Nations League Preview and England Squad Updates

The latest round of UEFA Nations League fixtures has seen distinct patterns emerge, as teams gear up for another set of matches during this international break. A notable trend across the previous match days was the prevalence of clean sheets, with only 21 out of 52 matches seeing both teams score. This suggests that betting on ‘Both Teams to Score – No’ could yield favorable outcomes, particularly in certain match-ups such as England versus Greece and Finland versus Ireland.

According to bet365‘s odds on 8th October 2024, many teams showed a strong defensive performance, with Croatia, Switzerland, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, and Serbia combining for just two goals during the last break. These defensive showcases left 20 teams conceding one or no goals. Out of 26 second match day fixtures, only nine had both teams scoring, with exactly half of these matches producing less than 2.5 goals.

Some matches were dominated by one team, as evidenced by 17 games where a team scored three or more goals. Such dynamics suggest that betting on the favorites might be advantageous but also implies caution for those inclined to bet on under 2.5 total goals.

For the upcoming fixtures, England is expected to secure a win without conceding against Greece, while Finland versus Ireland is unlikely to be a high-scoring affair. The encounter between Serbia and Switzerland could yield minimal goals, given their previous performances. A draw might satisfy both Italy and Belgium, particularly with Belgium’s recent struggles in attack.

In other notable matches, the Netherlands are likely to win against Hungary without conceding, and Spain is expected to comfortably overcome Denmark.

Meanwhile, England’s preparations are bolstered by the return of Harry Kane, who has been cleared to play after an injury scare. The England captain was substituted off during a match against Eintracht Frankfurt but has since been deemed fit by the Football Association’s medical team. “The examination by the football team medical staff has shown that Harry Kane does not have a structural injury,” stated Bayern, easing concerns about his availability.

England interim head coach, Lee Carsley, will unfortunately be without Ezri Konsa, Kobbie Mainoo, and Morgan Gibbs-White, as confirmed by an FA statement. These players sustained injuries with their clubs over the weekend, prompting their withdrawal from the squad set to face Greece and Finland. Carsley decided against bringing in replacements, maintaining the current squad of 22 players.

Konsa featured in England’s recent match, whereas Mainoo participated in Carsley’s debut game as manager. Manchester United confirmed Mainoo has been managing an ongoing issue but has participated in recent matches.