England vs Belgium: Betting Odds & Prediction

(Featured image: Alamy Images)

Written by: James O'Brien

Gareth Southgate's England host Belgium in an international friendly match at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night. 

Both sides have already qualified for EURO 2024, and with just two more friendlies after this until the tournament this will be seen as a big game in both sides’ preparations. Kick-off is set for 7:45pm UK time.

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England

England come into this on the back of a 1-0 loss against Brazil on Saturday evening. However, prior to the match, England had not lost in ten matches and scored 21 goals in the process. 

During EURO 2024 qualifiers, Gareth Southgate’s side showed a lot of attacking intent, with the side’s expected goals tally (xG) standing at 2.6 across their ten qualifiers. Defensively, the side obtained an expected goals against of 0.63 (xGA), but over-performed this by conceding an average of 0.5 a game.

When at home, the side kept a clean sheet in 80% of their games, scoring every time. 

England have never lost a home match against Tuesday's opponents. The defeat against Brazil was also England’s first loss at Wembley for 21 games, dating back to October 2020.

The Three Lions will continue to be without the services of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka as well as defender Kyle Walker. 

Belgium

Since the arrival of Domenico Tedesco, Belgium still have not lost an international game. In their last eleven matches, they have racked up eight wins and three draws whilst keeping seven clean sheets in the process. In this time, they have picked up away wins against Sweden, Germany, and Austria.

During EURO 2024 qualifying, they attained an xG of 1.73, which dropped to 1.45 when on away soil.

Away from home, the Red Devils' average expected goals (xGA) conceded is 1.23. Nevertheless, they still kept three clean sheets in four qualifiers on the road. 

All-time leading goalscorer Romelu Lukaku is set to be unavailable after a groin injury, which also kept him out of their previous goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland at the weekend. Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne also won't feature due to a groin strain.

Prediction

Despite the Brazil loss, England's home form has been impeccable in recent years. Both sides will be missing key players but OddsNow expect the home side to return to winning ways in the English capital. 

Both sides were rampant going forward during their qualifying campaigns, but given the absences of big names in Kane, Saka, De Bruyne, and Lukaku, we also anticipate a low-scoring affair under the Wembley arch. 

OddsNow's Pick: England to win (4/5 @ bet365); Under 2.5 goals scored (10Bet)

 

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