Serbia vs England Prediction: Expert Analysis and Match Preview
The eagerly anticipated clash between Serbia and England at the Schalke Arena marks the beginning of England’s EURO 2024 campaign.
With England looking to bounce back from a shocking defeat to Iceland in their final pre-tournament friendly, this match promises high stakes and intense competition.
Recent Performance Analysis
England’s Form in Qualifiers
England’s performance in the qualifiers was impressive, with Gareth Southgate’s side winning six and drawing two of their eight matches. This unbeaten run in a challenging group featuring Italy and Ukraine highlights their strength and consistency.
Serbia’s Qualifying Journey
Serbia’s path to the European Championship was less smooth. They finished second in a relatively easy group behind Hungary, losing both matches against the Hungarians. However, they have shown their attacking prowess by scoring three or more goals in four of their last five matches in all competitions.
Serbia vs England: Head-to-Head Record
Previous Encounters
The last meeting between these two sides was in 2003, with England securing a 2-1 victory. This historical context adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming match.
Team News and Predicted Line-Ups
England’s Injury Concerns
Gareth Southgate faces significant defensive challenges with the absence of Harry Maguire and potential doubt over John Stones’ fitness. The likely line-up for England is:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Line-Up: Pickford – Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier – Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Bellingham – Saka, Foden, Kane
Serbia’s Key Players
Dragan Stojkovic Piksi can rely on his full squad, including the formidable attacking duo of Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic. Serbia’s predicted line-up is:
- Formation: 3-5-2
- Line-Up: Rajkovic – Stojic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic – Zivkovic, Ilic, Milinkovic-Savic, Lukic, Mladenovic – Vlahovic, Mitrovic
Serbia vs England: Predictions
England’s Tactical Advantage
Despite the recent defeat to Iceland, England’s robust performance in the qualifiers and their strong squad depth make them favorites for this match. The Three Lions are expected to leverage their attacking talent and solid midfield to dominate the game.
Serbia’s Offensive Threat
Serbia’s offensive capabilities cannot be underestimated. Their recent goal-scoring form will test England’s defense, especially given England’s current injury issues.
Betting Tips and Odds
HT/FT Bet on England
Given England’s overall superiority and Serbia’s defensive vulnerabilities, betting on England to lead at half-time and win the game (HT/FT England/England) is a strong option with odds of 2.25.
Goal Scoring Potential
With both teams showing a propensity for high-scoring games, betting on three or more goals in the match at odds of 1.90 is another appealing option.
What are the recent forms of Serbia and England?
- England: Won six and drew two of their eight qualifying matches.
- Serbia: Won two of their last six games, scored three or more goals in four of their last five matches.
What is the predicted score for Serbia vs England?
- The prediction is for England to win, possibly with a scoreline reflecting their offensive and defensive balance, such as 2-1 or 3-1.
Who are the key players to watch?
- England: Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka.
- Serbia: Dusan Vlahovic, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
What are the betting odds for the match?
- HT/FT England/England at odds of 2.25.
- Three or more goals in the match at odds of 1.90.
What are the injury concerns for England?
- Harry Maguire is out, and John Stones is doubtful. Luke Shaw is also likely to miss the game.
