England v Czech Republic Betting Tips: Winning start for Three Lions?

Odds and preview for Euro 2020 qualifier

After a great 2018, England kick-off this year’s international campaign with a Euro 2020 qualifier at home to Czech Republic.

The Three Lions will be full of confidence after their run to the World Cup semi-finals and Nations League success.

Can they kick-off the road to Euro 2020 with a win? It gets started at 7:45pm on ITV, but we’ve already got the pre-match odds and info right here…

Head-to-Head

These sides have only ever met in two friendlies before. The first saw England win 2-0 in 1998.

But it took a last-gasp Joe Cole equaliser to seal a fortunate 2-2 draw back in 2008. The visitors would be very happy with a point this time around.

Likely XIs

John Stones’ injury means Michael Keane should start alongside Harry Maguire at the back for England. Ben Chilwell will have another chance to stake his claim as first-choice left-back.

Further forward, Declan Rice could make his England debut in a midfield trio. With Marcus Rashford out, Jadon Sancho’s in line to start in attack.

The Czechs will be without Tomas Vaclik in goal, though Werder Bremen’s Jiri Pavlenka is ready to fill in. Jaroslav Silhavy will hope he doesn’t lose captain Borek Dockal in midfield too.

Patrick Schick is set to line up as a lone forward, with Matej Vydra supporting from the right.

Key Battles

Czech Republic will look to sit deep and frustrate Southgate’s side. England need to move the ball around quickly to disrupt their shape at the back.