shock victory on Thursday night would see them climb to top spot in Group I, Rossi’s men have mustered seven points from their opening three contests, including a thumping 4-1 victory against Andorra back in March. It should also be noted, continuing on from their last World Cup qualifying run, Hungary have lost just a pair of their last 10 home fixtures.

Team News

Missing the European Championships due to injury, RB Leipzig youngster Dominik Szoboszlai is back in Hungary’s squad and should feature on Thursday night.

However, the duo of Loic Nego and Gergo Lovrencsics will be missing, meaning Marco Rossi could be short on defensive options.

England

As for the visitors, left heartbroken over the summer as they had to watch Italy lift the Euro2020 title after their penalties defeat at Wembley back in June, England will be desperate for an immediate response here. Knowing that they missed out on their best chance to lift a piece of international silverware since 1966, Gareth Southgate’s stacked squad will simply be looking to extend on their qualifying romp on Thursday night. Last seen on Group I duties picking up a hard-fought 2-1 win against Poland on home soil, the Three Lions have collected nine points from their three matchups this year. In fact, tipped as a landslide pick to cruise their way to next year’s World Cup finals, England are unbeaten in each of their last 24 straight qualifying contests, a run that stems all the way back to October 2009. If Southgate’s side are to move one step closer to qualification on Thursday, they will be calling on skipper Harry Kane to spearhead their charge. Finally sorting out his domestic future and deciding to stay put at Spurs, the 27-year-old bagged four goals at the European Championships over the summer.

Team News

The likes of Phil Foden, Ben White and Dean Henderson will all be missing for England’s September international schedule.

Aside from Jadon Sancho who is dealing with a minor knock, Gareth Southgate has a full squad to choose from on Thursday night.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two nations last faced off back in 2010. England picked up a 2-1 victory.
• In fact, England are unbeaten in each of their last seven meetings against Hungary, collecting six wins and a draw.
• Thursday’s hosts have lost just a pair of their last 10 World Cup qualifying home fixtures.
• Likewise, seven of those 10 home fixtures have seen over 3.5 goals by the final whistle.
• Harry Kane recorded four goals as the Three Lions reached the final of the summer’s European Championships.

Conclusion

After watching Italy break their hearts at Wembley over the summer, there is no doubt that England will be looking for a real boost here. Appearing to storm their way to top spot in Group I and already collecting maximum points from their three qualifying matchups, the Three Lions should be confident of keeping up that momentum on Thursday night. With a stacked squad to choose from, Hungary could face a stern test at the Puskás Aréna in midweek. Despite their rugged displays at the European Championships, we’re backing Gareth Southgate’s side to make it four in four as they travel to Budapest.

Verdict: England win by 2+ goals

Best Odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: Unibet