Big Match Breakdown: England v Nigeria

Three Lions continue the World Cup build-up

England’s preparations for the World Cup in Russia heat up with Saturday’s friendly against fellow WC competitors Nigeria.

Gareth Southgate’s men head into this clash on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run, which included March’s victory away to the Netherlands.

They’ll be aiming to continue that streak against a powerful and pacy Super Eagles side.

The Coral News Team have all the info ahead of this international tussle, with another Big Match Breakdown.

Head-to-Head

This will be the third meeting between England and Nigeria, and the first for over 15 years.

The inaugural clash came in a 1994 friendly at Wembley, with David Platt bagging the only goal of the game.

Eight years later, the pair faced off in a World Cup group stage match which ended 0-0. The result saw the Three Lions miss out on top spot, while the Super Eagles picked up their only point of a disappointing tournament.

Likely XIs

Southgate has leaned towards a back three in recent games – and it’s paid dividends. His side have conceded a solitary goal in their last six outings.

The Coral News Team are predicting a back three of Harry Maguire, John Stones and Kyle Walker. Up front, Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy are the likely starters.

For the West African outfit, the centre-back pairing of William Troost-Ekong and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Leon Balogun are almost a given. Captain Jon Obi Mikel is could well start in an experienced midfield.