As the group stage flourishes to an end, the knockout stages have slowly started to unravel as the brackets take shape. England will take on the Czech Republic in the final set of fixtures from Group D at the Wembley Stadium.
England
While they were handed a tricky group, England were expected to do a lot better than what they have put up so far. A marginal 1-0 win against Croatia and a goalless draw over Scotland is what the Three Lions have put up so far.
The pressure is on manager Gareth Southgate to stack his deck and stir things up in a bid for some positive flowing football on the pitch. Fans and pundits are far from pleased with the passive sideways passing approach so far.
Despite securing a spot in the Round Of 16, they are yet to determine their position in the group and it will rely on this match and the parallel occurring fixture of Scotland vs Croatia.
A revamp in the playing eleven is fully expected as Chelsea duo Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell are potentially sidelined after coming in contact with COVID positive Billy Gilmour during their Scotland bout.
Minutes are also expected for the recovered Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson. There is also pressure on Southgate to utilize the likes of Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish, who are coming off terrific seasons for their respective clubs.
Czech Republic
The biggest test for England’s defence is arguably coming in the form of the Czech Republic, led by Patrik Schick. While the striker was hit by a blow during their fixture against Croatia, he should be fit enough to make it into the starting eleven.
Tomas Soucek will come up against his club teammate Declan Rice in the middle of the park during the contest.
After two back-to-back solid outings, they won’t be tempted to shake thing up too much with no injury concerns as of now.
Waging Odds: Czech Republic (8.50) vs England (1.50) (Draw 3.75)
Czech Republic are massive underdogs and are priced at 8.50, meaning if you bet ₹100 on them and if they win the match, you’ll be making ₹850.
England are priced at 1.50 and are the favourites. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹150 if they come out as winners.
The odds for a draw are placed at 3.75. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹375 if the fixture ends all level.
Our Prediction
With stakes through the roof here on this one, expect a tight contest. The players coming in for England will be the ones to watch out for.
England’s defence, who have recorded 2 cleansheets so far will also have their toughest test as they face a side on form.
Taking everything into consideration, expect a slender 2-1 win for England, with more fluidity this time.
Place your bets for the match here.
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