Big Match Breakdown: England v Nigeria
Published:
Three Lions continue the World Cup build-up
England’s preparations for the World Cup in Russia heat up with Saturday’s friendly against fellow WC competitors Nigeria.
Gareth Southgate’s men head into this clash on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run, which included March’s victory away to the Netherlands.
They’ll be aiming to continue that streak against a powerful and pacy Super Eagles side.
The Coral News Team have all the info ahead of this international tussle, with another Big Match Breakdown.
Head-to-Head
This will be the third meeting between England and Nigeria, and the first for over 15 years.
The inaugural clash came in a 1994 friendly at Wembley, with David Platt bagging the only goal of the game.
Eight years later, the pair faced off in a World Cup group stage match which ended 0-0. The result saw the Three Lions miss out on top spot, while the Super Eagles picked up their only point of a disappointing tournament.
Likely XIs
Southgate has leaned towards a back three in recent games – and it’s paid dividends. His side have conceded a solitary goal in their last six outings.
The Coral News Team are predicting a back three of Harry Maguire, John Stones and Kyle Walker. Up front, Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy are the likely starters.
For the West African outfit, the centre-back pairing of William Troost-Ekong and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Leon Balogun are almost a given. Captain Jon Obi Mikel is could well start in an experienced midfield.
Key Battles
For England, the big issue will be breaking down Nigeria’s strong centre-back pairing. Having pulled off recent clean sheets against the likes of Poland and Zambia, they’ll provide a solid test of the likes of Kane and Vardy.
Nigeria could struggle against a Three Lions side with plenty of width and creativity. The likes of Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling will need to be marshalled by Brian Idowu and Ola Aina at full-back.
Match Odds
In the match betting, England are 2/5 favourites. Meanwhile, the Draw is 29/10 and it’s 7/1 for a Nigeria win.
With none of England’s last six games producing more than two goals, it’s 7/10 for Under 2.5 Goals. Meanwhile, a Three Lions Win to Nil is Evens.
Harry Kane has netted a sizeable chunk of England’s recent goals. He’s scored six in six, breaking the deadlock in four of those. It’s 5/6 for Kane to net Anytime, while he’s 12/5 to be First Goalscorer.
Having won three of their last six matches by a 1-0 scoreline, the hosts could well edge it by a solitary goal again. It’s 21/5 for a 1-0 England win.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
