Prediction: England vs Nigeria

Prediction: England win

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: bet365

The 2018 FIFA World Cup is almost upon us, and as such, the warm-up games have begun for teams who both are and are not heading to Russia. The English are one of the thirty-two teams currently preparing for the tournament, whereas Nigeria aim to fly the flag for their home continent in a big way. Neither are favourites to win the WC, but they’ll both have chips on their shoulders.

England

While England fans are usually way too optimistic heading into international tournaments, the expectations are much lower for Russia 2018. This is a younger squad than we’re used to seeing in a World Cup with England, and this is certainly being looked upon as a rebuilding phase for Gareth Southgate. With that being said, flying under the radar could be exactly what they want to do as they aim to prove their doubters wrong this summer.

Team News

Dier and Trippier are expected to start, with lots of rotation also anticipated.

Nigeria

While many fans are choosing to focus on their kit as opposed to what they can do on the pitch, Nigeria are considered to be the best African team scheduled to compete in the World Cup this summer. They have a series of attacking options at their disposal, and given the unpredictable nature of their group, they’ll look to this showdown with England as a perfect way to build some momentum before going up against the likes of Argentina and Lionel Messi.

Team News

Nigeria still haven’t officially confirmed their 23-man squad, so expect lots of substitutions.

Factors to Consider

• England have one win and one draw against Nigeria.
• Nigeria have gone two games without winning, but before that defeated Poland and Argentina.
• England have gone unbeaten against Italy, Brazil, Holland & Germany in their last four games.
• Nigeria will face Argentina, Iceland and Croatia in their World Cup group.
• England will face Belgium, Panama and Tunisia in their World Cup group.

Conclusion

Both teams need to build some momentum ahead of the World Cup, but given how consistent England have been at Wembley, we can’t see past them in any way, shape or form. It’ll be a slog, but we’ll predict a 2-1 win for Gareth Southgate’s side.

Prediction: England win

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: bet365