The Draw
Half Time: Draw
Under 2.5 Goals
Both Teams to Score
Jude Bellingham to Score Anytime
The latest football odds are on PaddyPower.com now
Tuesday 7.45pm: England v Belgium
Friendly match at Wembley Stadium, London
TV: Channel 4
Both England Belgium come into following two bad results at the weekend. England lost 1-0 to Brazil in what was a hugely boring game at Wembley, with Gareth Southgate’s reputation amongst a subsection of England fans again taking a battering. Meanwhile Belgium drew 0-0 with the Republic of Ireland and were lucky to do so, with Evan Ferguson seeing his penalty saved, to salvage a draw for the Red Devils.
The Draw
There’s nothing about either team’s performances at the weekend that inspires you to back either of them to win here. Yes, England are at home but without Harry Kane they looked toothless and missed his presence as the central figure in the attack. Likewise, a Belgium team without Kevin De Bruyne, just doesn’t tick like they should and without him in midfield they are a mediocre side.
This game effectively means nothing for the players, or the manager, with time of the training pitch during this fortnight arguably more important than the results in either of these meaningless friendlies. Both sets of players will be looking to get back to their clubs safely and in a condition to play at the weekend.
Half Time: Draw
England have only scored one first half goal in their past three games and it wasn’t against the powerhouse of Malta, meanwhile Belgium just don’t look right in attack, and we’re still unsure of Romelu Lukaku will be returning in time for this game.
Even if the Belgian striker is back it’s more likely we see goals later in the game, after we see both managers make changes to their teams and give some of the squad’s fringe players some game time.
Under 2.5 Goals
This won’t be a high scoring game. The players have little motivation to go for broke in a game that doesn’t matter and while we will see goals, it won’t be that many. Both sides are missing their key men and the recent form book doesn’t inspire confidence.
If you look back at each team’s past three games you can see that England have had two or fewer goals in each game, while Belgium only covered the 2.5 goal marker once, in a big win over Azerbaijan.
Both Teams to Score
While they only conceded a single goal between them at the weekend it’s fair to say that neither of these backlines really excelled. This isn’t a vintage Belgium defence and picking a Championship centre-back in Wout Faes, underlines that fact, despite him being a solid player.
We also know, and have known for some time, that the biggest weakness in this England team is at the back. With Kyle Walker also getting injured at Brazil it’s only going to weaken a unit that needs cohesion. Joe Gomez and Ezri Konsa are both good players but neither is at the level of the outgoing Walker.
Jude Bellingham to Score Anytime
If we’re backing one player to score in England vs Belgium then it simply has to be Jude Bellingham. Without Harry Kane there’s nobody else more likely to score in an England shirt. Bellingham has been in sensational form for Real Madrid this season, scoring 16 in 22 La Liga games.
He’s also add four goals in six Champions League games and will take up a role behind the front man on Tuesday, looking to find pockets of space, from where he can take shots at goal.
The Draw
Half Time: Draw
Under 2.5 Goals
Both Teams to Score
Jude Bellingham to Score Anytime
All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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