Int'nl Friendly: England x Bosnia and Herzegovina, Match Preview, Odds and Predictions(03/06/2024)

Around Euro 2024, several countries will square off in friendlies, including England vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, on June 3 at St. James' Park in Newcastle.

This match will see the Three Lions coming off a respectable run of form. Out of the eight games they have played, they have lost one; the other seven have been won or drawn. They have had only two clean sheets and scored 13 goals while giving up seven. Even if they haven't won in their past three games, England will surely prevail against lesser opponents, particularly at home.

But Bosnia will be coming into this match off a bad run of form. In their past eight games across competitions, they have only earned two victories; the other six have been losses. Over that period, they have scored only seven goals and let up 17. Even in such bad shape, they had kept one spotless sheet. However, they may experiment with certain players and strategies ahead of the UEFA Nations League next season since they are under less pressure to impress because they did not qualify for the Euros. Let us now examine the team news for both teams.

England x Bosnia Herzegovina Team News

First up, the hosts, England, are seen as a strong contender this summer even if they may have lost to Italy at Wembley three years ago. Arriving in Germany this month, this current group of Three Lions players are considered an actual golden generation, determined to win their first international trophy since their World Cup triumph in 1966. Expectations are high for Southgate's team, who went undefeated in all eight Euro 24 qualifying games last year. Last seen, however, settling for an exciting 2-2 draw against Belgium during the March international break, England hopes to send a message at St. James' Park on Monday night.

Regarding the guests, Bosnia & Herzegovina is in the thick of a severe battle as they see their hopes for Euro 24 go up in flames during the international break in March. Sergej Barbarez's side had lost all their previous four games in all competitions, including an embarrassing playoff loss on home soil when they ultimately lost 2-1 to Ukraine. The Dragons have shown some persistent problems on their travels, and they know they will have a gigantic task when they get to St. James' Park on Monday night. Actually, out of their last ten international games, Bosnia & Herzegovina won once, which was back in October 2021.

Head To Head And Previous Matches

Some of England's periphery players may get a chance since Southgate has not announced his official Euro 24 team. Continuing to garner a lot of praise and being strongly linked to a large-money transfer this summer, the Everton defender may get his first senior cap on Monday night.

With 19 Premier League goals as Aston Villa achieved a historic top-four finish, Ollie Watkins could be allowed to lead England's attack at St. James' Park. Jordan Pickford will start between the posts, firmly establishing himself as Southgate's first option.

Barbarez has named seven debutants in his senior side before they go to St. James' Park on Monday night. Armin Gigovic, the captain of Sweden U21, shocked everyone last month when he switched allegiance and was called up to Bosnia & Herzegovina's side.

Former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac withdrew from selection and will not play here after suffering an injury during Atalanta's historic Europa League triumph on May 22. First called up to international duty since 2020 is seasoned defender Ermin Bicakcic.

Our Predictions

England to score over 2.5 goals @  1.75 on Sky247.ng

England will be the clear favourites to win this game since they have the best players. The Three Lions would also benefit much from playing at St. James' Park, one of the loudest venues in England, as they would want to start the season off well.

Bosnia will dig deep and defend with 11 men behind the ball when the situation calls for it. They are hardly pushovers, however. The hosts, moreover, ought to have less on hand for their guests and will prevail.

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