(All times UK)
European World Cup Qualifying Group F – England v
Scotland – Friday 1945
World rankings:
England 12, Scotland 57
Qualifying form (earliest
matches first):
England WWD
Scotland WDL
- On paper, England are much stronger than Scotland, but will the
fear factor play a part and limit England’s performance. Scotland are sure
to be up for this one, and could maybe take at least a point. Jack
Wilshere is recalled to the England quad now he has more game time under
his belt after featuring regularly for Bournemouth during his loan spell. West
Ham defender Aaron Cresswell and Sunderland ‘keeper Jordan Pickford are in
the England squad for the first time, after injuries to Danny Drinkwater
and Fraser Forster. Scotland are definitely without defenders Andrew
Robertson and Kieran Tierney, while forward Steven Fletcher remains a
doubt. Speculation is growing that
defeat for Scotland could mark the end of Gordon Strachan’s time in charge
of the team.
European World Cup Qualifying Group C – Northern
Ireland v Azerbaijan – Friday 1945
World rankings:
N. Ireland 36, Azerbaijan 88
Qualifying form:
N. Ireland DWL
Azerbaijan WWD
- Azerbaijan have yet to concede in this qualifying group, and have
a creditable draw against Czech Republic to go with their wins over San
Marino and Norway. With Northern Ireland’s strength also being at the
back, this could be a goalless draw, or a match settled by a single goal
either way. Northern Ireland will be without the injured Stuart Dallas and
Jamie Ward.
European World Cup Qualifying Group D – Austria v
Ireland – Saturday 1700
World rankings:
Austria 30, Ireland 33
Qualifying form:
Austria WDL
Ireland DWW
- Ireland have made a great start to their campaign, but this is a
tough away fixture and they may be content to come away with a draw. James
McCarthy has been ruled out, with James McClean and John O’Shea also
doubtful.
European World Cup Qualifying Group D – Wales v Serbia
– Sunday 1945
World rankings:
Wales 11, Serbia 43
Qualifying form:
Wales WDD
Serbia DWW
- Wales have made a slightly disappointing start to the qualifying
group, while Serbia stand top of the group. Home advantage may just give
Wales the edge though. Defenders Ben Davies and James Collins will both
miss the match due to injury.
Friendly – Italy v Germany – Tuesday 1945
World rankings:
Italy 13, Germany 2
- Italy are not enjoying one of their ‘golden ages’ right now, and
are maybe something of a team in transition. However, they could fancy
their chances here, especially if Germany rotate their squad.
Friendly – Northern Ireland v Croatia – Tuesday 1945
World rankings:
N. Ireland 36, Croatia 16
- The extent of Northern Ireland’s recent resurgence will be sorely
tested by a strong Croatia side.
Friendly – England v Spain – Tuesday 2000
World rankings:
England 12, Spain 10
- This is a tough match for England by any measure. However, Spain
are not quite the fearsome side they were a few years back, and England
may fancy their chances. England may well play to win here as well,
instead of making the multiple substitutions often associated with
friendly internationals. As things stand, this will be the last match of
Gareth Southgate’s spell as England caretaker manager.
Tipster Street.
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