England vs Slovakia - World Cup Qualification Europe Preview and Odds

Published on: 04/09/2017

England vs Slovakia - World Cup Qualification Europe Preview and Odds

September 04, 2017 19:45pm - Wembley Stadium

World Cup Qualification - Group F

The flattering 4-0 score line in England`s win over Malta on Friday papered over some cracks in what was a lacklustre performance from Gareth Southgate`s men. With five minutes still to play, the Group F favourites were leading by just a single goal and their fans were heading despondently towards the exit doors.

Despite the manner of the result, the Three Lions remain unbeaten at the top of their group. They must now face a Slovakian side who have taken maximum points from their last five World Cup qualifiers and could leapfrog England in the table with a win on Monday. A win for the hosts would almost certainly guarantee a place in the top two of Group F, while defeat could leave them vulnerable with Scotland ready to pounce on any slip-ups in third place.

Wembley has witnessed 12 straight victories for the national side in tournament qualifiers so the hosts should be expected to prevail here. What`s more, England have not conceded a goal in their last six competitive matches there and have only conceded in two of their last 12 overall.

Slovakia edged to a scrappy 1-0 win at home to Slovenia on Friday night thanks to a Miha Mevlja own goal. Prior to that, they picked up all three points in a 2-1 win away to Lithuania but they were by no means convincing themselves when they won 3-1 in Malta back in March. However, they are coming into this full of confidence after winning all of their last five competitive matches.

Recent form (All competitions)

England: WLDWL

Slovakia: WWWLL

Betting odds and tips

England could make it hard work for themselves as the chance to secure a place a nest year`s World Cup final grows ever closer. However, their record at Wembley speaks volumes and they should have what it takes here. A cagey game can be expected with the host coming out on top with a clean sheet.

In the anytime goal scorer market, Harry Kane looks too good to turn down at a price of 10/11. The Spurs frontman has hit 10 goals in 20 appearances for England.

You can back England to Win to Nil at Evens and Harry Kane to Score Anytime at 10/11 - both with Bet365

By Neil Morris