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So near and yet so far. England can be proud of so much of what they achieved at Euro 2020 but having fallen at the final hurdle the years of hurt will have extended to at least 56 by the time their next opportunity to win a major trophy rolls around.
To end their barren run they will have to win a World Cup being held in a desert, so now they have to finish the job of qualifying for it.
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Thursday 7:45pm: Hungary v England
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As a reminder, Gareth Southgate’s side beat San Marino, Albania and Poland in March to put themselves firmly in control of Group I.
And while it would be an enormous shock if England didn’t qualify, they must now travel to Hungary, a team who sit second with seven points and were leading Poland until the 83rd minute of the match they drew. This could be the toughest match the Three Lions have to face in qualification.
These picks in a Paddy Power Bet Builder will give you odds of around 30/1. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
England to Win
The relationship between these nations is defined more by friendlies than by competitive fixtures, of which there have only been five and none since 1983.
Back when England naively thought they were the best footballing country in the world, they lost 6-3 and 7-1 to the mighty Magyars of Ferenc Puskas et al in two friendlies in the space of six months. Thank goodness England has a much better understanding of where it stands in Europe these days, eh?
Southgate has generally steered his side to good results in this kind of fixture. They have played 14 matches against teams currently ranked between 25th and 50th in the world – Hungary are 37th – and they have won 11 times and only lost once.
With 21 of his Euro 2020 squad included in the 25-man party for this international window, and Trent Alexander-Arnold back from injury to keep the Peep Show right-back meme industry alive and kicking, Southgate will guide England to a victory in Budapest.
Both Teams to Score
The visitors won’t necessarily have things all their own way though as it has been rare for Hungary to draw a blank in 2021. At Euro 2020, they did lose 3-0 to Portugal but ground out score draws with both France and Germany and netted 10 times in their three qualification matches earlier this year. Granted two of those matches were against San Marino and Andorra, but three goals against Poland is none-too-shabby.
With firepower like that and eight different Hungary players having scored in qualifying already, manager Marco Rossi certainly has options. His side should find the net to give the home fans something to cheer about, ensuring both teams score.
Over 3.5 Goals
As you’ve probably figured out from Hungary’s results just mentioned, they have been the masters of ensuring a bet on over 2.5 goals pays out – only their 1-1 draw with France from their six competitive matches this year has featured fewer than three goals.
England tried their upmost to bore their way to glory in the summer, but they did have a 4-0 victory over Ukraine in the quarter-final. This has the feeling of a similar fixture, and Hungary are 12 places lower than the Ukrainians in the FIFA rankings for good measure, so push the boat out and add over 3.5 goals to your Bet Builder.
Raheem Sterling to Score First
It’s interesting to look at which English players have scored in the Premier League this season. Michail Antonio is top of the pops with four, ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Mason Greenwood who have three apiece. There are then naturally those players who have two to their name, and they are Conor Gallagher, Demarai Gray, Danny Ings, Jamie Vardy and Callum Wilson.
Yet Calvert-Lewin was the only player on the list who was included in Southgate’s squad. However, he had to pull out through injury.
As Harry Kane had as many shots as yellow cards against Watford last weekend, we may need to look elsewhere.
Raheem Sterling scored the opening goal in three England wins this summer and is off the mark for 2020/21 thanks to his goal against Norwich. He can score first here to put the Three Lions on the road to claiming the three points.
Hungary v England betting tips:
England to Win
Both Teams to Score
Over 3.5 Goals
Raheem Sterling to Score First
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