England anticipate success heading into any event, however the degree of calls for positioned on coach Gareth Southgate’s facet might scarcely be larger three years on from their defeat at Wembley as they debut Sunday in opposition to Serbia. The Three Lions have top-of-the-line younger squads on the planet, headlined by a formidable assault that features the reigning gamers of the 12 months in Spain and England in addition to Germany’s prime scorer. After years of regular progress now would look like profitable time for the Three Lions.
They are going to, nonetheless, be examined by a bunch that features three groups ranked in FIFA’s prime 60, all of whom reached the event straight by way of qualification reasonably than by way of recourse to the playoffs. Very like England, Serbia appear to be a facet stacked with attacking expertise however with work to do on the again, although they’re maybe somewhat extra prepared to danger defeat in pursuit of victory. When they’re good, as in a 3-0 pleasant win over Sweden, Dragan Stojkovic’s facet look adequate to check anybody in Europe. Nevertheless that is nonetheless a facet who haven’t at all times delivered to their collective potential, shedding residence and away to Hungary in qualifying whereas additionally very practically shedding in Bulgaria. Right here is how one can watch Sunday’s match and all you want to know:
Viewing info
- Date: Sunday, June 16 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Area AufSchalke — Gelsenkirchen, Germany
- TV: Fox | Reside stream: Fubo (attempt without cost)
- Odds: Serbia +650; Draw +340; England -225
Group C outlook
England are sturdy favorites to prime Group C and can be anticipated not solely to win their video games however to take action in some type provided that their frontline contains Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka. There are, nonetheless, challenges to be confronted within the Serbia sport and past. Denmark might have struggled on the 2022 World Cup however their squad is skilled and proficient, one which snatched prime spot in Group H of the qualifiers simply forward of Slovenia.
The Dragons is perhaps the least favored of the quartet to flee the group however have a key part for achievement at any worldwide event: high quality on the prime and backside finish of the pitch. Jan Oblak has considerably dug himself out of the rut he was in a number of years in the past with Atletico Madrid whereas Benjamin Sesko is the younger striker on everybody’s lips after a powerful run of scoring kind for RB Leipzig within the spring.
Golazo Community’s Morning Footy previews: Group C
Staff information
Serbia: A reasonably underwhelming run of outcomes following their early exit from the World Cup 18 months in the past may need quelled expectations in Serbia however maybe these should be raised after a powerful win in Sweden to wrap up the pleasant matches, Aleksandar Mitrovic and substitute Dusan Tadic netting within the second half for the guests. It might be that Stojkovic opts to proceed with what labored in that sport however extra possible he seems to search out room for Tadic, maybe on the expense of Dusan Vlahovic.
Potential Serbia XI: Vanja Miliknovic-Savic; Stojic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, Lukic, Gudelj, Kostic; Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Tadic; Mitrovic
England: It could be unwise to over index Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Iceland, although that is England within the lead as much as a significant event. Cause hardly ever prevails relating to the discourse over Southgate. Although Kobbie Mainoo had shiny moments to go together with his extra high-profile points it does appear believable that his place subsequent to Declan Rice could also be taken by a midfielder with better expertise in a match that may very well be stretched by Serbia’s dedication to assault, Conor Gallagher maybe being a logical choice.
That apart the one actual matter for debate is who companions John Stones in Harry Maguire’s absence. Marc Guehi has established himself as Southgate’s most trusted alternate of late and appears probably the most credible starter in protection. With Luke Shaw nonetheless engaged on his health, anticipate Kieran Trippier to take the left again spot.
Potential England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Gallagher; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Prediction
Serbia are typically very prepared to permit video games to go a bit finish to finish, a bit assault vs. assault. Which may in the end swimsuit England, who ought to have sufficient firepower to get the job finished. PICK: Serbia 1, England 3
