The Three Lions are still seeking revenge for their Euro 2020 final loss
England head to Milan tonight to face Italy in the UEFA Nations League at the San Siro. Gareth Southgate's side will be looking to avenge the agonising loss they suffered at the hands of tonight's opponents last summer in the final of Euro 2020, when they fell to the Italians on penalties. Most of the world's best football betting sites have England down as the favourites, but this will be no easy game by any means.
A 0-0 draw between the two earlier this year surely won't be enough to satisfy the players, the fans or the coach. Tonight represents an opportunity for the Three Lions to draw a line under that horrible memory and move forward. It's also the first of two must-win games for Southgate's men if they hope to climb off the bottom of their UEFA Nations League group and remain in the top tier of the competition in the future, the other being against Germany on Monday (Sept 26).
It's a big game for both sides as Italy have also dropped off the boil since their triumph last summer. Roberto Mancini has been experimenting a lot with his squad and results haven't always been the best. There is certainly more pressure on Southgate but both managers will be desperate to win this match.
Here are some tips surrounding the key markets going into this clash:
All odds provided by Oddschecker.
First Goalscorer
It will come as little surprise to learn that Harry Kane is the favourite (5/1) to score first. The 2018 World Cup golden boot winner is always at the top of everyone's list to score in any game he plays. His teammate, Roma man Tammy Abraham (7/1), is also favoured to score against the many familiar faces he is going to encounter tonight. Italy's hopes seem to rest with the returning Manolo Gabbiadini. The Sampdoria man (17/2) is returning to the fold after five years away from the Azzurri and is pipped by many to start the game.
However, according to the bookies, it might be even harder than usual to predict a first goalscorer as they are not expecting a goal fest from this one...
Correct Score
The most likely outcome on the minds of the experts right now is a 1-1 draw (29/5). Failing that, we are probably in for a low-scoring win for either side. England just edge it in second with a 1-0 win for the Three Lions paying out 37/5. You can get a 1-0 win for Roberto Mancini's side at a shade longer odds, at 39/5, according to Oddschecker.
Anytime Scorer
A much safer bet might be to pluck for an anytime goalscorer. In this market, Harry Kane (15/8) is of course top of the pile once again. The ever-dependable Lazio star Ciro Immobile (9/4) is also always good value for a goal. Earning his first cap for his country, Brentford striker Ivan Toney pays out at 12/5 to score anytime, and his England teammate Tammy Abraham is also up there on 13/5.
This is expected to be a very cagey encounter. Bookies and pundits alike are expecting a low-scoring, tense match between two sides low on confidence and needing a win. Home advantage for the Italians might pursuade you to go with the slight underdog, but in terms of squad depth and quality, this is England's match to lose.
Don't expect many goals. If you're looking to play a goalscorer market, think carefully because you're probably picking the one and only player of the night to get on the scoresheet.
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