England will be expecting a warm welcome home from the Wembley crowd when they take on Spain in Saturday’s UEFA Nations League opener.
Gareth Southgate’s men exceeded all expectations to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup this summer, their best result in a major tournament since 1996.
Latest Odds
With spirits high among players and supporters, they are available at 17/10 (2.70) with bet365 to keep the celebrations going with a high profile victory in London.
Appointed full-time national team boss in July following Julen Lopetegui’s controversial pre-World Cup dismissal, Luis Enrique is priced at 17/10 (2.70) to get off to a winning start here.
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The sides shared a 2-2 draw when they last met in a friendly match two years ago, and you can get odds of 21/10 (3.10) on them cancelling each other out once again.
Team News
Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana have both pulled out of the squad due to injury, while Ashley Young has been left out by Gareth Southgate.
Diego Costa has withdrawn due to personal reasons, with Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and David Silva retired from international football and Jordi Alba omitted in favour of Marcos Alonso.
Superior Spain
Although their fourth-placed finish was better than anyone has predicted before the tournament, it’s difficult to argue that the Three Lions overachieved in any single fixture.
While they beat Tunisia, Panama and Sweden within normal time, Southgate’s team failed to overcome a Colombia team missing James Rodriguez in 90 minutes, were beaten in extra-time by Croatia and lost twice to Belgium.
Despite their disappointing showing in Russia, La Roja are undoubtedly a class above any of the teams England overcame at the World Cup and will be determined to bounce back under a new manager.
Predictions
All in all, odds of 17/10 (2.70) could prove strong value on Spain proving their quality and bringing a buoyant England back down to earth with a win.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Spain to win for a 1.5pt stake at 17/10 (2.70) with bet365
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