England’s Young Lions to stake World Cup claims against Finland

Before England’s seniors take on Chile, it’s the turn of Gareth Southgate’s Under-21s as they face Finland at the Stadium MK in a televised  European Championship qualifier.

The Young Lions are level on points with Wales at the top of their group, although Southgate’s boys have played fewer games than Geraint Williams’ team.

England could only manage a 1-1 draw in Finland in September, but after two thumping wins since they are long-odds on favourites at 1/5 to triumph in Milton Keynes.

With places in the senior squad potentially up for grabs between now and the 2014 World Cup, there should be some eyecatching performers in this clash and in front of the TV cameras the Under-21s are taken to blast through the Little Eagle-Owls with something to spare.

England Under-21s to win with a two-goal handicap @ 11/8

Under new coach Southgate, England took a little while to get going in Group One, but nine goals without reply in two games against San Marino and Lithuania suggests they are on the right track.

Finland, on the other hand, have lost their only qualifier since sharing the spoils at home against the Young Lions and are struggling to assert themselves in the group.

Southgate welcomes back sought-after Derby midfielder Will Hughes and highly-rated Southampton left-back Luke Shaw, who is 12/1 to make Roy Hodgson’s initial 23-man squad for the 2014 World Cup.

Danny Ings – who has scored 14 goals in all competitions for Burnley this term – is available again up-front and Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling – who is considered a dark horse to make the plane to Brazil at 6/1 – will be expected to shine in this fixture.

Saido Berahino to score the first goal @ 7/2

Burundi-born West Brom striker Berahino could yet force his way into Roy Hodgson’s thinking as England are short of in-form strikers, with Jermain Defoe keeping his place in the senior squad despite not scoring a Premier League goal since April.